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.
A study funded by the NIH found that perinatal exposure to antidepressants in rats led to stunted brain growth, abnormal behavior, and miswired brain circuitry. The researchers discovered reduced neuronal density and faulty communication between the brain's hemispheres.
Human development specialists emphasize the importance of family interactions in maintaining healthy relationships and well-being. Parents are advised to limit screen time and prioritize quality time with their children, while also nurturing their relationship as a couple.
Researchers have found that brain wiring continues to develop well into our 20s, with structural changes in the white matter being detected in healthy adults using magnetic resonance imaging. This challenges the long-held belief that brain development stops at adolescence.
A Phase I study is underway to test the safety and tolerability of a new androgen dimethandrolone undecanoate as a potential male contraceptive. Dr. Christina Wang hopes to develop an oral agent that can effectively decrease sperm production, offering men more frequent doctor visits and improved reproductive system understanding.
Children who enter puberty quickly are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and acting out behaviors. The study found a strong relationship between tempo of puberty and behavior problems, with slower tempo indicating less acting out.
Scientists Profs. Naama Barkai and Ben-Zion Shilo have developed a theoretical model explaining how scaling works in developing fruit fly wings, where the vein structure stays proportioned. Their findings suggest that this mechanism can be applied to various examples of development, including human embryonic development.
A recent study tracking chimpanzee brain development found that both humans and chimps have immature forebrains at birth. The study's findings suggest that this developmental delay may provide an extended period of plasticity, enabling both species to develop complex social skills.
Concordia researchers Carsten Wrosch and Jesse Renaud find that persistent bitterness can lead to global feelings of anger and hostility affecting physical health. They propose recognizing bitterness as post-traumatic embitterment disorder (PTED), requiring therapeutic intervention for affected individuals.
Researchers found that injecting mice with killed baker's yeast protected them from fatal aspergillosis and reduced infection load. The study suggests a 'panfungal' vaccine could protect against multiple fungal infections in immunocompromised individuals.
A study by Johns Hopkins University psychologists found that preschool children's math skills are strongly correlated with their innate 'number sense' abilities. The researchers tested 200 four-year-olds on various tasks measuring number sense, mathematical ability, and verbal ability. Their findings indicate that children's precision ...
Denis Gerstorf, PhD, receives the award for his research on heterogeneity and differential development in old and advanced old age. His studies show that major life events affect well-being and aging outcomes.
A study found that caregivers and their relatives with mild to moderate dementia have differing perceptions of care quality. The team's results suggest that adult children underestimate the importance of core values held by their relatives, leading to potential miscommunication as dementia worsens.
Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) is preparing for suborbital flights with its astronaut payload specialists, aiming to develop commercial human spaceflight. The team has completed required FAA flight physicals and experiment payloads, and will wear a mission patch symbolizing the project.
A study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that teenagers with high positive well-being had reduced risk of engaging in unhealthy behaviors and reported excellent health in young adulthood. Positive psychological characteristics during adolescence are linked to improved long-term health outcomes.
Researchers found that adult day care centers alleviate caregiver stress and improve dementia patient behavior, sleep quality. The study showed significant reductions in caregiver stress and behavioral problems when dementia patients attended daycare, compared to staying home.
A University of Illinois study found that high-quality youth arts and leadership programs help teens develop strategic thinking skills, including learning to anticipate unexpected twists and turns. Teens who participated in these programs reported improved time management, goal-setting, and critical thinking abilities.
A study from Concordia University, AMI-Québec and the University of British Columbia found that family caregivers can experience high levels of stress and self-blame unless they refocus their priorities and lighten their load. Caregivers who adjust their goals and use effective coping strategies tend to fare better.
Researchers at King's College London have identified the genetic cause of Adams-Oliver Syndrome, a rare condition that can lead to birth defects. The study found mutations in the ARHGAP31 gene, which regulates proteins involved in cell division and growth, potentially leading to disruptions in limb formation.
Penn State's Childhood Obesity Prevention Graduate Training Program aims to reduce child obesity rates through comprehensive training in ingestive behavior, nutrition education, and research methods. The five-year grant will support nine graduate students and provide on-the-job training in four career areas.
Infants exhibit stable patterns of attention during interaction, with gaze duration influenced by previous gazes. This finding suggests a building block of intentional action and may help understand human social interactions.
The symposium aims to address food insecurity in North America, focusing on its effects on child development and academic, health, and socio-emotional problems. Researchers will explore current government and charitable programs, their similarities and differences, and public policy implications.
College-age males experience improved self-image after first intercourse, while females become less satisfied. In contrast, women's satisfaction with their appearance increases over the first four years of college, while men's satisfaction decreases.
The University of Michigan has received a $4.9 million grant from the USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture to develop an obesity intervention program for Head Start preschoolers. The program aims to enhance children's ability to control emotions and behaviors, leading to healthier eating habits and reduced obesity rates.
Research suggests that punishing boys for their negative emotions can lead to increased anxiety and behavior problems. Parents who punish toddlers for becoming angry or scared can hinder their child's ability to regulate and express emotions.
A new study from Concordia University found that people who focus on others who are worse off with similar regrets tend to experience fewer physical symptoms and improved emotional well-being. The study, published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, suggests that downplaying others' regrets can be a protective coping mechanism.
A recent study by the University of Minnesota found that recovering from conflict well predicts higher relationship satisfaction. A romantic partner who can effectively recover from conflicts benefits their partner's relationship satisfaction.
Research by Harvard University psychologists suggests that infants may be born with an understanding of social hierarchy based on physical size, which helps them navigate their social environment. Infants as young as 8-10 months old demonstrated surprise at depictions of a larger individual yielding to a smaller one.
Research on fire salamander larvae reveals that accelerated development comes with a higher risk of mortality, highlighting the need for further study on human development and its relationship with environmental challenges. The study found that larvae that developed more quickly suffered greater rates of mortality.
A Concordia University study reveals that younger adults are quicker to respond when faced with an unexpected event, whereas older adults take longer to adapt. This finding has implications for educators and older adults in situations where performance is crucial.
Australian scientists discovered that changes to the SOX3 gene can lead to testis formation and male genitalia in an otherwise female embryo. This breakthrough will improve diagnosis and treatment for patients with disorders of sex development, which occur when the testes or ovaries do not develop properly.
A three-year study found that withdrawn children showed increasing levels of sadness and depressive feelings over time. In contrast, children with friends were less likely to report depressed feelings, suggesting that friendship can be a protective factor against depression in this population.
Toddlers who played with a broader array of objects learned new words twice as fast as those who played with similar objects. They also developed the ability to generalize knowledge and learn names of new objects by focusing on material rather than shape.
A new international population study led by the University of Cincinnati examines the human developmental effects of environmental exposure to complex metal mixtures found in electronic waste. The research aims to identify potential preventative measures to reduce human exposures, particularly for pregnant women and young children livi...
Research from Concordia University suggests a link between adolescent stress and the development of mood disorders such as depression or bipolar disorder in adulthood. High cortisol levels in adolescence have been found to persist into young adulthood, doubling the risk for developing a serious mood disorder.
Researchers found that gopher tortoises released earlier were three times more likely to produce offspring, suggesting a social hierarchy's impact on breeding patterns. Introducing females instead of males or increasing female numbers could lead to successful population augmentation.
A recent study has found that environmental changes, such as dry and wet conditions, may have influenced the development of early human ancestors. The research team analyzed chemical compositions of rocks from Olduvai Gorge, which revealed more extreme climate fluctuations than previously thought.
Auxogyn acquired exclusive license to develop noninvasive embryo assessment technology that can predict human embryo fate at the four-cell stage, allowing for improved IVF procedures and higher live birth rates. The licensed technology demonstrates a high degree of accuracy in predicting blastocyst formation.
Researchers have created a human testicular tissue model to study testicular germ cell cancer (TGCC) origins. The model, developed by Dr. Rod Mitchell and Professor Richard Sharpe, enables testing of environmental chemicals' impact on fetal development and may help identify treatments for disorders like Frasier or Denys-Drash syndrome.
Researchers discovered that specific cadherin molecules expand molecular diversity and specificity in cell-cell adhesion, shedding light on autism and mental retardation. The study's findings could lead to a better understanding of synapse formation and brain circuit assembly during normal development.
A University of Illinois study reveals that child custody evaluators' beliefs can be broadly categorized into two groups, with one prioritizing safety for women and children. Situational violence is the most common type, but intimate terrorism is also prevalent, involving control through threats and monitoring.
Researchers at UC Riverside found that female guppies that grew rapidly as juveniles produced fewer offspring than expected. This suggests long-term costs of early rapid growth and weight gain in adulthood, potentially impacting human reproductive success.
Pillemer receives the prestigious award for his groundbreaking work on human development over the life course and prevention of elder abuse. His research has played a crucial role in contemporary legislative efforts, leading to practical applications that improve the lives of older adults.
Researchers found that pyruvate kinase enzyme is reduced in pregnant women, leading to a modified immune response. This discovery may lead to the development of drugs targeting pyruvate kinase activity to treat conditions like pre-eclampsia and rheumatoid arthritis.
Researchers warn that using a cell phone while driving can lead to relationship problems due to impaired attention and divided focus. This includes misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and conflict, as conversations are affected by delayed reactions and lack of nonverbal cues.
Researchers at Princeton University found that a chemical signal called cAMP can induce coordinated movement in cells, leading to the formation of groups. This discovery has implications for understanding collective behavior in humans and other organisms, from white blood cells to organ development.
Researchers discovered that microRNAs can move between cells, conveying information and regulating tissue development in plants and animals. This finding has implications for understanding developmental disorders and potential applications in medicine.
Research at Virginia Tech confirms mindfulness meditation's effectiveness in enhancing therapists' presence, empathy, and compassion. Students who practiced mindfulness reported improved ability to attend to clients' inner experiences, leading to more effective therapy sessions.
A longitudinal study by Penn State researchers found that adolescents' input into decisions increases gradually, with more autonomy in areas such as appearance, activities, and schoolwork. The study also revealed differences in decision-making autonomy among children with varying family characteristics.
A recent study by University of Missouri researcher Larry Ganong found that never-married women in their mid-30s face significant social stigma from family and friends. They feel highly visible when questioned about their single status, but invisible when others assume they are married or have children.
A study by a University of Michigan researcher found that treadmill training can help infants at risk for neuromotor delays walk on the same trajectory as normal children. The intervention reduced toe-walking in affected infants and showed a critical window for improvement between 10-18 months.
The study found that maternal high blood pressure, high hematocrit levels, and smoking are associated with restricted fetal growth during the first trimester. This restriction is linked to an increased risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and small size for gestational age at birth.
A study found that people who follow more complex diets are more likely to drop out due to perceived difficulty. The researchers suggest choosing a diet plan with fewer rules and easier monitoring to increase long-term adherence.
Researchers have developed an efficient way to genetically modify human embryonic stem cells using bacterial artificial chromosomes, which can increase the yield by up to 20%. This approach enables the rapid development of stem cell lines that can serve as models for human genetic diseases and testbeds for potential treatments.
A new study has strengthened a family-strengthening intervention program, showing improved parental anger control and more positive relationships with children. The adapted program aims to prevent poor outcomes in teens, such as substance use and risky behavior.
A study is using cell phones to collect detailed data on human interactions, allowing for a more accurate picture of daily life. The research aims to refine existing prevention programs by identifying patterns in individual behavior.
A new study found that infants as young as three to five days old produce cry melodies consistent with their native language. Researchers analyzed the cries of 60 newborns and discovered differences in melody contour based on mother tongue, suggesting an early impact of native language on sound production.