Articles tagged with Developmental Neuroscience
A recent study has found that chromosomal 22q11.2 deletions increase the risk of meningomyelocele, a severe form of spina bifida, by up to 23 times compared to the general population. Folate supplementation may partially alleviate this risk.
Researchers have developed a novel rigid endoscope system for visible-to-OTN hyperspectral imaging, enabling non-destructive imaging and visualization of lesions in normal tissues. The system demonstrated high accuracy in classifying molecular vibration information of various targets with an OTN wavelength range.
Researchers used a new brain mapping tool called BARseq to classify and map millions of neurons across nine mouse brains. They discovered that sensory inputs influence the cellular signatures of each brain region, leading to distinct 'signatures' akin to cellular ID cards.
A new study found that mums with insecure attachment traits showed more brain-to-brain synchrony with their children, while fathers and children had stronger brain-to-brain synchrony. The research suggests that high or low synchrony can signal interaction difficulties in families.
UNM researchers found that even low to moderate alcohol use during pregnancy can contribute to subtle changes in prenatal development, including lower birth length and shorter gestation duration. Sex-specific differences were also observed, with male infants affected more by the effects of drinking during pregnancy.
A new study suggests that anxiety and depression in younger women may accelerate the development of cardiovascular risk factors, putting them at nearly par with men of the same age. The researchers found that these mental health conditions were associated with a much higher relative risk among young women than seen in other groups.
A study by UPF found that six-month-old babies can predict the actions of people who speak their native language, but not those who speak an unfamiliar language. This suggests that infants' ability to predict others' behavior is linked to the language they speak and may be influenced by social factors.
A new study highlights the importance of differentiating between formal and functional competence in language learning models. Researchers argue that leveraging human neuroscience insights can help develop more powerful AIs that mimic the brain's modularity, leading to improved performance and natural user interaction.
A new study published in JAMA Dermatology reveals that children with atopic dermatitis are more likely to experience difficulties in learning and memory. The research suggests that neurodevelopmental comorbidities such as ADHD or learning disabilities may play a key role in this association.
A family in Colombia has provided valuable insights into the genetic form of Alzheimer's disease. Researchers found that individuals with the mutation develop sticky plaques between neurons prematurely, differing from sporadic cases. The study suggests distinct treatment approaches may be needed for early-onset and sporadic cases.
Researchers have developed a stem cell culture model that resembles all three sections of the embryonic brain and spinal cord. The model sheds light on developmental brain diseases and offers possibilities for studying human brain development and disease.
Researchers developed a wireless device powered by light that can be implanted to regulate cardiovascular or neural activity in the body. The ultralight membrane is thinner than a human hair and contains no moving parts, offering a minimally invasive surgery alternative.
Researchers developed a high-speed modulation system combining digital display with super-resolution imaging, significantly improving lateral and axial resolution. This enables detailed study of subcellular structures in animal cells and plant ultrastructures, paving the way for future biological discoveries.
A King's College London study analyzed brain scans from 390 babies, revealing distinct patterns of dynamic functional connectivity in term and pre-term infants. These patterns were linked to development outcomes in movement, language, cognition, and social behavior at 18 months.
The American Heart Association and The Children's Heart Foundation have pledged over $10 million in funding to research congenital heart defects. Researchers will advance their work to improve diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of CHDs, giving more children a chance to grow into healthy adults.
A new study examined data from citizen scientists using a simple web-based motor test, providing unique insights into how people correct for motor control errors. The results show that adaptation peaks between 35 and 45 years of age, with demographic variables such as gender, age, and visual impairment impacting motor adaptation.
Researchers discovered the brain uses a process called temporal scaling to adjust processing of time, allowing for flexibility in behavior. This finding may have implications for understanding how our brains enable us to interact with the world.
A new study found that propranolol, a medication for high blood pressure, can lower anxiety levels in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. The study involved 69 patients and showed significantly reduced anxiety levels compared to a placebo group.
Researchers developed a novel hybrid approach combining traditional mathematical methods and cutting-edge machine learning to improve EIT analysis of building structures. The new method, called AND, reduces errors in reconstructing foreign objects' position and size compared to conventional EIT methods.
Researchers at the University of Toronto found that the liver generates palmitic acid and sends it to the developing brain when dietary levels are low. The study highlights the importance of palmitic acid for brain health, particularly during development.
A new study links increased acetaminophen use during pregnancy, particularly in the second trimester, to noticeable increases in attention and behavior problems in 2-, 3- and 4-year-olds. The study found modest but notable increases in attention-related issues and ADHD-type behaviors with increasing acetaminophen use.
A new study found that changes in brain function, specifically the auditory sensory memory system, may be a potential biomarker for Batten disease. Researchers measured brain activity using electroencephalography (EEG) and found a decline in response as the disease progressed.
Scientists have developed mini-brains from human fetal brain tissue that self-organize in vitro. These lab-grown organoids can study brain development and disease, including brain tumors. They offer a valuable means to untangle the complex network of molecules involved in directing brain development.
Researchers developed a novel low-invasive neural recording technique for diabetic mice, overcoming tissue damage and enabling stable recordings for an entire month. This breakthrough technology has significant potential for broader applications, including drug discovery and brain-machine interface development.
Neuronal activity stimulates gene expression in human brain cells by influencing transcription factors and chromatin modifiers, particularly CREB and CBP. The interaction between CREB and DNA requires prior acetylation mediated by CBP to activate gene expression.
A world-first brain stimulation treatment is being developed to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease and epilepsy using ultrasound technology. The endovascular focused ultrasound technique could significantly improve the quality of life for thousands of people living with neurological diseases.
Researchers have mapped the lineage of neural stem cells in the superior colliculus, revealing an exceptional capacity to generate different types of neurons. The study also found that neural stem cells retain their ability to produce any type of neuron until the end of development.
Researchers used NIRS to track oxygenated hemoglobin levels in infant brains responding to gentle touch. They found similar response times across age groups, but varying signal amplitudes that may be linked to changes in blood flow and erythropoietin production.
A study found that prenatal discrimination and acculturation stress can alter the strength of infant brain circuits, potentially leading to increased risk for mental health disorders. The research suggests a critical role in treating individuals with kindness during pregnancy.
Researchers use AI to develop dynamic modeling of brain graphs, capturing dynamics in continuous time for more accurate predictions and personalized treatment of brain diseases. The project aims to track disease development in individual patients and identify biomarkers associated with brain disorders.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have discovered how Lactobacillus, a bacterium found in fermented foods and yogurt, influences mood disorders. The findings suggest that maintaining a healthy level of Lactobacillus may help prevent depression and anxiety by regulating immune response to stress.
Researchers at Mainz University and the US-American BENFRA Center have demonstrated the effect of botanical products used in traditional Asiatic medicine on depressive states in fruit flies. The plants Withania somnifera and Centella asiatica enhanced resilience to chronic stress, alleviating symptoms of depression.
A novel AI system analyzing brain MRI scans can diagnose autism in children between 24 and 48 months with a 98.5% accuracy rate. This technology enables early detection of autism, potentially leading to improved independence, IQs, and therapeutic outcomes.
A study of 1.3 million Canadian children found a higher risk of autism spectrum disorder in those born to parents with infertility. The research suggests that certain obstetrical and neonatal factors may contribute to this increased risk, highlighting the need for further exploration of these factors in individuals with infertility.
A new study has uncovered the molecular causes of a rare developmental brain condition in children, known as Autosomal Recessive ACBD6-related disorder. The research team identified defects in the acyl-CoA-binding domain-containing protein 6 (ACBD6) gene as the underlying cause, leading to delays in cognitive and motor skills development.
A study by Dr Lixin Ren found that extracurricular activities have a limited impact on math skills in preschool children, with effects dependent on behavioral regulation and approaches to learning. For children with poor self-regulation skills, structured activities can improve early math skills.
A national-level study found that the median UVC dwell time was 7 days, and CLABSI incidence did not differ significantly between 0-7 days and 7-15 days. The study also highlighted high rates of antibiotic exposure without reduction in CLABSI rates, emphasizing the need for nuanced approaches to antibiotic administration.
A study by Nagoya University found that children with a genetic predisposition to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) used screens for longer periods. Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) also increased their screen time as they grew older, suggesting a potential link between genetic risk and excessive screen use.
A large study of 91,460 mother-offspring pairs found no link between prenatal corticosteroid and beta-2 adrenergic agonist exposure and offspring neurodevelopmental issues. The findings suggest these medications are safe for pregnant individuals with asthma.
The WVU School of Medicine and Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources will support clinical trials and engineering technology development. The project aims to improve care and rehabilitation for people with neurological disorders through novel physician-engineer programs and human research.
A team of researchers led by Saptarshi Das is working on developing an all-in-one semiconductor device that can both store data and perform computations. The device uses ferroelectric materials, which can be both stored in and used for computing, offering a potential solution to the limitations of current technology.
The Open Encyclopedia of Cognitive Science (OECS) is a dynamic web reference that will equip readers with essential tools to grapple with the profound implications of cognition and intelligence in today's society. With generous funding from James S. McDonnell Foundation and the Allen Institute for AI, the first set of articles will be ...
A new study suggests that transcranial ultrasound stimulation can be used to change specific types of activity within the brain, paving the way for targeted treatments of mental health conditions. The research found that TUS induced significant changes in GABA concentration and altered communication between brain regions.
The study reveals 15 distinct macrophage subtypes, including microglia-like cells and proangiogenic macrophages, which play critical roles in early tissue development. Macrophages were found to influence neural crest cell differentiation and contribute to vascular development during prenatal stages.
Researchers used Drosophila to investigate how similar neurons develop unique properties through differential gene expression. The study found that two closely related neuron types differed in over 800 genes, leading to distinct functional characteristics.
A randomized clinical trial found that maternal lifestyle interventions during pregnancy based on a Mediterranean diet or mindfulness-based stress reduction significantly improved child neurodevelopmental outcomes. The study included 626 children and showed that these interventions can have long-lasting effects on a child's development...
Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a new method using nanopores to advance discoveries in neuroscience and medical applications. The technique allows for real-time detection of dynamic aptamer-small molecule interactions, which can aid in understanding DNA and RNA diseases and drug discovery.
A new study by Northwestern University found that non-Hispanic Black individuals have a significantly higher rate of pre-term births compared to non-Hispanic white individuals. Pre-pregnancy cardiovascular health and social determinants of health explain racial differences in preterm birth rates.
A recent study published in Nature Mental Health emphasizes the need for further research on sex differences in depression. The study, led by Georgia Hodes and Dawson Kropp, aims to uncover effective and sex-specific biomarkers for depression onset and target better treatment options.
A breakthrough in photonic memory has been achieved, enabling fast volatile modulation and nonvolatile weight storage for rapid training of optical neural networks. The 5-bit photonic memory utilizes a low-loss PCM antimonite to achieve rapid response times and energy-efficient processing.
A new geometric deep learning model called GFCN has been developed to detect stroke lesions in brain imaging scans. The model leverages rich geometric information to segment brain tissue and achieves higher segmentation performance than other neural network architectures.
A team of researchers from Kyoto University and international institutions has developed a mathematical solution to the temporal asymmetry of nonequilibrium disordered Ising networks. This breakthrough offers insights into the behavior of biological systems, machine learning, and AI tools.
HaoSheng Sun, assistant professor at University of Alabama at Birmingham, has been selected as a Freeman Hrabowski scholar by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. He will receive up to $8.6 million over 10 years to advance his research on neural development and plasticity.
Researchers found that a protein called phosphatidylinositol-4 kinase (PI4-kinase) acts as a 'hub' for brain communication by regulating bulk endocytosis. The molecule sustains neurotransmitter release during high brain activity, which is crucial for brain function.
The study reveals that spontaneous waves of neurotransmitter glutamate facilitate dendrite pruning, while a unique protection/punishment machinery strengthens certain connections and eliminates others. Proper pruning is critical for neural development, with insufficient or excessive connections linked to neurophysiological disorders.
Researchers from Tel Aviv University and UCLA developed a method to improve memory consolidation by inducing deep-brain stimulation during sleep. The study found that precise timing of electrical stimulation enhances synchronization between the hippocampus and frontal cortex, leading to improved accuracy in recalling memories.
Adolescent neurostimulation of dopamine circuitry may reverse genetic deficits in frontal cortex function, rescuing structural and behavioral deficits caused by disorders. Researchers identified critical windows in brain development where interventions can target and change the course of diseases.
Researchers have identified a molecular mechanism underlying the change from gist-like to episodic memory in mice, suggesting that as interneurons mature, they enable memory specificity. This finding has implications for understanding child development research and conditions affecting the brain, such as autism spectrum disorder.
Researchers developed a neural device that detects specific neurotransmitters in the brain, enabling new brain research methods for prevention and treatment of diseases. The device combines multifunctional fibers and DNA molecular probes, providing high sensitivity and selectivity.
A team of researchers has developed an AI tool called CRANK-MS that uses neural networks to analyze biomarkers in patients' bodily fluids and predict Parkinson's disease onset with an accuracy of up to 96%. The tool may help identify early warning signs for the disease, which can be challenging to diagnose.