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This shows children taking memory tests

Exposure to air pollution before and after birth may affect fundamental cognitive abilities

Neuroscience News
Exposure to air pollution during pregnancy or during early life is linked to a reduction in cognitive abilities during child development. Greater fine particulate matter 2.5 exposure between fetal stage and 7 years old was associated with lower working memory scores in boys at age 10. Early life exposure to PM2.5 was also correlated with attention problems in both boys and girls.... Read More...
FeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles5 min read
This shows a pregnant woman making a heart shape with her hands over her belly

Don’t overdo omega-6 fat consumption during pregnancy

Neuroscience News
Consuming too much omega 6 during pregnancy has been linked to an increased risk of neurodevelopmental issues in babies and pregnancy complications. In mice who had higher levels of linoleic acid in their diets, researchers noted altered concentrations of inflammatory proteins and a decrease in hormones that regulate fetal growth and development. Researchers stress the effects of a high linoleic acid concentration in diet are the same for both animal models and humans.... Read More...
FeaturedNeuroscience3 min read
This shows a heatmap of pfc neurons

Possible link between autism and antidepressants use during pregnancy: Mouse Study

Neuroscience News
A new study in mice reveals a possible link between the use of SSRI antidepressants during pregnancy and an increased risk of autism-like symptoms in offspring. Offspring exposed to fluoxetine (Prozac) in utero were more likely to exhibit impaired neurotransmission caused by an overactive serotonin receptor in the prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain implicated in modulating social behaviors. However, treating the mice with a compound that blocks the receptor alleviated the behavioral problems and improved working memory.... Read More...
AutismFeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience ArticlesPsychology5 min read
This shows the lead research looking after a baby in a neonatal ward

Placental function linked to brain injuries associated with autism

Neuroscience News
Disruptions in the supply of allopregnanolone, a hormone created by the placenta late in pregnancy, to the developing fetus can leave children more vulnerable to brain injuries associated with ASD. Losing the supply of ALLO alters cerebellar development, an area of the brain critical for motor coordination and social cognition, impacting the post-birth development of cerebellar white matter. An experimental model revealed deficient cerebellar white matter resulted in social impairments and an increase in repetitive behaviors, two hallmark features associated with autism. ... Read More...
AutismFeaturedNeuroscience3 min read