Shaping the social networks of neurons
Researchers have identified a protein complex that both attracts and repels neurons during brain development.... Read More...
developmental neuroscience
High air pollution exposure in 1-year-olds’ linked to structural brain changes at age 12
Early-life exposure to high levels of traffic-related air pollution alters the structure of the brain at age 12. Children exposed to air pollution had reduced cortical thickness and gray matter volume compared to children who were not exposed to high levels of pollution.... Read More...
Largest autism genetics study identifies 102 associated genes
In the largest genetic sequencing study of autism conducted to date, researchers have identified 102 genes associated with the neurodevelopmental disorder. 49 of the genes were also associated with other developmental delays. The new study has enabled the researchers to increase the number of ASD associated genes from 65 to 102.... Read More...
Autism study finds later diagnoses for girls, and high rates of co-occurring disorders
On average, girls on the autism spectrum are diagnosed 1.5 years later than boys. Over 50% of those on the autism spectrum exhibit co-occurring mental health and medical conditions, such as ADHD and epilepsy. ... Read More...
Young children benefit from learning with a social robot
Young children are better able to understand what they are studying when they learn alongside a social robot. ... Read More...
Infants integrate firsthand and social experiences to decide when and how to try
Children as young as 18 months combine information from their own first-hand experiences and the experiences of others to decide whether to persist in trying to solve a problem. ... Read More...
No clear evidence of increase in adolescent suicide after ’13 Reasons Why’
Contrary to the initial findings, a reanalysis of data from a 2019 study found no clear relationship between a rise in teenage suicide and the Netflix show "13 Reasons Why".... Read More...
Research shows real risks associated with cannabis exposure during pregnancy
Regular exposure to low-dose THC during pregnancy led to an 8% reduction of birth weight, and decreased brain and liver growth of more than 20% in rat models.... Read More...
Mix of stress and air pollution may lead to cognitive difficulties in children
Children who experience elevated prenatal exposure to air pollution and exposure to early life stress have an increased risk of developing both attention problems and cognitive difficulties. ... Read More...
Violence and adversity in early life can alter the brain
Exposure to violence and childhood adversity has a negative effect on the developing brain. Neuroimaging reveals adolescents who experienced adversity and violence as children had reduced connectivity between the amygdala and the prefrontal cortex. However, social support may act as a buffer and reduce the negative effects of early life stress.... Read More...
Sleep linked to language skills in neurodevelopmental disorders
Sleep disruptions are common features of Fragile X syndrome, Williams syndrome, and Down syndrome. The disruption of sleep in these neurodevelopmental disorders appears to be linked to language development. The longer children with neurodevelopmental disorders slept, the more words they knew.... Read More...
Siblings of children with intellectual disabilities score high on empathy and closeness
The relationship between typically developing children and siblings with intellectual disabilities is more positive than the relationship between typically developing siblings. ... Read More...