Studies Enrolling Participants Ages 18+
ABSCAN
Study description
Our researchers are aiming to improve our understanding of brain development in adolescents with and without cannabis use disorder. Participation will involve 9 visits across 7 weeks and participants will be compensated for their time. Participants can earn up to $595. Visits will involve answering questionnaires, participating in clinical interviews, performing cognitive tasks, functional MRI scans and giving urine samples.
Recruitment parameters
- Ages 15-18
- Either regularly uses cannabis or has never used cannabis
- No regular nicotine use
- No past diagnosis of bipolar disorder, cognitive disability, or psychotic disorders
- No current suicidality
- Must be able to undergo MRI
Study contact information
To learn more about the study, email [email protected] or visit bit.ly/ABSCAN-UMN and click the link to express interest.
Study keywords
Adolescents, teens, cannabis, substance use, brain imaging, MRI, fMRI, mental health
CBIT+TMS Study
Study description
The CBIT+TMS Study combines Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). The goal of the study is to test if TMS can help make CBIT therapy even more effective. Research participation includes 5 assessment visits, 10 daily in-person CBIT+TMS sessions along with 3 MRI visits at the University of Minnesota.
Recruitment parameters
- Between the ages of 12-21
- Currently experiencing chronic motor and/or vocal tics
- Right-handed
- Must be able to undergo MRI
- Not currently receiving therapy focused on tics
- Not currently taking neuroleptic/antipsychotic medications
Study contact information
To learn more about the study, email [email protected] or call 612-626-5550.
Study keywords
Tics, tic disorders, Tourette syndrome, TMS, CBIT, comprehensive behavioral intervention for tics, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
FORWARD-MARCH (Fragile X Online Registry with Accessible Research Database-Multiple Assessments for Research Characterization)
Study description
The FORWARD-MARCH project will collect survey data from parents and caregivers and conduct several tests with participants to understand their cognition (thinking), language, behavior, and autism characteristics. About two years after your clinic visit for FORWARD-MARCH, we will ask you to repeat the same questionnaires and tests and make a clinic visit. This is because information is expected to change somewhat over time. This will help us learn how individuals with FXS change over time and as they age. You will receive a summary of your testing results from the assessments and can use these as needed to complement or inform school evaluations, or for other social or disability programming.
Recruitment parameters
Only individuals with FXS born between 2003-2020 are eligible to participate in FORWARD-MARCH. This includes participants who were previously enrolled in the FORWARD study and those new to FORWARD.
Study contact information
To learn more about the study, visit the webpage, email Desirae Rambeck at [email protected] or call 612-624-0183.
Study keywords
Fragile X Syndrome
Healthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD)
Study description
At the University of Minnesota, we will be recruiting 300 participants and will follow families from pregnancy through early childhood. Our long-term goal is to better understand how child development is affected by exposure to social and environmental experiences and conditions. Results from the HBCD Study will provide information that parents, caregivers, and health professionals can use to enhance the well-being of children.
During these visits, you will be asked to complete interviews and questionnaires. In addition, you and/or your child will be asked to:
- Provide samples, such as blood (birth parent), urine and saliva (birth parent and child)
- Participate in behavioral assessments
- Wear activity and/or heart rate trackers for brief periods of time
- Undergo safe, non-invasive methods that provide pictures of your child’s brain and measure the brain activity of your child (MRI and EEG)
- You will be compensated for the time spent participating in the study. We also provide meals at all research visits and transportation to and from our facility if needed.
Recruitment parameters
- 18 years or older
- Pregnant
Study contact information
To learn more about the study, visit hbcdstudy.org. To participate in the study email [email protected], call (612) 505-2594, or fill out our online response card.
Study keywords
Brain development, child development, maternal and child health, infant imaging, prenatal, environmental exposures, longitudinal
Iron and Adolescent Brain Health
Study description
This study looks at the effects of iron deficiency on brain development in people ages 16-20 with or without a history of iron deficiency. Data will be collected through 2 study visits, each lasting approximately 2 and a half hours, one virtual and one in-person at the Center for Magnetic Resonance Research. Participants will be compensated for completing the following activities: brain games and puzzles on the computer, online surveys and a 3-day food record, a blood draw, and an MRI scan.
Recruitment parameters
- Between the ages of 16-20
- With or without a history of iron deficiency
Study contact information
To learn more about the study, email our study coordinators, Rachel Richards and Ginny Dang at [email protected] or call 612-624-3014.
Study keywords
Adolescent, iron deficient, brain iron, 7T
Neuromodulation and Exposure Therapy for Youth with OCD (NExT)
Study description
This study is designed to learn if transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a type of non-invasive brain stimulation, can improve the outcomes of Exposure with Response Prevention (ERP), an existing therapy for OCD. All participants receive ERP. Treatment takes place daily (Monday-Friday) for about two weeks. Participants will also complete interviews, questionnaires, two brain scans (MRIs), and computer tasks. Participation in this study may last up to 12 weeks.
Recruitment parameters
- Between the ages of 12-21
- With OCD symptoms
- Right-handed
- Must be able to undergo MRI
Study contact information
To learn more about the study, email [email protected] or use our study interest form.
Study keywords
Obsessive-compulsive disorder, OCD, transcranial magnetic stimulation, TMS, pediatric clinical trial
The NuGrowth iN CHD study: Nutrition, growth quality, and neurodevelopment for infants with congenital heart disease
Study description
This study is looking at how well a baby with congenital heart disease (CHD) grows and the effects on their brain development over the first year of life. This study is also testing whether the baby’s nutrition (breast milk, formula, etc.) and inflammation levels play a role. Parents who participate in this study will take short monthly surveys about their baby’s nutrition and development. Their baby’s growth and development is measured while they are in the hospital, and at their 4 month and 12 month follow-up clinic visits.
Recruitment parameters
- Pregnant people/moms and their baby who has been diagnosed with congenital heart disease
- Parents must be at least 18 years old
- Parents can enroll before birth or if their baby is <6 days old
Study contact information
To learn more and see a video about the research study, please watch this video. Or, email [email protected].
Study keywords
Nutrition, growth, congenital heart, neurodevelopment, infant, breastfeeding, NuGrowth
Precision Longitudinal Brain-Behavior Mechanisms of Adolescent Executive Function: An Open Science MIDB Dataset (OpenEF)
Study description
The OpenEF Study explores how executive function (EF)—the ability to plan, focus, and regulate behavior—develops in adolescents and young adults. Participation includes weekly visits over 8 weeks with activities such as questionnaires, cognitive assessments, daily smartphone tasks, and optional MRI, blood, and smartwatch data collection.
Recruitment parameters
- Between the ages of 10-25
- Has not had any diagnosis, treatment, or current medication for psychiatric conditions within the past 12 months
Study contact information
To learn more about the study, email [email protected].
Study keywords
Executive function, adolescents, MRI imaging, brain-behavior-biomarker study