Using infant brain activity patterns to predict early development
Leveraging pediatric state-specific functional brain network dynamics to predict developmental outcomes
Researchers will use MRI brain scans taken during sleep and wake states in infants and toddlers to help predict early developmental milestones and future mental health risk.
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 ID | NIH-11327426 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at how connections between brain regions change in the first two years of life and how those patterns differ when babies are asleep versus awake. The team will analyze large infant MRI datasets (including Baby Connectome and related projects), account for which sleep stages the child was in, and build age- and state-specific models of brain networks. By reducing variability caused by sleep state and age, they aim to improve how well brain measures predict later development. Results could help make infant brain imaging more reliable for spotting children at higher risk for delays or psychopathology.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are infants and toddlers (especially under two years old) whose caregivers can bring them for MRI scanning during natural sleep and for follow-up developmental checks.
Not a fit: Adults, older children, or anyone unable or unwilling to undergo infant MRI during natural sleep would not be eligible and are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help identify infants at risk for developmental delays or later mental health problems earlier and more accurately.
How similar studies have performed: Previous projects like the Baby Connectome Project, eLABE, and the Developing Human Connectome Project have mapped infant brain networks, but this grant's focus on sleep-state and age-specific modeling is a novel step toward improving prediction.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wheelock, Muriah D — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Wheelock, Muriah D
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.