Inside the teenage brain: new study scans kids to map puberty changes
NCT ID NCT06912724
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study will use advanced MRI scans to look at how the brain's white matter changes as children go through puberty. Researchers will enroll 80 healthy kids aged 9 to 14 and track their physical development alongside brain imaging. The goal is to better understand normal brain development during this important life stage.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this study could help scientists better understand how the brain develops during puberty, which may inform future research on adolescent health.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage observational study with only 80 participants. It is not testing a treatment, so it won't directly lead to new therapies. The results may not apply to all children.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Participants
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About 80 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Apr 2025
- Expected to finish
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May 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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A government research agency
The lead sponsor is the US National Institutes of Health.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
Who is studied
We aim to recruit up to 80 participants between the ages of 9 and 14 years old over a 1-year period with the goal of completion of all study activities by up to 30 male and up to 30 female participants. Recruitment will occur primarily in the Baltimore, Maryland area, as well as the District of Columbia and Virginia areas.
- Ages
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9 to 14 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
* INCLUSION CRITERIA: In order to be eligible to participate in this study, an individual must meet all of the following criteria: * Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study. * Male or female, 9 to 14 years of age. * In good general health * Ability of parent/guardian to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document. * Ability of participant to participate in the assent process and willingness to sign a written informed assent document. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: An individual who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study: * Any known brain abnormalities (e.g. tumor, periventricular leukomalacia, microcephaly) or history of medical conditions known to affect cerebral micro or macro-structural integrity (e.g., epilepsy, history of stroke, head injury with a loss of consciousness of one hour or more). * History neurodevelopmental delay or disorder, learning disability, intellectual disability (formerly referred to as mental retardation), autism spectrum disorders, and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)), as evaluated history, physical and by the SDQ, and if indicated, the KSADS * History of psychiatric disorder as evaluated by history and the SDQ, and if indicated, the KSADS. * History of prematurity (\< 32 weeks gestational age). * History of endocrine abnormalities, including diagnosed disorders of thyroid, growth, and precocious or delayed puberty * History of major medical conditions or chronic medical conditions. Examples include neurological disorders, medical or genetic conditions with associated neurological manifestations, malnutrition, conditions raising risk of micronutrient or macronutrient deficiencies (e.g. inflammatory bowel disease), untreated chronic anemia, cardiovascular disease, significant lung disease (e.g. bronchiectasis), significant liver disease, significant kidney disease, significant autoimmune condition, and chronic infections (e.g. HIV, hepatitis B). * Pregnancy. * Not eligible to have an MRI as per the MRI eligibility form and the safety standards of the NIA 3T MRI center. * Presence of hardware (e.g. orthodontic braces) that may interfere with MRI data quality. * Any other condition which in the investigator s opinion may adversely affect the subject s ability to complete the study or its measures or which may pose significant risk to the subject.
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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National Institute of Aging, Clinical Research Unit
RECRUITINGBaltimore, Maryland, 21224, United States