Unexplainable Diary of a teenage brain, part 2
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Dec 10, 2025 Raul Gonzalez, a professor of psychology and neuroscience, dives into the fascinating world of adolescent brain development. He explains how the ABCD Study tracks kids to identify risk factors for substance use before they experiment. The conversation highlights innovative methods like MRI scans and games designed to measure risk-taking. Raul also discusses the surprising findings that predictive factors for substance use often stem from family dynamics rather than brain structure, revealing a more nuanced view of teenage behavior and risk.
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Massive Multimodal Study Of Teen Development
- The ABCD study tracks nearly 12,000 kids with MRI, genetics, teeth, hair, and behavior to map adolescent development.
- Combining biological and social data reveals complex risk and protective factors for later outcomes.
Study Scope Expanded By Cross-Field Interest
- ABCD expanded beyond addiction to study sleep, screen time, mental health, obesity, and typical brain development.
- Large collaborative studies attract diverse research questions and multiply discoveries.
Recruitment Reality: Patience Pays Off
- Julia waited in her car for a teen participant who said she'd arrive between 12:30 and 1:00 and worried she'd skip.
- The teen showed up and shared honest details after rapport and incentives were established.