The interplay between brain and behavior during development: A multisite effort to generate and share simulated datasets

Neuroimaging has contributed considerably to our understanding of brain development and its relationship to cognition and behavior. With increasing availability of longitudinal studies, we can apply statistical models to longitudinal datasets to study the temporal trajectories of development and disease progression. However, despite advancements in neuroimaging, replicability in research remains a key issue, and there is no gold standard for evaluating neuroanatomical correlates of cognition, behavior, and their interplay. Simulated datasets are one way that we can test hypotheses and assess whether our current models can capture the complex brain-behavior relationship.

The SoCoDeN spearheaded an international consortium who have each created simulated datasets to share with the international research community. A total of five groups have independently generated synthetic data (brain-based biomarkers, behavior, cognition, and demographic variables) based on how each group considers the interplay between behavior and development over time. The data has been released to the community and different longitudinal models can be tested for underlying assumptions. A preprint of the study and access to the data  is available online.

Heritability and proportional discordance of autistic symptoms and comorbid features along the continuum in twins

While autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is highly genetic, non-genetic factors also play a key role in the etiology of ASD, notably non-shared environmental factors. Since monozygotic twins have considerable heterogeneity in their autism symptom profiles, as well as considerable heterogeneity in relation to comorbid conditions (for example, anxiety, sleep problems, etc.), the goal of this study is to capture the full spectrum (both clinical and subclinical symptoms) of ASD and comorbid conditions by screening a large community sample of twins between the ages of 6 and 17 through the Mid-Atlantic Twin Registry at Virginia Commonwealth University.

An observational study of the developing brain, impulsivity, and compulsivity

Impulsivity is the tendency to act quickly without thinking, whereas compulsivity is the urge to repeat actions over and over again, even when they are no longer beneficial or necessary. Levels of impulsivity and compulsivity vary significantly across the population, and extreme impulsive and/or compulsive behaviors are implicated in disorders such as ADHD, OCD, and autism. We are interested in better understanding how genetic, familial, and environmental factors interact to shape the development of brain pathways underlying impulsivity and compulsivity in both clinical and neurotypical populations. This longitudinal investigation uses 3T and state-of-the-art 7T magnetic resonance imaging to study over 1,000 participants, including individuals with these diagnoses, neurotypical volunteers, families, and twins. Individuals, families, and twins interested in participating can find more information on the Participants and Families page.