This goal of this study is to gain a better understanding of what variations in early brain development are involved with differences in children’s behavior. Through this study, we can start to understand how different parts of the brain communicate with each other and how this organization impacts children’s behavior, for example their response to sounds from the environment.
In this study, we are taking a close look at individual children’s brains by collecting very precise data. As medicine gets more and more precise and individual specific, we think it is important to learn more about individual differences in brain development. Conducting this research study will not only help us to learn more about the developing brain but will also help other researchers and clinicians as they can learn from our methods to collect and analyze precise data. Because studying brain development is valuable for early detection of neurodevelopmental disorders we think that improving the methods we’re working with is an important contribution. Your family’s participation in this research study could help us achieve these goals
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Who can enroll in the study?
Parents of 0-3 month-old infants may be eligible to enroll in this study. Parents who are currently pregnant can also reach out to the study team if they are interested in participating once their child reaches the appropriate age.
What is involved in the study?
In this study, we are inviting parents to allow their children to participate in a number of MRI brain scans. Participating children’s MRI brain scans will occur while they are naturally sleeping (generally around bedtime). As our aim is to take a very precise look at early brain development, we will collect a number of scans from each child (approximately 120 minutes). We will therefore invite families to participate in 2-4 visits within one week.
How long will the study last?
Participating families will be invited to 4 MRI visits during the same week. Each MRI visit will be scheduled during a participating child’s bedtime, and typically takes about three hours total (although the actual MRI only takes ~60 minutes).
If you or someone you know are interested in learning more about this study, please fill out the study interest form linked below or email our team at babymri@umn.edu.