Understanding brain development in premature and full-term infants

Neural Markers of Developmental Delays in Premature and Full Term Infants

NIH-funded research Boston Children's Hospital · NIH-10950228

This study is looking at how the brains of premature babies grow compared to full-term babies, especially for those who might need extra help as they develop, and it will track their brain activity during regular check-ups to see if there are signs that could help identify when they might need early support.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBoston Children's Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10950228 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how brain development differs between premature and full-term infants, particularly focusing on those who may experience developmental delays. Using electroencephalography (EEG), the study will monitor brain activity during routine well-baby visits at 4, 9, and 12 months, followed by a lab visit at 24 months. By tracking these infants over time, the research aims to identify neural markers that could indicate the need for early intervention services, especially for moderate to late preterm infants who often miss out on necessary screenings.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include infants born prematurely (after 32 weeks) and full-term infants who are undergoing routine well-baby visits.

Not a fit: Patients who are not infants or those who do not have concerns about developmental delays may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier identification and intervention for infants at risk of developmental delays, improving their long-term outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using EEG for early identification of developmental issues, indicating that this approach could be effective.

Where this research is happening

Boston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Autistic Disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.