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neurodevelopment

·August 16, 2018·4 min read

Microbial Activity in the Mouth May Differentiate Children with ASD

Researchers report differences in oral microbial gene expression may distinguish children with ASD from their peers not on the spectrum. The study suggests GI microbiome disruptions, previously identified in children with ASD, may extend to the mouth and throat.

Featured Neuroscience

·August 15, 2018·5 min read

Immune Cells in Brain Have Surprising Influence on Sexual Behavior

According to researchers, mast cells play an important role in determining whether an animal's sexual behavior will be more typical of a male or a female as they mature. Chemically stimulating mast cells in newborn female mice resulted in them acting more like males as adults.

Featured Neuroscience

·August 14, 2018·3 min read

Adult-Child Conversations Strengthen Language Regions of Developing Brain

Researchers report the greater conversational turn taking between adults and children, the stronger the connections are between the Wernicke's area and Broca's area in the child's brain.

Featured Psychology

·August 12, 2018·4 min read

Why We’re Susceptible to Fake News, and What We Can Do About It

Researchers say the tendency to believe in conspiracies and fake news may be rooted in childhood development.

Featured Neuroscience

·August 11, 2018·4 min read

Early Sensory Stimulation is Critical for the Development of Sensory Networks

A new study reports sensory stimulation during the first two weeks of life is critical for establishing brain networks that help map sensation.

Featured Neuroscience

·August 11, 2018·5 min read

An Ion Channel Differentiates Newborn and Mature Neurons in the Adult Brain

Researchers report newborn granule cells in the dentate gyrus become less excitable after three weeks. The loss of excitability is crucial for the functioning of mature neurons.

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·August 8, 2018·6 min read

Video Game May Improve Empathy in Middle Schoolers

Researchers report a new video game aimed at middle school children can help boost empathy and prosocial behavior. The study reports children exposed to the game showed greater connectivity between brain networks linked to emotional regulation and perspective taking.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·August 6, 2018·5 min read

Pregnant with Epilepsy? Folic Acid May Prevent Language Delays

A new study links folic acid intake in pregnant women with epilepsy and language development in children. Researchers report among children whose mothers with epilepsy did not take folic acid, 34% had delayed language skills at 18 months.

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·August 1, 2018·2 min read

Baby Talk Words Build Infants’ Language Skills

According to researchers, using baby talk words such as 'bunny' and 'choo choo' can help boost language acquisition in infants between 9 and 21 months.

a diagram of the female reproductive system

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·August 1, 2018·5 min read

Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome More Likely to Have a Child with Autism

A new study reveals children of women with polycystic ovary syndrome have an increased risk of being diagnosed with ASD. Researchers report women with PCOS have a 2.3% change of having a child with autism, compared to a 1.7% change for mothers without the condition.

fMRI brain scans of the lobectomy patient

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·July 31, 2018·5 min read

Long Term Study of a Boy’s Lobectomy Offers Rare Glimpse of Plasticity in Action

Researchers report, following a lobectomy, the left hemisphere of the brain compensated for visual tasks in a young boy. The findings, researchers say, provide a detailed characterization of plasticity in the developing brain.