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brain development

·August 31, 2023·5 min read

Breast Milk Alternative Boosts IQ and Executive Function in Kids

Researchers discovered a complex milk component that, when added to infant formula, can offer long-term cognitive benefits to children. The study found that formula supplemented with milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) and lactoferrin for a year raised children's IQ by 5 points at age 5 ½.

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·August 31, 2023·4 min read

COVID Pandemic Infants Show Reduced Gut Microbiome Diversity

Infants who spent most of their first year during the COVID-19 pandemic have a less diverse gut microbiome compared to those born pre-pandemic. Researchers found lower levels of certain bacteria, like Pasteurellaceae and Haemophilus, and overall fewer types of bacteria in the gut.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·August 29, 2023·6 min read

Treating Mom’s Postnatal Depression with SSRIs Also Boosts Child Behavior

A new study found that treating postnatal depression with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) benefits not just mothers but also their children. The study, which analyzed data from over 61,000 mothers and their children, shows that SSRI treatment led to better outcomes up to five years after childbirth.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·August 29, 2023·5 min read

Good Sleep Habits Can Buffer Kids From Stress-Linked Impulsivity

A study reveals that adequate sleep can help children combat impulsive behaviors often induced by stressful environments. Researchers analyzed data from over 11,000 children aged 9-10, finding that those who had less than nine hours of sleep or took over 30 minutes to fall asleep exhibited more impulsive behaviors.

This shows a teenage girl with a cell phone.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·August 26, 2023·7 min read

Debunking the Social Media & Teen Anxiety Myth

Contrary to popular belief, a six-year study reveals that increased use of social media platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok does not lead to higher rates of anxiety and depression among young people. Following 800 children from age 10 to 16, the study found that symptoms of mental health issues remained stable irrespective of social media habits.

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·August 24, 2023·4 min read

Revolutionizing Autism Research in Virtual Reality

Autism, an inherently unique and multi-faceted condition, lacks a standardized diagnostic approach, making treatment and research challenges. A new study highlights the potential of mouse models in autism research, offering insights into molecular and physiological mechanisms.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·August 22, 2023·5 min read

Is Childhood Adversity A Lens for Moral Judgments?

Researchers uncovered how a person's childhood adversity shapes others' judgments of their actions. The study reveals that people perceive negative actions by those with challenging childhoods as less a result of their moral character and more due to their upbringing, thus blaming them less.

This shows a happy child covered in paint.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·August 22, 2023·7 min read

How Creativity Training Helps Kids Tackle Life’s Hurdles and Boosts Resilience

Training elementary school students in creativity has shown potential in amplifying their resilience against real-world challenges. Researchers equipped third to fifth graders with literary techniques to enhance creativity when addressing problems.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·August 21, 2023·5 min read

Children’s Views on Inequality: The Power of Explanation

Researchers revealed that children's perceptions of inequality are shaped by how its origins are explained to them. While adults often attribute social inequalities to structural forces, children interpret these structures differently.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·August 11, 2023·4 min read

Baby Gut Microbes: A Link to Early Cognitive Skills?

Researchers discovered associations between specific microbes in infants' guts and early cognitive development performance. This exploratory study examined 56 infants, revealing that certain microbiome compositions corresponded with success in cognitive tests like "point and gaze".

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·August 11, 2023·4 min read

Mini-Brains’ Reveal Autism’s Neuronal Imbalance Origins

Scientists utilized organoids, or "mini-brains," to explore the roots of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Their study highlighted an imbalance of excitatory cortical neurons in the forebrains of ASD patients.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·August 5, 2023·5 min read

Linking Childhood Trauma to Mental Illness: Astrocytes Key to the Puzzle

The removal of excitatory synapses by astrocytes, triggered by stress hormones, can lead to mental illnesses induced by childhood neglect or abuse. The study reveals that synthetic glucocorticoids, or stress hormones, can boost astrocyte-mediated phagocytosis to abnormal levels.