Neural Signals in Children

Neural Markers in Children

Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) is an excellent technique for studying brain activity in children due to its unique advantages in handling motion and being noninvasive. Unlike other neuroimaging methods such as fMRI, which require subjects to remain completely still, fNIRS is much more tolerant of movement, making it ideal for use with children who naturally tend to move around. This increased flexibility ensures more accurate and reliable data collection without the need for strict restraint, which can be uncomfortable or distressing for young participants. Additionally, fNIRS is noninvasive, utilizing near-infrared light to monitor brain activity without exposing children to any potentially harmful radiation or requiring the insertion of instruments into the body. This aspect significantly reduces any risks or discomfort, making the process safer and more child-friendly. Read below to learn more about some fnirs studies we are conducting with children.

FragileX Study

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common inherited cause of intellectual disability and autism. It happens when there is a disruption in the FMR1 gene, usually due to an abnormal increase in specific DNA repeats in a part of the gene that doesn’t code for proteins. This disruption leads to lower levels of the FMRP protein, which is important for brain development and function. Children with FXS often have social and cognitive challenges.

We use functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to study the brain activity underlying these challenges. Our research with fNIRS has shown that girls with FXS have abnormal brain responses when viewing faces and when exercising inhibitory control. These abnormal brain responses are linked to issues with anxiety, social skills, and executive functions.

Papers In Progress

Yuanyuan Gao, Rihui Li, Qianheng Ma, Kristi L. Bartholomay, Amy A. Lightbody, and Allan L. Reiss. Aberrant neural activation during inhibitory control in girls with fragile x syndrome. Journal of the AmericanAcademy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, In Submission

Yuanyuan Gao, Rihui Li, Qianheng Ma, Joseph M. Baker, Stephen Rauch, Robert B. Gunier, Ana M. Mora,Katherine Kogut, Asa Bradman, Brenda Eskenazi, Allan L. Reiss, and Sharon K. Sagiv. Childhood exposureto organophosphate pesticides: functional connectivity and working memory in adolescents. Neurotoxiology, Under Review

Yuanyuan Gao, Rihui Li, Qianheng Ma, Kristi L. Bartholomay, Amy A. Lightbody, and Allan L. Reiss. Longitudinal changes in functional brain activation and habituation during face processing in fragile x syndrome.Biological Psychiatry, Under Review

Sharon K. Sagiv, Joseph M. Baker, Stephen Rauch, Yuanyuan Gao, Robert B. Gunier, Ana M. Mora,Katherine Kogut, Asa Bradman, Brenda Eskenazi, and Allan L. Reiss. Prenatal and childhood exposure to organophosphate pesticides and functional brain imaging in young adults. Environmental Research, 242:117756,2024