The university received two government grants totalling $3.5 million to study the causes of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD.
Researchers are enrolling nearly 1,000 kids to find out how genetics plays a role in ADHD and if environmental contaminants like mercury, lead, or PCBs can be blamed.
Professor Joel Nigg says he hopes to make a dent in the research and discover a breakthrough in what causes this disorder.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says nearly eight percent of U.S.-kids have, at least once, been diagnosed with ADHD. Severe forms can be debilitating and lead to a higher risk of dropping out of school or abusing substances.
They are still looking for volunteers ages eight to seventeen, especially if parents think the child may have the disorder or have already been diagnosed with the disorder.
For more information call the M.S.U. Psychology Clinic at 517-432-4894 or 1-888-MSU-ADHD. Volunteers will be paid and free evaluations are provided.