FeaturedNeuroscience·January 17, 2025·5 min readPregnancy Reshapes Mom’s Brain, Reducing Gray MatterPregnancy leads to a 4.9% reduction in gray matter volume in 94% of the brain, with partial recovery postpartum, primarily in regions tied to social cognition. A groundbreaking neuroimaging study analyzed brain changes in 179 women, including non-gestational mothers, revealing that these changes are biologically driven by pregnancy hormones rather than the experience of motherhood.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·November 15, 2024·5 min readAntiseizure Drugs in Pregnancy Linked to Neurodevelopmental RisksResearch suggests that certain antiseizure medications taken during pregnancy may increase the risk of neurodevelopmental conditions in children. Drugs like valproate, topiramate, and carbamazepine were associated with specific risks, including autism and intellectual disability, while lamotrigine was found to pose little to no additional risk.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·October 28, 2024·5 min readPrenatal Cannabis Use Linked to Child Aggression and Cognitive DeficitsPrenatal exposure to cannabis can negatively impact children’s thinking and behavioral skills, including impulse control, attention, and aggression, which are key for academic and social success. The study observed preschool-aged children with prenatal cannabis exposure and found they showed poorer control over impulses and emotions.Read More
AutismFeaturedNeuroscience·October 17, 2024·4 min readFolic Acid Reduces Lead’s Impact on Autism RiskA study has shown that folic acid supplementation during pregnancy may reduce the link between maternal blood lead levels and autistic-like behaviors in children. By examining data from pregnant women and their toddlers, researchers found stronger associations between lead exposure and autism traits in cases of low folic acid intake.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·October 10, 2024·6 min readEarly Alcohol Exposure Leaves Molecular Signature in Fetal PlacentaA recent study shows that alcohol exposure in the earliest stages of pregnancy can lead to detectable molecular changes in the late-gestation placenta, even influencing gene expression through DNA methylation. These changes, particularly in growth and neurotransmitter pathways, could have lasting effects on fetal development, potentially impacting future health. Interestingly, the impact varies by sex, affecting growth-related genes in males and serotonin-related genes in females.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·October 4, 2024·5 min readLong-term Impact of Prenatal Cannabis Exposure ExploredA study examining the effects of prenatal exposure to synthetic cannabinoids in rats found that the drug leads to long-term health issues in their offspring. Male rats showed an increased sensitivity to CO2, making them more prone to panic-like behavior, while females exhibited cardiovascular problems like hypertension and tachycardia.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·September 27, 2024·4 min readCannabis Use in Pregnancy Alters Genes in Developing BrainNew research has found that cannabis use during pregnancy can cause molecular changes in the genes of exposed children, impacting brain development. The study identified significant DNA alterations in genes related to neurodevelopment, suggesting a direct link between prenatal cannabis exposure and developmental issues.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·September 26, 2024·3 min readPoor Sleep in Pregnancy Linked to Developmental RisksNew research suggests that pregnant women who get less than seven hours of sleep per night may have a higher risk of having children with neurodevelopmental delays. The study, involving over 7,000 mother-child pairs, found that children of mothers with short sleep duration (SSD) were more likely to experience delays in cognitive, behavioral, and motor skills.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·September 22, 2024·4 min readBrain Activity May Help Predict Risk of Postpartum DepressionNew research suggests that increased activity in the brain's amygdala during pregnancy may indicate a higher risk of postpartum depression. A study comparing pregnant and non-pregnant women found that those with higher amygdala activity struggled more with emotional regulation and reported more depression symptoms.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·September 21, 2024·5 min readPregnancy Dramatically Reshapes the BrainA new study provides the first detailed map of brain changes during pregnancy, showing significant neuroplasticity in adults. Researchers found a decrease in gray matter volume and a temporary increase in white matter in a pregnant brain.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·August 21, 2024·5 min readProbiotic During Pregnancy May Boost Fetal Brain DevelopmentA study in mice shows that the probiotic Bifidobacterium breve, when taken by mothers during pregnancy, enhances fetal brain development by improving nutrient transport and growth processes. The findings suggest that altering the maternal gut microbiome with probiotics could be a non-pharmaceutical strategy to support healthy fetal growth, particularly in cases of fetal growth restriction. Further research is needed to confirm these effects in humans and explore how probiotics interact with other gut bacteria during pregnancy.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·July 5, 2024·6 min readPrenatal Cannabis Use Impacts Brain DevelopmentA new study suggests prenatal cannabis exposure may influence long-term brain development and mental health. Researchers used data from the ABCD Study to examine neuroimaging of children exposed to cannabis in utero.Read More
