Latest

neurodevelopment

·May 16, 2023·5 min read

Memory Mechanics: How Young Brains Transition from Gist to Episodic Memory

Researchers discovered key molecular mechanisms that shift children's memory formation from general or "gist-like" to event-based or "episodic". This change in memory formation typically occurs between ages four and six. The study identified that the maturation of inhibitory cells called parvalbumin-expressing (PV) interneurons, wrapped by a dense matrix called the perineuronal net, enables memory specificity and appropriately sized engrams.

This shows the outline of a head and a brain.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·May 15, 2023·5 min read

Schizophrenia Risk Genes: Placenta’s Role May Outweigh Brain’s

In a paradigm shift, researchers found over 100 genes associated with schizophrenia risk operate primarily through their role in the placenta, rather than the developing brain. The research emphasizes the placenta's significance in illness development, challenging the century-old assumption that genes for schizophrenia risk primarily affect the brain.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 13, 2023·3 min read

Stress Hormone in Pregnancy Bolsters Child’s Early Language Skills

Higher cortisol levels, a stress hormone, during the third trimester of pregnancy may boost speech and language skills in early childhood. A new study analyzed data from over 1,000 Danish women and children, finding that boys exposed to high prenatal cortisol levels could say more words, while girls understood more words at an earlier age.

This shows myelinated axons in the brain

Featured Neuroscience

·May 5, 2023·4 min read

Unique Omega-3 Fatty Acid Lipid Could Revolutionize Our Understanding of Brain Development and Aging

Researchers identified a special transporter protein, Mfsd2a, that plays a critical role in regulating the brain cells responsible for protecting nerves with myelin sheaths. Loss of myelin sheaths can occur during the normal aging process and in neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease. Findings indicate LPC omega-3 lipids can direct oligodendrocyte development, a process that is critical for brain myelination.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 4, 2023·5 min read

Higher Risk of Psychiatric Disorders for Children Exposed to Epilepsy Drugs During Pregnancy

A new study from Aarhus University indicates that certain types of epilepsy medication taken during pregnancy may increase the risk of severe psychiatric disorders in children. The research found a worrying link between the antiseizure medication valproate and the child's risk of developing psychiatric disorders such as autism, ADHD and intellectual disability. The study underscores the need for more research to help pregnant women with epilepsy and their doctors make informed decisions about the use of medicine during pregnancy.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 2, 2023·4 min read

The Long-Term Effects of Fetal Alcohol Exposure on Brain Development

A recent study investigated the effects of fetal alcohol exposure on brain development in neonatal mice. The study found that ethanol-induced neonatal apoptosis often causes immediate neuron deficits that persist into adulthood. Some brain regions are more vulnerable to ethanol-induced neuron loss than others, with the anterior thalamic nuclei showing the greatest loss of neurons. The study highlights the importance of identifying vulnerable brain regions for potential therapeutic interventions and may inform strategies for preventing or mitigating the long-term consequences of alcohol exposure during critical periods of brain development.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 1, 2023·4 min read

New Study Identifies 4 Key Profiles to Assess Self-Harm Risk in Children

A new study aimed to determine which children are at elevated risk for self-harm events. The study identified four distinct profiles of psychiatric comorbidity in children and adolescents with varying levels of risk for a serious self-harm event. The four profiles can be used to better inform clinical decision-making by providing a better assessment of the overall risk of self-harm, according to the study. Further investigation is needed to validate these risk profiles in larger populations and develop prognostic and clinical decision support applications that provide real-time risk assessments for providers.

This shows the outline of a head and a sunset

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·April 29, 2023·5 min read

Focusing on Mental Imagery Helps Teens Break Free From Negativity

Negative rumination can be improved by using mental imagery for teens, a new study reports. Mental imagery appears to improve negative affect and helps regulate the nervous system, the researchers reported. While researchers were unable to answer why mental imagery was so effective, they hypothesised imagery is more immersive and requires greater effort, creating a greater emotional response and thus a larger distraction.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·April 28, 2023·4 min read

Children and Adults Process Social Interactions Differently: Study Reveals Key Differences in Brain Activation

A new study found brain differences between adults and children that potentially explain developmental differences in social interaction understanding. The study showed that children and adults might employ different strategies for interaction understanding: Adults rely more on observable, body-based information, while children engage more in effortful reasoning about what others are thinking and feeling during an interaction.

Featured Neuroscience

·April 27, 2023·7 min read

Artificial Intelligence Identifies Infants at Risk of Blinding Disease

Researchers have developed a deep learning AI tool that can automate the diagnostics of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a leading cause of childhood blindness. The tool was found to be as effective as senior pediatric ophthalmologists in discriminating normal retinal images from those with ROP that could lead to blindness, and the researchers hope it will improve access to care in underserved areas and prevent blindness in thousands of newborns worldwide.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·April 27, 2023·5 min read

Identification of DNA Methylation Markers in Newborns for Increased Schizophrenia Risk

Researchers identified DNA methylation markers that may indicate the risk of developing schizophrenia later in life in newborns. This breakthrough discovery could allow for early detection and intervention to reduce the impact of the disease. By studying blood samples collected at birth, the team was able to identify unique methylation differences in cell types that could become potential clinical biomarkers for future early detection of schizophrenia.

Featured Neuroscience

·April 26, 2023·6 min read

Shaping Minds: How the Immune System Molds Rat Brains in Development

Immune system cells in female rat brains consume and digest neurons, sculpting a specific brain region during development and potentially impacting behavior. This insight into the interplay between biological sex, the immune system, and brain development may pave the way for understanding why certain brain disorders are more prevalent in one sex and could inform future treatments or prevention strategies.