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neurodevelopment

·January 16, 2024·6 min read

Acetaminophen Use in Pregnancy Linked to ADHD in Kids

Researchers found a connection between the increased use of acetaminophen during pregnancy, particularly in the second trimester, and attention and behavior problems in young children. The research, part of the Illinois Kids Development Study, involved tracking prenatal chemical exposures and assessing the behaviors and traits of children at ages 2, 3, and 4.

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·January 15, 2024·4 min read

Aging Dads’ Impact: Age-Altered Sperm Genetics Increase Autism Risk

A study reveals that aging in male mice leads to changes in sperm microRNAs (miRNAs) that could influence offspring development. The research team conducted a detailed analysis of sperm from young and older mice, uncovering significant age-related alterations in miRNAs, some of which regulate the nervous system and genes linked to autism spectrum disorder.

Autism Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·January 15, 2024·4 min read

Autism and Beyond: Unveiling Overlapping Neurotypes

A study has uncovered significant overlaps in neurodivergent traits among children diagnosed with autism. The research, which evaluated medical records of children referred for autism assessments, revealed that 76.2% of these children also exhibited traits associated with other neurotypes such as ADHD.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·January 15, 2024·6 min read

Childhood Adversity Accelerates Brain Development

A new study revealed that early life adversity (ELA) accelerates brain development in children, particularly during the preschool years. This acceleration, an adaptation to adverse circumstances such as a mother's health challenges during pregnancy, may increase the risk of cognitive and mental health issues later in life.

Autism Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·January 12, 2024·6 min read

Eye-Tracking Unveils Autism’s Distinctive Worldview and Social Focus Shift

Researchers have discovered that children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) develop distinct attentional preferences compared to typically developing children, focusing more on non-social stimuli like objects and textures. Using eye-tracking technology on children viewing cartoons, the study found that unlike their peers, ASD children do not exhibit the same developmental trajectory in social attention.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·January 8, 2024·8 min read

Brain Organoids Self-Organize from Fetal Tissue

Scientists have created 3D brain organoids from human fetal tissue that self-organize, offering a new way to study brain development and diseases. These mini-brains contain various brain cell types and extracellular matrix, closely resembling the human brain. They also show potential for cancer research and drug testing.

Featured Neuroscience

·January 4, 2024·7 min read

Low B12 and High Folic Acid Impacts Fetal Brain Development

New research in mice suggests that too much folic acid, a synthetic form of folate, may impact brain development. Imbalances in folic acid and vitamin B12 can alter neural development, raising questions about dietary fortification.

Featured Neuroscience

·January 3, 2024·6 min read

Language Delays Linked to Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy

A new study reveals a potential link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and language delays in early childhood. The research involved continuous monitoring of pregnant women's acetaminophen use and precise language development assessments in their children at ages 2 and 3.

This shows a happy child opening a gift.

Featured Neuroscience

·January 3, 2024·5 min read

How the Growing Brain Processes Surprises

Researchers studied mice to understand how the brain processes unexpected stimuli during development. They found that the brain's response to surprises changes as we grow, becoming more efficient in categorizing stimuli as "important" or "uninteresting."

Auditory Neuroscience Featured Neuroscience

·January 3, 2024·5 min read

Ear Infections Can Impact Children’s Language Skills Long-Term

A new study highlights the long-term impact of chronic ear infections on children's language development. The study reveals that repeated, temporary hearing loss caused by ear infections can lead to deficits in auditory processing and language skills later in life.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·January 2, 2024·6 min read

Cellular Messengers of Neural Development Identified

Researchers unveil the role of cytonemes, thin cell projections, in neural development. These hair-like structures facilitate direct signal transport across cells, impacting nervous system development. By visualizing cytonemes' function, the researchers discovered their role in establishing signaling gradients and the transport of critical molecules like sonic hedgehog during mammalian tissue development.

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·January 2, 2024·8 min read

Brain Space Abnormalities Tied to Autism Risk and Sleep Problems in Infants

Researchers discovered that infants with abnormally enlarged perivascular spaces in their brains have a 2.2 times higher risk of developing autism. Enlarged perivascular spaces were observed in infants as early as 12 months, with nearly half of diagnosed autistic infants having them by 24 months.