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neurodevelopment

·May 9, 2025·3 min read

Oxygen Boost Sparks Early Brain Growth

A new study reveals that raising oxygen tension during weeks four to six of brain organoid development significantly promotes neurogenesis, guided by the oxygen-binding protein neuroglobin. Using cerebral organoids and cutting-edge imaging, researchers monitored internal oxygen levels and linked their changes to key stages in early brain development.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·May 9, 2025·9 min read

Pregnancy Health Shapes a Child’s Blood Pressure for Life

Children born to mothers with obesity, gestational diabetes, or hypertensive pregnancy disorders have significantly higher blood pressure from early childhood through adolescence. These children also experience faster blood pressure increases between ages 2 and 18, highlighting the long-term cardiovascular impact of prenatal exposures.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·May 9, 2025·5 min read

Using Music to Detect Concussion in Kids

A new music therapy-based tool called MuSICCA may transform how healthcare teams assess consciousness in children with severe brain injuries. Developed to address the lack of reliable diagnostic methods for children aged 2 to 18, MuSICCA uses tailored live music performed by a therapist to evoke and record patient responses.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·May 8, 2025·4 min read

Parental Genes Indirectly Influence Child Development

A new report reveals that parents' genes influence their children's educational and mental health outcomes, even when not directly inherited. This phenomenon, called "genetic nurture," shows that parents' genetic tendencies—such as valuing education or possessing strong non-cognitive skills—shape the home environment and positively impact child development.

This shows DNA, children walking, and brains.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·May 8, 2025·4 min read

Genes Strongly Influence When Babies Take Their First Steps

New research reveals that genetics play a major role in determining when babies begin walking, accounting for about 25% of the variation in this milestone. In a study analyzing data from over 70,000 infants, scientists identified 11 genetic markers linked to the timing of first steps.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 7, 2025·8 min read

SSRI Exposure in the Womb May Rewire Brain Circuits

New research suggests that prenatal exposure to SSRIs may alter brain development in ways that increase the risk of depression and anxiety later in life. Using mice and human data, scientists found that early-life SSRI exposure heightened activity in brain fear circuits, a pattern not observed in offspring of depressed mothers who did not take SSRIs.

This shows DNA and a child playing with blocks.

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·May 7, 2025·6 min read

Can Genetics Predict Autism Intellectual Disabilities?

A new predictive model combining genetics with developmental milestones may help forecast which autistic children are at risk of developing intellectual disabilities. In a large study of over 5,600 children, researchers were able to correctly predict 10% of such cases and differentiate between low and high-risk groups twice as well as current methods.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 6, 2025·8 min read

Teens With Mental Health Conditions Use Social Media Differently

Adolescents with mental health conditions report distinct and often more negative experiences on social media compared to their peers. Those with internalising conditions like anxiety and depression were more likely to compare themselves to others, struggle with self-control, and experience mood changes tied to likes and comments.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 6, 2025·6 min read

Ultra-Processed Foods Disrupt Infant Gut Health

A Brazilian study of 728 infants found that ultra-processed foods can harm gut microbiota diversity, with stronger effects in children who were not breastfed. Breastfed infants had higher levels of beneficial Bifidobacterium, while non-breastfed children consuming processed products showed elevated levels of bacteria linked to obesity and gastrointestinal issues.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 6, 2025·4 min read

Physical Activity Protects Teens From Depression

A long-term study shows that teenagers who maintain or increase physical activity levels are less likely to develop symptoms of depression. Researchers tracked 873 participants from ages 6 to 18, measuring activity levels with accelerometers and assessing mental health through clinical interviews.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 5, 2025·5 min read

Stressful Neighborhoods May Numb Kids’ Brains to Joy and Loss

Children raised in disadvantaged neighborhoods may show blunted brain responses to rewards and losses, especially if they have a family history of depression. New research reveals that community-level stress, not just personal trauma, can dampen neural reactions tied to motivation and emotional engagement.

This shows a head looking right, and one looking left.

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·May 5, 2025·4 min read

Why Lefties Are More Common in Autism and Dyslexia

A new meta-analysis highlights a strong connection between early-onset neurodevelopmental disorders with linguistic symptoms and left- or mixed-handedness. Disorders like dyslexia, autism, and schizophrenia were notably associated with higher rates of non-right-handedness, unlike later-onset conditions such as depression.