The goal of the MTwiNS study is to better understand brain and behavior development in a sample of twins. Specifically, using a twin design, we are collaborating with researchers at Michigan State University (MSU) to examine gene-environment interactions to understand how differences in behavior emerge. MTwiNS builds on a study by S. Alexandra Burt at MSU called “The Twin Study of Behavioral and Emotional Development in Children (TBED-C)” which is part of the broader MSU Twin Registry. We are currently following up with families that previously participated in the TBED-C when children were 6 – 10 years old. We are following up with families when twins are 9 – 17 years old currently (Time 2 assessment) and again 1 – 2 years later (Time 3 assessment). During their visit to the MiND lab, families engage in an MRI session, clinical interviews, family interactions, and self-reports from the child and parent. This study is ongoing with two major aims: 1. To better understand how living in disadvantaged neighborhoods may affect youth’s brain and behavioral development and increase risk for antisocial behavior; and 2. To better understand how circuits in the brain related to behavioral regulation and control are linked to antisocial behavior and which circuits are linked to resilient behavior (i.e., doing well even in the face of adversity). This project contains several studies that are funded by several sources:
A NARSAD Award from the Brain and Behavior Foundation
R01 HD093334 from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (PIs Burt and Hyde)
UG3 MH114249 from the National Institute of Mental Health (PIs Burt and Hyde)