New research published in Human Brain Mapping reveals sex differences and developmental changes in the brain’s white matter—which provides communication between different parts of the brain—in healthy, typically developing infants and 5-year-olds.
The results, which highlighted sexual dimorphism in brain structure during development with significant detectable differences in multiple regions at the age of 5 years, agree with prior studies showing earlier brain development in females.
Also, changes in white matter asymmetry patterns occurred during early childhood, and in 5-year-olds the pattern already resembled adult-like patterns.
“We observed sex differences in white matter microstructure of 5-year-olds that may, in light of previous literature, be a transient feature during brain development,” said corresponding author Venla Kumpulainen, MSc, MD, of the University of Turku, in Finland. “More investigations are required to examine whether these findings associate with developmental cognitive and emotional differences between girls and boys.”
URL upon publication: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/hbm.26238
Additional Information
NOTE: The information contained in this release is protected by copyright. Please include journal attribution in all coverage. For more information or to obtain a PDF of any study, please contact: Sara Henning-Stout, newsroom@wiley.com .
About the Journal
Human Brain Mapping publishes peer-reviewed basic, clinical, technical, and theoretical research in the interdisciplinary and rapidly expanding field of human brain mapping.
About Wiley
Wiley is one of the world’s largest publishers and a global leader in scientific research and career-connected education. Founded in 1807, Wiley enables discovery, powers education, and shapes workforces. Through its industry-leading content, digital platforms, and knowledge networks, the company delivers on its timeless mission to unlock human potential. Visit us at Wiley.com . Follow us on Facebook , Twitter , LinkedIn and Instagram .
Human Brain Mapping
Sex differences, asymmetry and age-related white matter development in infants and 5-year-olds as assessed with Tract-Based Spatial Statistics
22-Mar-2023