Understanding how early life trauma affects emotional and pain responses differently in males and females
Official title: Ontogeny of sex differences in amygdala and hypothalamus after neonatal trauma
Funded at University of New England · NIH-10848897 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how early medical treatments, like those given to newborns in intensive care, can affect feelings and sensitivity to pain later in life, using young rats to explore the differences between males and females.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New England NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Biddeford, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 3, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $142,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R16GM153598-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10848897 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced significant medical interventions during infancy and may be facing emotional or sensory challenges as they grow.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not undergone early life medical interventions or do not exhibit emotional or sensory dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of early life medical interventions, like those in neonatal intensive care units, on emotional and sensory dysfunction in male and female rats. By simulating neonatal trauma through repetitive paw pricks, the study aims to uncover the neurological differences that lead to varying outcomes in emotional disorders and pain sensitivity between sexes. The researchers will analyze the neuroendocrine mechanisms involved, focusing on the amygdala and hypothalamus, to better understand how these early experiences shape future mental health. This work could provide insights into the long-term effects of neonatal stress and pain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment of emotional and pain disorders stemming from early life trauma.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that early life stress can lead to significant emotional and sensory outcomes, indicating that this approach has potential for meaningful insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of New England
Biddeford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Burman, Michael a — University of New England
- Study coordinator: Burman, Michael a
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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.