Understanding Brain Folding in Babies
Mechanics of Brain Folding in Human Infants Evaluated Using MRI
This research looks at how a baby's brain folds during the last months of pregnancy to better understand conditions like autism and epilepsy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11166410 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
During the final months of pregnancy, a baby's brain grows rapidly and develops its unique folds and connections. When this process doesn't happen as expected, it can be linked to conditions like epilepsy, developmental delays, autism, and anxiety later in life. We believe that the way the brain's surface expands plays a key role in how and when these folds form. This work also explores how brain folding might influence the organization of the brain's underlying white matter, which helps different parts of the brain communicate.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research focuses on understanding brain development in human infants during the third trimester.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment for existing conditions may not directly benefit from this foundational research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help us understand the early origins of brain disorders, potentially leading to earlier detection or new ways to support healthy brain development.
How similar studies have performed: While previous computer models have struggled to fully predict human brain folding, this approach builds on new discoveries about how the brain's surface expands.
Where this research is happening
Indianapolis, United States
- Indiana University Indianapolis — Indianapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Garcia, Kara E — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Garcia, Kara E
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.