Performing in utero surgery on babies to repair spina bifida related defects between 23 and 26 weeks of gestation triggered the restoration of normal brain structure. Read More
Endocranial imprints of Australopithecus afarensis revealed they had an ape-like brain organization. Evidence was also found of protracted brain growth, which suggests infants may have had a longer dependence on caregivers, just like humans. Read More
One-third of subjects who started using cannabis frequently before age 18 were more likely to report insomnia and short sleep duration as adults. Read More
Male alcohol consumption before conception was linked to significant deficits in their offspring's brain development, specifically within the neocortex. For mothers-to-be who drink alcohol, the negative outcomes of prenatal alcohol exposure on fetal brain development can be reduced with choline supplementation. Read More
Over 30 prenatal and postnatal environmental risk factors have been identified for the development of psychosis in offspring. The factors have been split into four categories, including parental and familial, pregnancy, labor and delivery, and fetal growth and development. Significant protective factors are lower maternal age, first-time mothers, and babies with higher birth weights. Read More
The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder in eleven surveillance sites is 1 in 54 among children aged eight. This is a 10% increase from 2014 when it was 1 in 59. Since 2000, prevalence rates of ASD have almost tripled, from 0.67% to 1.85%. Read More
Converting skin cells to functional brain cells relies on precise insertion of Line-1 retrotransposons. Read More
Skin-to-skin contact, or Kangaroo Care, between mother and child increases oxytocin and decreases stress reactivity. Read More
Lamprey brain study provides new insights into how the human brain evolved. Read More
Neural stem cells affect the trajectory and timing of division in brain development more than previously believed. The findings provide insight into the mechanisms controlling early brain development and shed light on the evolution of the brain. Read More
15-month-old infants with an older sibling on the autism spectrum, and who experience social difficulties, such as insecure-resistant parental attachment, are more than nine times more likely to be diagnosed with ASD. Read More
Mutations of the RAB39b gene lead to macrocephaly and autism-like behaviors in mouse brain organoid models, and enlargements and impairments in human organoids. Read More
