Department of Biostatistics

Neurology and Neurobehavior

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Neurology and Neurobehavior

The Center faculty have been involved in developing statistical methods for the practice of neurology – the field of study related to the disorders of the nervous system.

 Zhijin Wu, Lorin Crawford, Ani Eloyan, Youjin Lee, and Joseph Hogan collaborate closely with the faculty in the Department of Neuroscience and the Robert J. & Nancy D. Carney Institute for Brain Science developing statistical methods to understand brain function as part of a COBRE project aimed at building a center for central nervous system function. Constantine Gatsonis and Ani Eloyan work in the area of Alzheimer’s Disease leading Biostatistics Cores of large studies (see Alzheimer’s and Dementia). Center faculty developed methods for understanding mechanisms of neurobehavioral disorders including behavioral impairments related to brain diseases such as multiple sclerosis and dementia. They also work on statistical methods to understand associations of behavioral impairments and brain imaging outcomes in multiple sclerosis, as well as identify relationships of cognitive and behavioral changes in Alzheimer’s disease and imaging biomarkers.

Prenatal Marijuana: Impact on Infant Neurobehavior, Stress, & Epigenetic Mechanisms

Despite increasing availability, use, and potency of cannabis in the US, little is known regarding effects of cannabis use during pregnancy on infant development or biological mechanisms in humans. We propose to establish a prospective prenatal cohort to discern effects of maternal cannabis use during pregnancy on infant neurobehavioral development; we will also test endocannabinoid and glucocorticoid pathways as novel mechanisms underlying effects of prenatal cannabis exposure. Results from this study will provide critical data for obstetric providers and pregnant women, and will inform policy, regulations, and public health messaging regarding cannabis use by pregnant women and women of reproductive age.

Electronic Cigarettes During Pregnancy: Impact on Fetal Development

Use of electronic cigarettes has increased dramatically in the US; recent reports suggest that rates are also increasing in pregnant women. Despite known vulnerability of the developing fetus to nicotine, the impact of maternal e-cigarette use on the developing fetus is currently unknown. This study addresses an urgent and unanswered public health question regarding the impact of e-cigarettes and relative impact of e-cigarettes versus conventional cigarettes on fetal development using novel two and three-dimensional ultrasonography.

Center for Central Nervous System Function Core B (COBRE)

Purposeful human behavior requires attention, decisions and action, all basic functions mediated by brain networks primarily located in the neocortex but modulated and shaped by sub-cortical processing. Behavioral and brain mechanisms of attention, including vigilance, orienting and perceptual and action selection, are key gateways into high-level function. Thus, in a general and even specific sense, attention, decision-making and the ensuing actions define human mental activities. As part of the Center for Central Nervous System Functions Core B, we investigate the mechanisms of higher brain function, with a focus on attention, decision-making, action, and disorders that modify these key systems, using a combination of genetic, behavior, and systems neuroscience approaches.