A genome-wide association study found genetic variants that influence head circumference and intracranial volume in 46,000 adults and children, revealing stable genetic influences during development. The study identified 9 novel loci associated with large effects on head circumference, including a rare variant of the TP53 gene.
Researchers found Neandertal DNA fragments on chromosomes 1 and 18 associated with less globular brains, altering activity of genes UBR4 and PHLPP1. These fragments influence brain globularity in the basal ganglia and cerebellum.
Preliterate 6-year-olds outperformed their peers on grammatical relations, but struggled with novel words. After six months of reading instruction, the advantage disappeared, suggesting that literacy may come at a cost.
The study used event-related potentials to assess grammatical gender processing in German, revealing that participants found it difficult to process sentences with mismatches. Grammatically masculine role-nouns seem to be interpreted as specific to men, yet are regularly used to refer to all genders.
Researchers found neural dynamics predict future speech timing based on past speech rate, influencing word comprehension. The study suggests that brain activity synchronizes to speech rhythms, affecting how we process and hear words.
Scientists have identified genetic variants associated with synaesthesia, revealing a connection between genes involved in brain cell wiring and the condition. The study provides new insights into the biology of synaesthesia, a trait that runs in families and can manifest differently in each individual.
A new study found that learning to read in adulthood reorganizes deep brain structures, including the thalamus and brainstem, which helps filter visual input. This process enhances reading capabilities, with better alignment of signal timings between brain regions leading to improved navigation through texts.
A study found a link between defects in non-coding DNA and severe language impairment, as well as other neurodevelopmental disorders. Variants in the 3'UTRome region of the genome were associated with changes in protein expression, which may contribute to these conditions.
A study found that genetic differences in the spinal cord of embryos contribute to handedness, with the left side maturing faster than the right. This early difference may trigger later brain asymmetries, including language dominance in most adults.
Research reveals that genes affecting social communication in children overlap with those for autism and schizophrenia, but influence risk differently at various stages of development. This study provides new insights into the genetic basis of psychiatric disorders and their relationship to social competence.