Understanding how newborn brains adapt and respond to treatments
Official title: Individualized Mechanisms of Neural Plasticity and Response to Interventions in Neonates
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10979637 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how newborns' brains grow and change, especially to help kids who might face mental health challenges later on, so we can find the best ways to support them early on when their brains are most flexible.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,364,085 |
| NIH project number | 1R01MH134966-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10979637 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are newborns identified as high-risk for developing psychiatric disorders due to family history or other factors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are older than infancy or those without a predisposition to psychiatric disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the brains of newborns develop and change, particularly in relation to psychiatric disorders that can affect children. By focusing on the early stages of brain development, the study aims to identify specific brain networks that are most adaptable and responsive to interventions. Researchers will measure changes in brain activity week by week to personalize treatment strategies for high-risk infants. The goal is to implement preventative measures early in life when the brain is most capable of change.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to early interventions that significantly reduce the risk of developing psychiatric disorders in children.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding brain plasticity in infants, but this specific approach is novel and aims to personalize interventions.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sylvester, Chad Michael — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Sylvester, Chad Michael
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.