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neurodevelopment

·May 30, 2023·2 min read

Hair Cortisol Levels in Infants May Predict Sleep Patterns

Cortisol levels in late pregnancy may predict an infant's sleep patterns. Higher cortisol levels in neonates were found to be associated with longer sleep latency at 7 months.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 25, 2023·6 min read

Child’s Play: Kids as Young as Six Consider Choices in Moral Judgments

Children as young as six factor in past choices when making moral judgments. Involving children aged four to nine, the study revealed that younger children's judgments were mainly influenced by the actual outcome, whereas older children factored in what could have been done differently.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 24, 2023·6 min read

Early Bipolar Diagnosis Linked to Lower Suicide Rates in Boys

Researchers identified that fewer teenage boys commit suicide in regions of Sweden where bipolar diagnoses are more common. This discovery highlights the potential of more proactive care in reducing suicides.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 23, 2023·10 min read

The Impact of Social Media on Youth Mental Health

The U.S. Surgeon General has issued an urgent advisory addressing the potential dangers of social media on the mental health of young people. Despite the potential benefits, the advisory highlights the risks social media poses to children and adolescents, with nearly 95% of 13-17-year-olds reporting usage. Acknowledging the ongoing youth mental health crisis, the Surgeon General calls for immediate action from policymakers, tech companies, researchers, and families to better understand and mitigate the effects of social media.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 23, 2023·4 min read

Social Media Filters Impacting Children’s Body Image

A majority of parents believe that social media image editing apps and appearance-related trends negatively affect their children's body image, according to a survey. The survey reports 69% of parents believe filters have a negative impact, while 65% are concerned about trends related to diet or exercise. To counteract this, On Our Sleeves urges parents to have open conversations about body positivity.

This shows a fat tailed dunnart surrounded by neurons.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 23, 2023·4 min read

Marsupial Brain Development Sheds Light on Human Neurodevelopment

The early stages of human brain development are mirrored in the brains of marsupials. Researchers observed that the neural activity patterns in the Australian fat-tailed dunnart, a marsupial species, resemble those in the human brain during gestation.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 23, 2023·5 min read

Higher Vitamin D Dose in Childhood Linked to Lower Mental Health Risk

A recent study suggests higher doses of Vitamin D3 supplementation during early childhood may reduce the risk of internalizing psychiatric symptoms in later years. The study, a part of the VIDI trial, observed the impact of the standard 10 µg and a tripled 30 µg dose of Vitamin D on children from the age of two weeks to two years.

This shows the outline of a dad, his child, and DNA.

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·May 22, 2023·3 min read

Unexpected Genetic Influence of Fathers in Autism

Researchers provide new insight into the genetic origins of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The study suggests that, contrary to long-standing beliefs, siblings with ASD may share more of their father's genome. The investigation involved analysis of over 6,000 volunteer families' genomes, revealing a potential new source of ASD.

This shows a toddler and cartoon bacteria.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 20, 2023·4 min read

Toddler Gut Bacteria Predicts Future Obesity

The composition and volume of gut bacteria in toddlers at the age of 3.5 can predict their body mass index (BMI) at age 5, regardless of prematurity at birth, a new study reports. Findings indicate alterations in gut microbiota linked with adult obesity might commence early in childhood. The study highlighted specific types of gut bacteria that are highly predictive of BMI at age 5.

This shows the outline of a child's head.

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·May 19, 2023·4 min read

Potential New Treatment for a Leading Cause of Autism

Researchers have identified a potential new treatment method for Fragile X Syndrome (FXS), a leading cause of autism spectrum disorders. The method involves contracting the CGG trinucleotide repeat in the FMR1 gene, thereby restoring the essential FMRP protein expression necessary for brain development.

This shows a child's head surrounded by wavy lines.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·May 18, 2023·5 min read

Prenatal Brain Genes Tied to Childhood Mental Illness Risk

The expression of certain genes in the brain before birth could influence the risk of developing various mental illnesses during childhood. Researchers found genetic patterns linked with adult psychiatric illnesses also correspond with psychiatric symptoms in children.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 17, 2023·7 min read

The Power of Friendship Counters Early Life Stress

A new study, based on 36 years of data from nearly 200 baboons, indicates that strong social bonds formed in adulthood can counteract the negative effects of adversity experienced early in life. These hardships, similar to human experiences of growing up in a tumultuous environment, can shorten their lifespan.