Transdisciplinary Science and Translational Prevention Program

The Transdisciplinary Science and Translational Prevention Program uses RTI's range of capabilities to advance a transdisciplinary and translational theoretical and methodological framework for the study, prevention, and treatment of high-risk behaviors such as drug abuse and aggression. Our research is predicated on recent studies in behavioral and molecular genetics, neuroscience, biology, physiology, environmental health, psychology, and the social sciences whose findings describe the interactive influence of environment and genetics on high-risk behaviors.

Focus Areas

Causal mechanisms in drug abuse, antisocial behavior, and mental illness
Effects of environmental conditions and psychosocial stressors on neurobiological processes associated with high-risk behaviors
Mechanisms underlying differential responses to preventive and treatment interventions using an integrated set of genetic, biological, psychological, and social factors
Applications of novel and neurotechnological treatments for risk behaviors, including alcoholism, smoking craving, drug abuse, aggression/impulsivity, psychopathy, among others

Capabilities

Computerized psychophysiology laboratory that uses functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), administration of weak DC stimulation, and fully automated recording of brain waves, autonomic measures, and facial muscle activity
Behavioral, cognitive, psychological, and psychiatric assessments
Development and use of quantitative models that predict individual response to treatment and measure contribution of genetic and social factors in behavior
Collaborations across RTI, universities, and other institutions for additional technical expertise, lab facilities (e.g., neuroimaging), and support services

Tools

Neuroimaging
Cognitive testing
Physiological monitoring
Biochemical assays
Assessment of family history, experiential background, social variables, and psychological traits

Research Activities

Neuroimaging (PET and fMRI) of drug addiction and related risk behaviors
Neurobiological characteristics of conduct-disordered adolescents
Precursors and consequences of inhalant abuse
Precursors and consequences of marijuana abuse
Effects of heroin use among Russian addicts
Measurements of lifetime adversity and subsequent brain development and function as they relate to drug abuse and other maladaptive outcomes
Assessments of change in vulnerability markers in response to an intervention, including (1) a prison study of inmates in treatment, (2) a study of conduct-disordered adolescents exposed to prevention curricula, (3) an fMRI study of drug abusers in treatment
Studies of biphasic responses to alcohol using functional magnetic resonance imaging of the brain
Examination of a new neurotechnology, weak brain polarization, as a tool to suppress craving for tobacco in heavy smokers
Explorations of alcohol's impact on higher order cognitive abilities that impact social decision making and that respond to behavioral interventions
Study to determine the effects of mindful yoga on psychophysiological and behavioral substrates of risk behaviors in adolescents

Funding Agencies

National Institute of Justice
National Institute on Drug Abuse
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
National Institute on Child Health and Development
Environmental Protection Agency
Office of National Drug Control Policy

Feature

Special Issue of Journal Examines Drug Abuse Prevention Efforts

A special issue of Prevention Science, co-edited by Diana Fishbein, Ph.D., a behavioral neuroscientist at RTI I... Read more »