Developmental Neuroscience
Articles tagged with Developmental Neuroscience
Using real-time brain signals to predict and prevent attention lapses in kids
Genetic risk of schizophrenia manifests in early adolescence, study shows
Children with high genetic susceptibility to schizophrenia show decreases in frontal cortical surface area during early adolescence, contrasting with regional expansion in those with low genetic susceptibility. This suggests neurodevelopmental deviations prior to symptom onset.
Tiny worms, with help from Brown University researchers, may hold key to treating rare childhood disease
A tiny cell structure with a big role in brain development
Researchers at University of California - Riverside discovered that the primary cilium, a microscopic structure inside nearly every cell, plays a critical role in brain development. The study found that proteins associated with the cilium are directly linked to human developmental disorders and that protein production occurs directly w...
Genomic Press launches Brain Health, a new peer-reviewed journal of lifelong brain resilience, with inaugural interview featuring Luísa Pinto on glial plasticity
Genomic Press launches Brain Health, a new peer-reviewed journal dedicated to the science of lifelong brain resilience, featuring research on glial plasticity and recovery from depression. The inaugural issue explores the intersection of fields including cognitive reserve, sleep, aging biology, nutritional psychiatry, and social sciences.
Safeguarding children in childcare: teacher confidence key to addressing trauma
A study by Adelaide University researchers found that teacher self-efficacy is critical in creating safe learning environments for young children experiencing trauma. Early years teachers play a vital role in supporting children's wellbeing and helping to break cycles of disadvantage.
Toxic PCBs, sex-biased genes, and the developing brain
Researchers at the UC Davis MIND Institute found that polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) alter genes more in females than males, with a key gene called XIST playing a protective role. Folic acid also shows promise in mitigating harmful effects of PCB exposure, particularly in women.
Optimizing a powerful tool for measuring brain activity
Research explores how differences in brain development, age, and sleep affect EEG signals recorded from awake individuals. The study reveals that brain signals during wakefulness depend on prior sleep, with effects differing between children and adults.
Building everyday behavioral skills in early childhood could shield young brains from prenatal stress
Researchers found that building everyday behavioral skills in early childhood can shield young brains from the detrimental effects of prenatal stress. Children with stronger adaptive skills showed comparable brain activation patterns to their unexposed peers, suggesting these skills may protect brain function.
Texas Children’s researcher awarded $6. 7 million NIH grant to accelerate Alzheimer’s drug discovery and advance new therapies
Researchers will use DNA-encoded chemical libraries and artificial intelligence to screen hundreds of millions of potential drug compounds, identifying those most likely to succeed in treating Alzheimer's. The project aims to shorten the timeline for identifying new treatments, bringing them to patients faster and with greater precision.
How do astrocytes contribute to fragile X syndrome?
Researchers from the Salk Institute found that astrocytes play a crucial role in fragile X syndrome symptoms. Correcting dysregulations in star-shaped brain cells improved some symptoms, including reduced seizures and restored molecular balances in a mouse model of FXS. The study validates the importance of studying astrocytes in FXS r...
Antisense oligonucleotide strategy reverses HNRNPH2-related neurodevelopmental disorder
Researchers found that an ASO strategy boosts expression of the closely related HNRNPH1 protein, reducing symptoms of HNRNPH2-related neurodevelopmental disorder. The study provides vital mechanistic data to support advancement of this promising therapy.
Ten early-career neuroscientists selected as 2026 Leon Levy Scholars across New York City
The 2026 cohort of Leon Levy Scholars in Neuroscience will pursue research projects addressing neurological disorders and developing new treatments. The program provides scientific and professional career development opportunities, including mentorship and networking.
Scientists engineer a tool to “edit” brain circuits and enhance memory
Researchers develop molecular tool called SynTrogo, which enables selective dismantling of synaptic connections in brain circuits. By harnessing astrocytes, the system reduces synapse number while strengthening remaining connections, leading to enhanced long-term potentiation and improved memory.
Scientists reverse brain aging, with a nasal spray
Researchers developed a nasal spray that reversibly reduces brain inflammation, restores cellular power plants, and improves memory. The treatment bypasses the brain's protective shield through intranasal delivery, suppressing chronic inflammation and promoting successful brain aging.
Unlocking secrets of human development: How early nerve cell choices shape the peripheral nervous system
Researchers have discovered that within the first few weeks of development, some embryo cells are already selected to take on particular roles in the peripheral nervous system. This finding overturns longstanding assumptions in biology and opens up new avenues for research into developmental diseases and potential therapies.
Rett syndrome study highlights potential for personalized treatments
A new study by MIT researchers uses advanced human cell cultures to model Rett syndrome, revealing distinct abnormalities caused by two different mutations of the MECP2 gene. The findings suggest that correcting key differences made by each mutation requires different treatments, paving the way for personalized therapies.
Teaching teens critical thinking could be key to challenging fake news, AI slop and toxic social media
Critical thinking skills are crucial for teenagers to spot fake news, resist online addiction and harms like sextortion and bullying. Parents and educators can equip teens with practical skills to evaluate sources, seek multiple perspectives and make informed decisions.
Epigenetic changes at birth are associated with an infant’s microbiome and neurodevelopment
A study found that epigenetic changes present at birth can impact an infant's gut microbiome development during their first year. The researchers also identified specific epigenetic changes and gut microbes associated with signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Chinese Medical Journal article white matter lesions modifying endovascular therapy outcomes in large ischemic core stroke: A secondary analysis of the ANGEL-ASPECT trial
A secondary analysis of the ANGEL-ASPECT trial found EVT to be beneficial for patients with anterior-circulation LVO and a large ischemic core and absent-to-moderate white matter lesions. In contrast, those with severe WMLs showed less pronounced benefits, suggesting uncertainty about EVT's efficacy in this subgroup.
New sensors lower the cost of studying genetic disorders
Researchers developed a new sensor called CAMEO to monitor electrical activity in human cerebral organoids, facilitating research into neurodevelopment and genetic disorders. The device is made of carbon nanotube strands, enabling low-cost and scalable monitoring.
Survey: Americans strongly support autism research — but most don’t know brain donation is needed to advance it
A new survey by Autism BrainNet reveals a significant disconnect between Americans' strong support for autism research and their limited understanding of postmortem brain donation. The survey found that 70% of respondents had never heard of brain donation, despite 92% agreeing its importance in advancing research.
University of Maryland School of Medicine researchers create revolutionary database to map neocortical development across species
Researchers created a pioneering database to map neocortical development across species using multiomic data from 188 studies. They discovered that humans take longer than mice to reach full molecular maturity, and gene regulation plays a key role in brain disorders.
Broad collaboration produces high-resolution atlas of developing human brain
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have created a detailed cellular roadmap of human brain development, utilizing data from nearly 200 studies and 30 million cells. The atlas provides insight into genetic links and pathways involved in conditions like autism spectrum disorder and Alzheimer's disease.
Exploring preterm baby brain development
Researchers discovered that mild hypoxia shortly after birth hinders learning and memory into adulthood through altered neuron-to-neuron communication in the hippocampus. The study also found a second protein involved in hypoxia's effects on this channel's functioning, which was restored when targeted.
Mitochondria identified as key player in a rare disease causing microcephaly
A study led by Dr. Marco Milán identified mitochondria as a key player in a rare disease causing microcephaly, a condition where the brain develops to a smaller size. The researchers found that mitochondria dysfunction leads to proteotoxic stress, causing cells to accumulate errors in chromosome distribution, resulting in microcephaly.
Toward autonomous self-organizing biological robots with a nervous system
In a breakthrough study, researchers successfully integrated neuronal precursor cells into biobots, resulting in the formation of functional nervous systems. This development has significant implications for neuroscience, bioengineering, and regenerative medicine, enabling the investigation of fundamental questions about the origin of ...
Intensive therapy approaches benefit infants and toddlers with cerebral palsy
A new trial found that infants and toddlers with unilateral cerebral palsy show significant improvements in hand and arm function when receiving early, high-dose therapy. The study suggests that multiple approaches can help children build critical motor skills, providing families and clinicians with evidence-based options.
Mapping the lifelong behavior of killifish reveals an architecture of vertebrate aging
Researchers tracked killifish behavior from adolescence to death, mapping aging trajectories and identifying distinct behavioral stages. Long-lived fish displayed more vigorous bursts of movement and less daytime sleep, while short-lived individuals had disrupted activity patterns and increased daytime sleep.
New research reveals how development and sex shape the brain
Researchers have created the first high-resolution molecular atlas of the adult Drosophila melanogaster brain, uncovering how neurons retain a record of their developmental origins. The study found that the genetic diversity of neurons is far greater than previously thought, and that sex differences arise through selective neuronal sur...
Altered brain networks in newborns with congenital heart disease
Research reveals altered brain networks in newborns with congenital heart disease, which may be linked to sensory perception, movement, and social behavior. After corrective surgery, these brain networks are improved, suggesting that cardiac surgery can improve brain health.
Scientists identify the gatekeeper of retinal progenitor cell identity
Researchers discovered Setd8 enzyme preserves retinal progenitor cell flexibility, enabling potential regenerative vision therapies. The study highlights a potential target for repairing damaged retinas, with implications for regenerative medicine and ophthalmology.
Keeping neurons on the right path
Researchers identify nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) as a central mediator of neuronal migration and cortical lamination. The study reveals that UPF2, a core component of NMD machinery, is essential for proper neuron migration and brain development.
Dopamine selects, astrocytes refine: a new mechanism for motor-learning circuit rewiring
A new study reveals that astrocytes actively participate in motor-learning circuit rewiring by eliminating synapses in the striatum. The research identifies MEGF10 as a key molecular mediator of this process, which is regulated by dopamine signaling and neural activity.
Schizophrenia: from neurobiology to novel therapies - a comprehensive review
Researchers review schizophrenia mechanisms, including neurotransmitter dysregulation and immune dysfunction, to develop next-generation therapies. Promising treatments include TAAR1 agonists, muscarinic modulators, NMDA receptor enhancers, and probiotics targeting the gut-brain axis.
Decoding developing brain rhythms with scalable human neuron networks
Researchers created a simplified, scalable human cell model to study coordinated brain rhythms. They found that inhibitory signaling mediated by GABA helped promote sleep and prevent seizures, while potassium channel perturbations influenced rhythmic organization in distinct ways.
Papadelis to lead new pediatric brain research center
The UTA Pediatric Brain Health and Neurosciences Center will focus on developing novel treatments for drug-resistant epilepsy in children. Dr. Papadelis' team has already made significant discoveries in identifying the epileptogenic zone and predicting surgical outcomes.
Federation of European Neuroscience Societies Forum 2026, 6-10 July, Barcelona, Spain
The FENS Forum 2026 will be Europe's largest neuroscience congress, covering areas of basic to translational research. Journalists can register for free and attend symposia and poster sessions.
“I see a rubber duck” – neuroscientists use AI to discover babies categorize objects in the brain at just two months old
Researchers used AI to analyze brain activity of 130 two-month-old infants, discovering that they can categorize objects in their brains at just two months old. This challenges earlier thought and highlights the richness of brain function in the first year of life.
New research reveals how the brain turns experience into memory — with help from a tiny protein
A new study from the Stowers Institute has identified a mechanism that makes fleeting moments unforgettable, revealing a critical step in forming long-lasting memories. The research discovered a specific type of chaperone protein that allows proteins to change shape and form functional amyloids that house long-term memory.
Beyond chemistry: How mechanical forces shape brain wiring
A recent study reveals that tissue stiffness regulates the production of key signaling molecules in the brain, using the mechanosensitive protein Piezo1. This discovery opens new avenues for understanding development and tackling diseases such as cancer.
Understanding right- or left-hand dominance could open a window into the autistic brain
A new study at York University found autistic adults who are right-handed demonstrate a reduced specialization of hand use and more distinctive movement patterns. Autistic participants used their right hand less often for grasping and followed highly unique, idiosyncratic paths.
How a unique class of neurons may set the table for brain development
A new MIT study reveals that somatostatin-expressing neurons follow a unique trajectory when forming connections in the visual cortex, establishing conditions needed for sensory refinement. These inhibitory neurons help usher in the critical period by setting baseline inhibition levels.
How stressors during pregnancy impact the developing fetal brain
A new study maps the impact of stressors during pregnancy on the developing fetal brain, revealing a cell atlas and identifying key immune pathways. The research sheds light on how maternal gut-immune disruptions can shape neurodevelopmental disorders in children.
From fungi to brain cells: one scientist's winding path reveals how epigenomics shapes neural destiny
Dr. Maria Margarita Behrens' work deciphers the molecular signatures defining every human brain cell type, shedding light on neural development and psychiatric disorders. Her single-cell epigenomic atlases will enable researchers to target specific cell types with unprecedented precision.
Infant brain development reflects families’ financial ability to meet everyday needs
A new study finds that infants' brain activity is influenced by their caregivers' reported income sufficiency, with delayed maturation seen in households where income was never adequate. The research suggests that policies strengthening families' basic needs during infancy may have lasting developmental benefits.
Boston Children’s receives a $7.5 million grant from Aligning Research to Impact Autism (ARIA) to provide clinical research coordination for the IMPACT Network
Boston Children's Hospital will provide clinical research coordination for the IMPACT Network, a multisite clinical trial infrastructure enabling rapid and effective therapeutic development for autism. The grant, from ARIA, will support the development of study design protocols, recruitment strategies, and efficient workflows.
How do brains stay stable, and when might a dose of flexibility be helpful?
Scientists at Salk Institute find protein CCN1, secreted by astrocytes, maintains stable neural circuits in adult brains. The discovery could lead to new therapeutics for brain injury and stroke.
Researchers identify Tapt1 gene as essential maintainer of protein synthesis and brain development
Researchers have identified Tapt1 as a key gene in maintaining the balance between protein synthesis and degradation, crucial for normal brain development. The study reveals that Tapt1, along with its partner Suco, ensures proper neural stem cell proliferation and differentiation.
Researchers map how the cerebellum builds its connections with the rest of the brain during early development
A team of researchers has reconstructed how the cerebellum establishes its connections with the rest of the brain during earliest stages of life. The work describes the phases in which these neural connections emerge, expand, and are refined, offering a comprehensive map of cerebellar projections across the mouse brain.
How maternal distress affects neurological development in children: New study sheds light
A new study found that maternal psychological distress experienced at 1 year postpartum has a stronger association with neurodevelopmental delay in toddlers compared to prenatal distress. The researchers also discovered that experiencing distress during both pregnancy and postpartum periods further amplifies the risk of delays.
Next-generation neuro: Studying the infant brain in motion
Researchers at Virginia Tech's Fralin Biomedical Research Institute are developing tools to gather high-quality brain function data during infancy, enabling studies on brain development and potential risk factors for disorders. The study aims to capture real-time brain activity during natural social interactions.
Scientists identify five ages of the human brain over a lifetime
Researchers identified five phases of brain structure, each supported by four turning points between birth and death, revealing key developments in cognitive performance, neural efficiency, and regional compartmentalization. The study provides context for understanding why brains develop differently at various stages of life.
Evidence suggests early developing human brains are preconfigured with instructions for understanding the world
Researchers found that early brain firings occur in structured patterns without external experiences, suggesting a genetically encoded blueprint. This discovery can help better understand neurodevelopmental disorders and the impact of toxins on the developing brain.
Higher screen time linked to ADHD symptoms and altered brain development
Researchers found a significant link between longer screen time and increased ADHD symptoms, as well as developmental abnormalities in brain structure. The study suggests that excessive screen exposure may contribute to delayed brain maturation patterns in children with ADHD.
Calcium “waves” shape flies’ eyes
A new study reveals that fruit flies have retinal waves of calcium activity during development, shaping their growing eyes and creating a precisely ordered architecture. These waves refine connections in the visual brain while also playing a key role in building the physical architecture of the eye.
MIT study shows how vision can be rebooted in adults with amblyopia
A new MIT study reveals that temporarily anesthetizing the retina of the amblyopic eye can restore its neural connections and improve vision in adulthood. The treatment, which has been shown to be effective in infancy and early childhood, may have promising clinical potential for adults with amblyopia.
DNA methylation patterns in newborns point to susceptibility to schizophrenia
Researchers identified distinct epigenetic signatures in cord blood linked to increased schizophrenia and other neurodevelopmental conditions. Newborns with higher genetic susceptibility showed differences in DNA methylation patterns, especially in immune-related regions.
Is shaping brain activity a mechanical process? An international research team provides new insights
A recent study published in Nature Communications reveals that the mechanical properties of the developing brain play a significant role in synapse formation and electrical signal emergence. The researchers found that softer regions exhibit higher synapse densities, while stiffer regions show lower densities.