Articles tagged with Human Development
A $3 million NIH grant will fund a longitudinal study tracking preterm children's cognitive development from preschool to grade school. Healthy preterm babies are at high risk for lower academic achievement, especially in math.
A new study of 46,000 parents in 17 low- and middle-income countries found that children with disabilities are more likely to experience physical and severe physical discipline. This highlights the need for policies and interventions to protect children with disabilities from abuse and promote positive parenting practices.
The SIBS Program aims to cultivate healthy and supportive sibling relationships by teaching children how to share responsibilities and practice making decisions together. Results from a randomized trial demonstrate improved positive interactions, increased self-control, and enhanced social competence among participants.
This study examines how Parkinson's disease affects the health-related quality of life in northeastern Sicily, Italy. The researchers applied the ecological model to investigate the individual and social environmental factors impacting patient outcomes, including depression, cognitive impairment, coping strategies, and family size.
A comparative genomics study led by Yale School of Medicine researchers has identified thousands of sequences controlling genes in the developing human limb. These regulatory sequences are active in humans but not in other primates or mice, suggesting they evolved since the human-monkey divergence.
A new University of Missouri study found that countries with freedom of information (FOI) laws tend to have lower corruption rates than those without. Having an FOI law is linked to higher levels of human development and can help prevent corruption over time.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine identified cryptopatches as the foundation for human GALT development, a critical component of intestinal immune function. The study suggests that repairing damaged GALT could lead to therapies for inflammatory bowel diseases and autoimmune disorders.
Recent research has made significant progress in developing gene-sensing techniques for rapid detection of foodborne pathogens, such as Listeria monocytogenes. These methods, like the novel in situ ECL detection system, utilize electrochemiluminescence and microfluidics to achieve high sensitivity and specificity.
Researchers found that caregivers experience lower care-related stressors and more positive events when their dementia patients attend adult day services. This reduces anger and decreases the impact of non-care stressors on depressive symptoms, demonstrating a buffering effect of adult day services on caregiver well-being.
College students who communicate more with their parents are more likely to eat fruits and vegetables and engage in physical activity. The study found that 14% more fruits and veggies were consumed, and 50% more physical activity occurred when students spoke with their parents for 30 minutes or more.
A recent study by a team of researchers from Texas A&M University and Binghamton University has found that prehistoric ear bones could provide clues about human evolution. The discovery sheds new light on the development of modern humans and highlights the importance of studying ancient fossils.
A new study found that individual experiences and behaviors contribute to differences in brain structure, even among genetically identical mice. The research suggests that this process is linked to the generation of new neurons in the hippocampus, a region responsible for learning and memory.
Scientists observed orderly movements of protein-carrying packets along axons to specific synapse sites, revealing a complex process. The discovery sheds light on the formation of glutamate-driven synapses and their role in conditions like autism and schizophrenia.
Researchers at Max-Planck-Gesellschaft developed a new keyboard layout called KALQ that minimizes thumb movement and places frequently used letters centrally. Trained users can achieve 37 words per minute, significantly faster than the 20 words on split QWERTY, with improved error correction methods
Researchers tracked 20 mountain lions over six years, finding that habitat fragmentation affects pumas' physiology, behavior, and ecology. The study helps identify corridors where pumas travel between high-quality habitats, aiding conservation efforts in human-dominated landscapes.
A study found that higher birthweight and faster linear growth in infancy and childhood are associated with increased adult height, schooling, and reduced blood pressure. Conversely, excessive weight gain after age 2 may increase the risk of chronic diseases like high blood pressure and diabetes.
Mary Gehring's lab uses Arabidopsis as a model for human embryonic development to study gene expression in seeds. Her findings could lead to new insights into diseases caused by chromosomal modifications.
A NIH-funded study identifies fundamental math skills needed for functioning in adult life, including number system knowledge. Children who failed to acquire these basic math skills by first grade scored far behind peers by seventh grade on a test of mathematical abilities.
Researchers evaluated an afterschool program called the Good Behavior Game, finding that high organizational ability and community involvement are key to its effectiveness. The study suggests that combining these elements can lead to improved implementation of evidence-based practices in afterschool settings.
Researchers from the University of Leeds used the abdominal fetal ECG device developed by The University of Nottingham to create a comprehensive model of a fully functioning fetal heart. The study found that human hearts develop more slowly compared to other mammals, with little organisation in their walls until 20 weeks into pregnancy.
The post-2015 development agenda should include measurable targets for NCD prevention and treatment. Experts argue that making NCDs central to the agenda is essential for achieving sustainable development and reducing disability and deaths globally.
A study published in Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy reveals that positive first-time experiences are predictive of physical and emotional satisfaction. Those who felt loved and respected by their partner found later encounters more emotionally satisfying.
Researchers at Harvard University challenged long-held assumptions about juvenile primate tooth development and weaning by studying chimpanzees in the wild. The study found that many young chimps continued to nurse as much, if not more, than before after their first molar erupted.
Researchers found that bisphenol A reduces testosterone production and causes testicular hormone imbalances in human fetal testicles. The study suggests a link between BPA exposure and reproductive issues, including low sperm count and increased risk of testicular cancer.
A University of Illinois study highlights the importance of openness, positivity, assurances, shared tasks, and a shared social network in maintaining healthy relationships. Practicing these strategies can lead to increased satisfaction, commitment, and love throughout a relationship.
Researchers have discovered that congenital heart defects could be linked to the development of cells in the embryo as early as 12-14 hours after fertilization. The study's findings provide new insights into the causes of cardiac malformations and may lead to better treatments for affected families.
The study found that disruption to public health infrastructure was the primary factor contributing to infectious disease outbreaks, accounting for 40% of cases. The authors recommend prioritizing development funding over emergency funding to strengthen surveillance and diagnostic capacity in developing countries.
Researchers have discovered that African Homo sapiens developed significant technologies, including abstract art, jewellery, and bone tools, around 75,000 years ago. This breakthrough supports the idea that Africa was the birthplace of modern human behaviour and cognition.
A new prevention program helps elementary-school aged siblings learn to get along, leading to improved future health and well-being. The SIBlings Are Special (SIBS) program teaches positive communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills, resulting in reduced aggressive behaviors and increased self-control.
A recent study by University of Illinois professor Gail M. Ferguson reveals that Jamaican teen immigrants who retain strong ties to their Jamaican background excel academically and behaviorally, often outperforming American peers.
Scientists visualize stresses induced by flowing blood in an embryonic heart for the first time, revealing how and why heart defects develop. The technique promises new insight into congenital heart defects such as abnormal valve formation.
A University of Toronto study demonstrates that early life adversity affects adult behavior and quality of life, with chronic food deprivation impacting foraging gene expression. The research also shows that nutritionally deprived fruit flies exhibit reduced reproductive fitness.
A Concordia University study found that lonely older adults who use positive thinking can reverse negative health issues, reducing cortisol secretion and improving CRP levels. This suggests a positive approach to health can contribute to successful aging.
Research reveals human brains develop myelin insulation at a slower rate than chimpanzees, leading to delayed cognitive maturity and increased vulnerability to psychiatric disorders. This difference may play a key role in human-specific cognitive abilities.
Researchers have successfully developed a stable population of neural crest cells from mice that can differentiate into multiple cell types. This breakthrough enables the study of stem cell biology and human development, as well as potential applications in understanding diseases.
A study by Penn State researchers found that teens continue to spend time with their parents, contrary to the stereotype that they grow apart. Shared time with fathers has a positive impact on adolescents' social skills and self-esteem.
A new study has found that heavy prenatal alcohol exposure leads to growth restrictions that persist through to nine years of age, as well as a delay in weight gain during infancy. The effects were exacerbated by iron deficiency, and children with fetal alcohol syndrome had leaner body composition.
Researchers found that countries with press freedom tend to have happier citizens and better environmental quality. Press freedom allows for diversity in news sources, exposing corruption and prompting positive change.
A new study by MU researcher Gustavo Carlo found that empathetic adolescents are more likely to use problem-focused coping, which aims to reduce stress. They also tend to perform prosocial behaviors that benefit others, while emotionally unstable teens rely on emotion-focused coping tactics.
A study by Penn's Daniel Janzen and colleagues reveals that four-fifths of protected forest areas have experienced declines in health, with half suffering more serious losses. The research highlights the challenges faced by conservation efforts, including human encroachment, logging, and climate change.
Bioengineers and biochemists at Penn State developed acoustic tweezers that can manipulate living materials like blood cells and small organisms using sound waves. The device can precisely trap and move cellular-scale objects essential for fundamental biomedical research, offering a cost-effective alternative to optical tweezers.
A study by NIH-funded researchers found that people's ability to estimate quantities improves across the first 30 years of life, with a sharp decline after age 30. The study suggests that environmental factors, such as education, can shape this intuitive number sense and improve math skills.
Research reveals that environmental estrogens, such as BPA and genistein, activate estrogen receptors in the heart valves of zebrafish embryos. This finding suggests that these compounds may have a critical role in early developmental stages, potentially leading to deleterious effects.
A study funded by the NIH found that surgery to support the urethra with a sling reduces incontinence rate, but carries risk of complications such as difficulty emptying bladder and urinary tract infection. The study suggests considering potential benefits and risks when deciding whether to have second procedure at same time as first.
Researchers found that primate lip smacking and human speech share similar frequency ranges, developmental trajectories, and neural controls. This study provides insight into the neural basis of human communication disorders by exploring the evolution of primate facial expressions and their potential link to speech.
Research found that infants consistently choose larger sets over smaller ones when both are above four, but struggle with comparisons involving one large and one small item. The study's findings could lead to improvements in early education programs by understanding how infants develop number representation skills.
A University of Illinois study found that teachers often lack training on supporting young children's emotional regulation skills. The researchers suggest that teacher training programs should include strategies for modeling and managing challenging emotional moments in the classroom. By teaching children how to manage their emotions, ...
A new study finds that nearly 9% of the Western Hemisphere's mammals may be unable to keep pace with climate change. Climate change projections suggest that many species will experience severe range contractions due to slow dispersal rates.
Michael Young, a lung transplant recipient, credits his new lungs for giving him the joy of breathing again. His remarkable survival story highlights UT Southwestern's exceptional Lung Transplant Program, with an 86% one-year and 75% three-year survival rate.
A study by Concordia University found that breast cancer survivors who can redefined their goals show an overall improvement in well-being. The researchers measured the capacity to adjust goals and found a positive association with more physical activity, emotional well-being, and fewer physical symptoms.
Lauren Strober, a researcher at Kessler Foundation, has been awarded a five-year grant to study factors related to employment in people with multiple sclerosis. Her goal is to develop a predictive model of unemployment that can help practitioners make informed decisions and assist individuals with MS in retaining jobs.
Researchers have developed a new type of human stem cell called endodermal progenitor cells, which can differentiate into multiple cell types, including functioning pancreatic beta cells. The cells show promise for modeling human diseases and may offer a potential source for future diabetes treatments.
Research suggests that violent relationships during pregnancy can lead to poor co-parenting skills, with mothers being more likely to exhibit violence than fathers. Common couple violence, characterized by actions like shoving and hitting, can be detrimental to the development of a positive co-parenting relationship.
Researchers have identified extended synaptic development in human brains relative to other primates, shedding light on the biology and evolution of human cognition. This finding suggests that the human brain remains highly plastic during early childhood, allowing it to absorb environmental information and develop intellectual skills.
Mothers working part-time jobs tend to have fewer symptoms of depression and better overall health than those who stay at home. They also show no significant differences in parenting involvement or family life support compared to full-time working mothers.
Researchers analyzed long-term imaging data to uncover coordinated anatomical changes in brain development across the cortex. They found that functionally connected regions mature together and exhibit tightly coupled patterns of growth, with notable differences between males and females.
A University of Illinois study found that high-quality kindergarten friendships are essential for boys' social skills and behavior problems in first and third grades. In contrast, girls' social skills were not significantly affected by their kindergarten friendships. The research suggests that early friendships provide a positive found...
A team of scientists created a genetically modified zebrafish model that can visualize early events in human atherosclerosis. The model, which is efficient and cost-effective, allows researchers to test the potential effectiveness of new antioxidant and dietary therapies.
A 10-year follow-up study found that infants with high hemoglobin levels who received iron-fortified infant formula had poorer long-term developmental outcomes. The study suggests that the optimal amount of iron in infant formula may need to be redefined.
A new study found that friendships act as a buffer against the negative effects of classmates' rejection, with children who had few or low-quality friends experiencing increased cortisol levels. The study suggests that friendships can mitigate the stress of exclusion at school.