Murias Lab Projects
To see our other studies of neurodevelopment, please visit our Research Studies page.
A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Metformin in Individuals with Fragile X Syndrome (FXS)
The purpose of this study is to find out whether the use of metformin, a drug used to treat type 2 diabetes, in patients with FXS can be helpful for their language, behaviour problems, and obesity/excessive appetite.
Participants will either be given a placebo or metformin. Your and your child will be asked to complete assessments and questionnaires at three separate visits to the clinic.
This study has been approved by the University of Calgary Conjoint Health Research Ethics Board (REB19-0385).
Murias Lab Team
Located at the Child Development Centre
Kara Murias
Assistant Professor
Department of Paediatrics and Clinical Neuroscience
University of Calgary
Clinical Interests
Dr. Murias' clinical focus is assessing and diagnosing children with developmental or cognitive concerns, including:
Autism
Attention and executive function deficits
Global developmental delay
Research Interests
Dr. Murias' research program focuses on the different trajectories of cognitive development in children with developmental and neurologic conditions, what biologic processes underlie differences in outcomes, and whether we can predict or alter that trajectory.
The ultimate goal of this research program is to contribute new information on the neural mechanisms of atypical development, while advancing knowledge of the risk factors, treatment effects and clinical outcomes of children with neurodevelopmental concerns.
Elana Sarabin
Research Assistant
In the fall of 2019 Elana will be entering into her 3rd year of biological sciences at the University of Calgary. Currently Elana is a part time research assistant for the Murias lab helping on multiple projects ranging from longitudinal outcomes in patients with autism spectrum disorder to a clinical trial for patients with Fragile X Syndrome. In her spare time Elana enjoys spending time with family and friends enjoying outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and ATVing.
Fanar Ghanim
Undergraduate Student
Fanar Ghanim is a first year student in the BSc Honours Neuroscience program at the University of Calgary. For her summer research project, she is working on a study that aims to see how different clinical factors relate to adaptive functioning in children with neurologic or neurodevelopmental conditions. Outside of research, Fanar enjoys exploring our beautiful Rockies and spending time with family and friends.
Harshil Shah
Undergraduate Student
Harshil is a 2nd-year student in the Honours Neuroscience program at the University of Calgary. His research currently focuses on neurogenetics and the mutations most commonly implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders. In his spare time, Harshil enjoys learning about business and practicing Tae Kwon Do.
Past Trainees
Christian Tsang BSc
Judy Fan BSc, BEd
Ciara Hanly BKin, MD Candidate
Ishita Moghe MSc
Oswald Chen BSc, MD candidate
Positions Available
Student Positions
Prospective Graduate Students
Thank you for your interest in the Murias Lab. Unfortunately, we are not taking on any more students at this time.
Please visit this link to view potential supervisors at the University of Calgary.