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brain development

·May 8, 2024·5 min read

40 Percent of Mental Illnesses Linked to Childhood Maltreatment

Up to 40% of prevalent mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and substance abuse, stem from childhood maltreatment. The study estimates that addressing childhood maltreatment could prevent over 1.8 million cases of these disorders.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·May 7, 2024·5 min read

Puberty Growth Spurts Linked to Adult Health Risks

Researchers uncovered a genetic link between rapid height growth during puberty and increased health risks in adulthood, such as atrial fibrillation, type 2 diabetes, and lung cancer. The study analyzed growth patterns using data from 56,000 individuals, identifying 26 genes that influence growth dynamics during puberty.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·May 7, 2024·5 min read

Kids Shape Their Development to Match Genetic Tendencies

Preschool children actively influence their own development to align with their genetic dispositions. By examining how toddlers interact with their environment, including activities like reading and puzzles, researchers found that children's preferences impact how they engage in cognitive stimulation at home.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·May 7, 2024·3 min read

mRNA Dynamics in Embryonic Cell Identity

A new study explores mRNA regulation in embryonic development, shedding light on how pluripotent cells specialize. Using single-cell RNA sequencing and metabolic labeling on zebrafish embryos, the research team could distinguish newly synthesized mRNA from maternal contributions.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·May 5, 2024·5 min read

New Genetic Atlas of Brain Development

Researchers created an atlas detailing the early genetic development of the brain from weeks 6 to 13 of embryonic growth. This novel work offers a comprehensive view of gene regulation across different brain regions, moving beyond previous studies that focused primarily on the cortex.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 3, 2024·3 min read

Does Omega 3 Boost Kids’ Mental Health and Behavior?

Researchers are conducting a study to explore the impact of omega-3 supplements on children’s behavior, mood, and mental health. Recognizing that UK children consume less than half the recommended omega-3 intake, this study, aims to assess whether these supplements can address dietary deficiencies and improve well-being. The online study will involve children aged 6-12 and include assessments of behavior changes through parental questionnaires. This research could inform broader educational and health strategies by identifying which children benefit most from increased omega-3 intake.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 3, 2024·4 min read

Umbilical Cord Milking Poses No Neurodevelopmental Risks

Umbilical cord milking (UCM)—a method of squeezing the umbilical cord towards the infant before clamping—poses no long-term neurodevelopmental risks for newborns. The study involved assessing 971 children at ten U.S. medical centers, evaluating key developmental areas such as communication and motor skills.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 2, 2024·4 min read

Children Find Joy in Learning New Words

Children and adolescents experience intrinsic joy in learning new words, a pleasure that persists up to adulthood. The research aimed to understand and measure the emotional responses of young learners during word acquisition, using a method where participants aged 10 to 18 deduced meanings from sentence contexts across 40 trials.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 2, 2024·5 min read

Social Media Use Does Not Diminish Offline Friendships in Youth

A new study challenges the concern that social media impairs young people's offline interactions. The study, part of the long-term Trondheim Early Secure Study, surveyed 800 individuals from ages 10 to 18, finding that increased social media use correlates with more offline socialization, not less.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·May 2, 2024·6 min read

Dad’s Gut Bacteria Affects Child’s Health

Researchers uncovered a significant link between the gut microbiota of male mice and the health and survival of their offspring. The research shows that an imbalance in the gut microbiota, induced by antibiotics, can lead to lower birth weights and higher mortality rates in the next generation.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·April 30, 2024·5 min read

Loneliness Peaks in Youth and Old Age

A new study revealed a U-shaped pattern of loneliness across the lifespan, with higher levels in younger and older adults and the lowest during middle adulthood. The research identified risk factors for loneliness including social isolation, lower education, and physical impairments.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·April 29, 2024·6 min read

How Brain Stem Cells Avoid Identity Conflicts

Researchers uncovered a crucial mechanism in brain stem cells that prevents identity conflicts during gene expression, enabling these cells to maintain stemness while being primed for neuronal differentiation. The team found that the retention of neuronal gene messengers within the nucleus, while stem cell gene messengers are translated, prevents premature differentiation.