Understanding how genes and environment affect infant social behavior and brain growth
Measuring gene-environment transactions to identify sensitive periods for infant social behavior & brain growth
This study is looking at how both genes and the environment shape how babies interact with people around them and how that affects their brain growth, using twins to help understand these influences better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10813690 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how genetic and environmental factors influence the way infants engage with their social surroundings and how this affects their brain development. By studying identical and fraternal twins from birth, the project will use eye-tracking technology to observe infants' social visual engagement and MRI scans to assess changes in brain connectivity over time. The study aims to identify critical periods in early development when these gene-environment interactions are most impactful. Through standardized assessments, researchers will gather comprehensive data to better understand the developmental processes involved.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation are infants and toddlers, particularly those who are part of twin pairs, including both identical and fraternal twins.
Not a fit: Patients who are not twins or who are outside the infant and toddler age range may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding of early social development and interventions for children at risk for social behavior issues.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the genetic influences on social behavior, making this approach both innovative and grounded in existing findings.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jones, Warren — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Jones, Warren
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.