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developmental neuroscience

·November 16, 2023·2 min read

Prenatal Cannabis Exposure Linked to Preterm Birth

A meta-analysis of 57 previous studies with over 12 million infants reveals that prenatal exposure to cannabis increases the risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and the need for neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission. However, the study did not find a higher risk of birth defects or infant mortality within one year, including sudden unexpected infant death.

Featured Neuroscience

·November 15, 2023·9 min read

Infant Brain Development and Social Interactions

A new study delves into infant brain development and its impact on social interactions and stress recovery during the first year of life. Through functional MRI scans and interactive tasks with mothers, researchers observe early neural patterns. One study reveals that greater brain network connectivity at 3 months correlates with improved infant-mother dyadic flexibility at 6 months.

Featured Neuroscience

·November 15, 2023·6 min read

Microglia’s Crucial Role in Human Brain Development

Researchers discovered the essential role of microglia, brain immune cells, in early human brain development by incorporating them into lab-grown brain organoids. This breakthrough allows scientists to understand how microglia influence brain cell growth and development, potentially revolutionizing our understanding of brain development and disorders.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·November 13, 2023·5 min read

Childhood Stress Has A Greater Genetic Impact Than Brain Injury

Researchers discovered that early-life stress alters more brain genes than childhood head injuries, as shown in a rat study. This research used a rat model to mimic human early-life stress and head injury, revealing significant genetic changes in the hippocampal region.

Featured Neuroscience

·November 10, 2023·4 min read

Fitness Shapes Teen Brains

A novel study finds a link between childhood physical fitness and cerebellar grey matter volume in adolescents. The research, part of the FitBrain study, shows that adolescents with better neuromuscular fitness had larger Crus I grey matter volumes, important for cognition and learning. However, the study also found that better cardiorespiratory fitness was associated with smaller overall cerebellar volume, with gender-specific differences noted.

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·November 9, 2023·6 min read

Autism Gene SYNGAP1’s Early Role in Brain Development

A new study uncovers unexpected early developmental impacts of SYNGAP1 gene variants linked to Autism Spectrum Disorder. By examining brain organoids, including those from a patient with a SYNGAP1 variant, researchers found the SYNGAP1 protein in progenitor cells, challenging the belief that it's only present in mature neuron synapses.

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·November 8, 2023·4 min read

Autism and Memory: Unraveling the Riddle of Infantile Amnesia

Researchers have unveiled groundbreaking findings linking maternal immune activation during pregnancy to the preservation of memories formed in infancy, challenging our understanding of infantile amnesia. In a mouse model, inflammation induced during pregnancy altered brain development, safeguarding against the usual loss of early-life memories.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·November 8, 2023·5 min read

Soda’s Slippery Slope to Alcohol Use in Kids

A recent study points to a potential link between regular caffeinated soda consumption in children and an increased likelihood of alcohol use. Delving into over 2,000 young participants' habits, researchers found a connection to impulsivity and working memory deficits.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·November 8, 2023·5 min read

Fathers’ Mild Stress Shapes Brighter Future for Kids

A new study reveals the complex role of fathers' mental health in shaping their children's future. Mild anxious or depressive symptoms in fathers correlate with fewer behavioral issues and higher IQ scores in young children, juxtaposing the impact of maternal mental health.

Featured Neuroscience

·November 7, 2023·5 min read

Early Manganese Exposure Boosts Learning and Memory in Teens

New research reveals that manganese exposure in early life stages may enhance verbal learning and memory during adolescence. The study, utilizing tooth manganese levels as biomarkers, indicates that prenatal exposure is linked to improved cognitive functions, while postnatal exposure shows no significant association.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·November 7, 2023·8 min read

Adolescent Brain Biomarkers Predict Mental Health

Innovative research established a connection between functional network connectivity (FNC) in adolescent brains and cognitive development, including psychiatric risks. The study analyzed FNC from brain scans of over 9,000 children, finding consistent patterns that serve as individual fingerprints.

Featured Neuroscience

·November 1, 2023·5 min read

Mother’s Microbes Influence Fetal Brain and Gut Development

Researchers discovered the activity of genes in the fetal intestine, brain, and placenta is influenced by the microbes in the mother's body. In a study comparing normal mice with germ-free mice in sterile environments, significant differences were found in gene expressions associated with the immune system, nervous system, and pregnancy regulation.