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neurodevelopment

This shows a head made of cogwheels and a lightbulb

Autism Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·January 5, 2022·4 min read

Biomarkers Linked to Autism Risk Identified

Researchers identified molecular signatures of gestational inflammation that appear to be biomarkers for autism risk. The immune signatures were identified in both maternal blood samples during pregnancy and in umbilical cord blood from children later diagnosed with ASD.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·January 4, 2022·5 min read

Hope for Children at Risk of Relapse in Depression

Study examines the stability of an individual child's depression and the effects of early life symptoms of depression on risks for developing depression later in life.

Featured Neuroscience

·January 4, 2022·6 min read

Babies Born During Pandemic’s First Year Score Slightly Lower on a Developmental Screening Test

At six months of age, babies born during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic scored lower on developmental screening tests for social and motor skills than children born before the pandemic.

This shows a mom holding her child's hand on a walk

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·January 3, 2022·5 min read

When Mom Talks, Are Infants With ASD Listening?

Infants and toddlers on the autism spectrum who showed the poorest neural responses to motherese, or baby-talk by parents, also displayed the most severe social symptoms, poorest language outcomes, and greatest impairments in behavioral preference and attention toward motherese. Conversely, neurotypical children showed stronger neural responses and affinity to motherese.

Featured Neuroscience

·January 3, 2022·5 min read

Choline During Pregnancy Impacts Children’s Sustained Attention

Increased choline consumption during pregnancy was associated with better performance in tasks requiring sustained attention in children aged seven. Researchers found doubling the recommended amount of choline by increasing consumption of nuts, eggs, red meats, and fish during pregnancy had the greatest benefits for the developing fetal brain.

This shows a baby playing on a rug with a drum

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·January 2, 2022·5 min read

Autism Can Be Identified as Early as the First Year of Life

Study reveals symptoms of autism can be detected within the first year of a child's life, and early detection can help with interventions that may significantly reduce the severity of lifelong developmental deviation.

This shows an ultrasound image of a fetus

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·December 30, 2021·5 min read

Battle of the Sexes Begins in Womb as Father and Mother’s Genes Tussle Over Nutrition

The father's genes drive a fetus' demand for larger blood vessels and more nutrients, while maternal genes in the placenta try to take control over how much nourishment the mother provides.

This shows oxytocin and dopamine neurons

Featured Neuroscience

·December 29, 2021·6 min read

Oxytocin in a Developing Fish Brain Determines Later Social Behavior

Zebrafish whose brains lacked oxytocin during the first two weeks of life had impaired capacity for social interaction as they aged. Researchers also found oxytocin-producing neurons were critical for the development of dopaminergic neurons.

This is a cartoon of a girl looking at another girl playing with blocks

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·December 27, 2021·2 min read

Children Will Confront Their Peers, but How They Do So Varies Across Cultures

Regardless of where children come from, they will challenge their peers who break the rules. However, how they challenge rule-breakers varies between cultures.

This graph shows the different stressors parents face at christmas

Featured Psychology

·December 20, 2021·5 min read

1 in 5 Parents Say Their Holiday Stress Level Negatively Affects Their Child’s Enjoyment of the Season

A new study reveals how parental stress impacts the holiday season for children. One in five parents say their children have unrealistic expectations for the season, while one in four parents admit to setting overly idealistic expectations for themselves to ensure a perfect holiday. Mothers become more stressed by holiday preparations than fathers.

This graph shows the diversity of gut microbes across a lifespan

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·December 20, 2021·5 min read

Research That Potentially Links Autism and Brain-Gut Microbiome

A new review of almost 200 publications suggests the gut microbiota may play a critical role in modulating brain function, social behavior and other symptoms of autism.

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·December 18, 2021·2 min read

New Autism Marker Discovered in Kids

Children with autism have abnormally low levels of the CNTNAP2 protein. The protein, which can be detected in cerebrospinal fluid samples, may serve as a new biomarker for autism and could potentially become a target to treat epilepsy that is commonly associated with ASD.