Current Research Projects

Online Study “Environment” for Identical and Fraternal Twins

In the online study “Environment,” the Environmental Neuroscience field, led by Prof. Dr. Simone Kühn, investigates the effects of various environmental conditions on physical and mental health. For questions, please contact gertrud@mpib-berlin.mpg.de.
Research Director: Prof. Dr. Simone Kühn
Contact Person: Moana Beyer, beyer@mpib-berlin.mpg.de
Study Duration: 2023 – ongoing

 

MRI Study “TwinLife Environment” for Identical Twins

In another study conducted by the Max Planck Institute for Human Development, the Environmental Neuroscience field is collaborating with TwinLife, an initiative involving the Universities of Bielefeld, Bremen, and Saarland, as well as additional partners at the University Hospital Bonn and the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry in Munich. This study aims to determine how different environmental conditions affect the cognitive abilities and brains of twins. In particular, the research group is interested in how the context in which the twins live influences the development of their behavior, thinking, and emotions. Further information is available here. For questions, please contact twin@mpib-berlin.mpg.de.
Project Director: Prof. Dr. Simone Kühn
Contact Person: Moana Beyer, beyer@mpib-berlin.mpg.de
Study Duration: 2023 – ongoing

 

MRI Study “OCDTWIN” for Identical Twins Discordant for OCD

OCDTWIN is a collaborative project between the MSH Medical School Hamburg and the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm. Within the framework of this project, the researchers are seeking monozygotic (identical) twin pairs discordant for OCD from across Germany to identify specific environmental risk factors associated with the development of the disorder. Further information can be found here. The study involves a physical examination, the collection of biological samples, examinations via MRI and EEG, and psychological questionnaires and tests.
Project Directors: Prof. Dr. Jan Carl Beucke (MSH), Prof. Dr. David Mataix-Cols (Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm)
Contact Person: Dr. Julia Franke, julia.franke@medicalschool-hamburg.de
Study Duration: 2019 – ongoing

 

MRI Study "NeoTwins" for Expectant Mothers of Same-Sex Twins

The goal of the "NeoTwins" study, conducted by the Environmental Neuroscience team, is to understand how the brains of twins differ shortly after birth and what influence environmental factors have on early brain development. At the beginning of life, the brain is particularly receptive to signals from the environment; therefore, a special focus of this study lies on documenting the prenatal and postnatal developmental environment. For inquiries, please contact neotwins@mpib-berlin.mpg.de.
Project Director: Prof. Dr. Simone Kühn
Contact Person: Dr. Nora Moog, moog@mpib-berlin.mpg.de
Study Duration: 2024 – ongoing