The Influence of the Infant Microbiome on Brain Development

United States

Andrew Alexander of the University of Wisconsin in the U.S. will analyze the relationship between the numbers and types of microbes found in the gut (microbiome) with brain and cognitive development in infants. They hypothesize that cognitive performance such as motor control and visual processing may be modulated by changes in the microbiome, which in turn may predict functional and structural changes in the brain.

Project Stage

Development & Testing

Implementation time

1 - 6 months

Last update: October 05, 2023

Overview Contributors

Challenge

The project seeks to understand how the microbiome in infants' guts influences their brain and cognitive development. By identifying these relationships, it could lead to interventions that promote healthier brain development.

Description

Using magnetic resonance imaging to assess brain development in 24 infants at age 4 months and then again at 12 months, along with cognitive tests and 16S rRNA gene sequencing to analyze microbiome composition. Tools will be developed to analyze the relationship between cognitive performance, brain development, and the microbiome.

SDGs

Outcomes

Understanding the relationship between the microbiome and infant brain development, potential interventions for healthier brain development.