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Neuroimaging: Emotions & Appetite Testing (NEAT) Study

NEAT acronym

The Neuroimaging, Emotions and Appetite Testing (NEAT) Study is about obesity, appetite, emotions, and how the brain develops in children. The study team is looking for volunteer youth to participate who are either healthy or have a clinical condition called Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH).

The NEAT research study is being conducted by Mimi Kim, MD, MSc, Megan Herting, PhDElizabeth Sowell, PhD, and Mitchell Geffner, MD, in the Division of Pediatric Endocrinology at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) and University of Southern California (USC).  This research is sponsored by CHLA, USC, and the National Institutes of Health.

Principal Investigator

Professional headshot of Mimi S. Kim, MD, MSc

Mimi Kim, MD, MSc


What is the purpose of the study?

The purpose of the study is to learn more about obesity, appetite, behaviors and emotions in children.

What does the study involve?

  • Physical exam
  • X-ray of left hand
  • Computer-based tests
  • Blood sample
  • A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) session to safely obtain a picture of the child’s body (no radiation involved)
  • The parent will be asked to fill out some questionnaires about the child’s development and health-related behaviors

Compensation

Parent and child will receive up to $60 for completing all portions of the study. Participants are asked to complete the study in one visit. 

Who can participate?

Boys or girls, ages 8 to 25 years, may be eligible if he or she:

  • Has no metal in his or her body (for example dental braces or pins from surgery)
  • Does not have a neurological disorder

Interested? To find out if you are eligible to participate:

Contact the NEAT Study Group at CHLA

Phone: 323-361-4965

Email: CAH@chla.usc.edu

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