Sheila Crowell and Elisabeth Conradt Receive a National Institute of Health Grant
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Sheila Crowell, |
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Elisabeth Conradt, |
Sheila Crowell and Elisabeth Conradt have collaborated together to receive a National Institute of Health grant.
Awarded from: The US Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Health
Grant titled: "Advancing the science and technology of prenatal programming research"
The developmental origins of childhood physical, emotional, and behavioral problems begin in utero. Prenatal experiences “program” the infant for the context s/he will encounter upon birth, laying a foundation for health outcomes and disease. However, the biological mechanisms linking the prenatal environment to early infant outcomes remain understudied. The application of epigenetic methods to human behavior is a relatively new and innovative endeavor devoted to understanding how environmental influences shape gene expression independent of DNA structure. Infants exposed to extreme stress during pregnancy show epigenetic adaptations, consistent with theories that biological systems calibrate in preparation for a high-risk postnatal environment. Innovative human research on epigenetic processes is sorely needed.
This study will identify prenatal vulnerabilities for newborn neurobehavioral problems. This study takes a highly innovative approach to understanding early risk for psychopathology by integrating epigenetic, autonomic, neuroendocrine, and developmental research paradigms. This knowledge in turn may lead to the development of intervention research and programs to prevent the onset of emotional, behavioral, and medical problems.