Articles tagged with Human Development
A study reveals that racial differences in gut microbiome composition arise after 3 months of age and persist through childhood. Early social and environmental exposures play a significant role in shaping the gut microbiome, with research suggesting that environmental and social factors contribute to health disparities.
Researchers from the Wellcome Sanger Institute mapped the multiple organ functions of the human yolk sac, revealing its role in producing key hormones and blood cells. The study provides novel insights into the earliest stages of immune cell development and has implications for understanding childhood diseases.
Researchers successfully created stem-cell derived organoids from human stem cells that secrete three essential enamel proteins. These proteins form a matrix that undergoes mineralization to create a hardened enamel structure. The breakthrough offers hope for developing novel treatments to repair and regenerate teeth.
A two-year NIH-funded study led by Penn State associate research professor Ashley Linden-Carmichael examines the next-day effects of heavy drinking on young adults' daily cognitive functioning. The study will collect intensive self-reported data from 250 participants to explore the impact of alcohol use on memory and other cognitive fu...
A small pilot study found associations between specific microbe species and infants' performance in tests of social attention and rhythmic processing. The researchers observed higher levels of Actinobacteria and Bifidobacterium microbes in infants with better cognitive abilities.
A University of Massachusetts Amherst kinesiologist is implementing a physical activity program for young children in preschools with low socioeconomic status. The pilot study aims to measure the impact on cognitive development and gross motor skills, with potential long-term implications for health disparities.
Children with greater language diversity are more sensitive to contextual factors when assessing an informant's reliability. This study found that bilingual children selectively trust informants who have provided accurate cues in the past, but not those who provide inaccurate cues. Bilingualism may enhance social-cognitive development ...
Scientists from the University of Copenhagen found that cancer cells have different ribosomes compared to other cells, which produce specific proteins. This discovery may lead to improved treatments in regenerative medicine and potentially better treatments for cancer.
The study found two distinct groups: low maternal sleep (5-6 hours/night) and average maternal sleep (7-8 hours/night). Children in the low maternal sleep group slept less. Establishing early bedtime routines and consistent sleep patterns improved sleep duration and reduced sleep problems.
Research found that mothers' childhood experiences and pregnancy anxiety are reflected in their 2-year-old children's gut microbiomes, with smaller populations of microorganisms and reduced genetic diversity. These changes may influence children's socioemotional development and brain-gut microbiome connection.
Scientists have developed an innovative method to create 'peri-gastruloids,' human embryo-like structures with extraembryonic tissues, including yolk sac and placenta. This breakthrough allows researchers to study early human development stages, mimicking the formation of vital organs.
Researchers at Linköping University found that Wnt signalling can have varying effects on cells depending on the signal duration and receiving cell type. This discovery sheds light on how cells determine their identity, revealing a new type of cell behavior related to genome instructions.
A mobile app is being tested to help students with disabilities such as autism, down syndrome, and learning disorders. The app, I-Connect, will enable select students to set goals, track progress, and receive prompts to improve their behavior and engagement in class.
A study found that babies watching live music had higher heart rates and were more engaged than those watching recordings, even with identical audio. The researchers tracked the babies' responses using heart monitors and tablets, and noted that the live performance captured their attention for 72% of the show.
New studies show cow colostrum can reduce infant formula use and strengthen mother's milk in premature babies, providing essential nutrients like amino acids. Researchers hope to optimize cow colostrum product for critical first few weeks after birth.
Research suggests that consuming THC during pregnancy can alter the placental and fetal epigenome, leading to changes in gene regulation and expression associated with neurobehavioral disorders. The study's findings highlight the need for better understanding of the potential long-term health impacts of prenatal cannabis exposure.
Researchers at Penn State found a significant association between salivary cotinine and heavy metals such as copper, zinc, lead, in children exposed to tobacco smoke. The study suggests that environmental tobacco smoke exposure may be a source of increased children's exposure to heavy metals.
A groundbreaking model of human embryonic development has been created, offering a unique look at the molecular and cellular processes that occur during gastrulation stages. The model includes both embryonic and extraembryonic components, allowing researchers to study their interaction and potential new insights into pregnancy failures...
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a stem cell-derived model of the human embryo, allowing for the experimental modeling of embryonic development during the second week of pregnancy. This breakthrough could help understand why and how pregnancies fail, and potentially lead to new treatments for genetic disorders.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed an innovative gene therapy that shows promise in treating Dravet syndrome, a severe developmental epilepsy affecting children. The treatment was found to be effective in improving epilepsy, protecting against early death, and enhancing cognitive abilities.
Researchers used a stem cell model to study the effects of Alzheimer's disease-associated mutations on early human brain development, finding that mutant spheres were larger and contained fewer mature neurons. The study highlights the need for tailored therapies and paves the way for studying Alzheimer's in its early stages.
Researchers found that mentalizing scores increase gradually over time, peaking in young adulthood, with females consistently outperforming males. The study also discovered significant positive correlations between mentalizing capacity and personality traits such as Agreeableness, Openness to Experience, and Conscientiousness.
A review highlights the importance of supporting breastfeeding in India, where one-quarter of the world's children are born. The authors express concern that excessive concern about infant allergies may be undermining mother-infant bonding, breastfeeding, and child nutrition.
Higher testosterone levels during adolescence enhance emotion control, but decrease in young adulthood; the study suggests a shift in testosterone's role across developmental periods. The findings may be related to mood disorders that arise during adolescence.
Research by Fiona Baker of SRI's Human Sleep Lab highlights the deep connections between adolescent sleep and overall health. Studies have shown that poor sleep patterns can affect brain development, weight gain, cognitive decline, and socioemotional difficulties in adolescents.
Scientists have discovered a new embryonic cell type that self-destructs in response to DNA damage, serving as a quality control mechanism to protect the developing fetus. This process may help improve IVF and regenerative medicine treatments by identifying and removing damaged cells.
Researchers found that the amyloid precursor protein (APP) regulates human neurogenesis, which could be linked to Alzheimer's disease. APP promotes a balance between stem cell proliferation and differentiation, suggesting its disruption may cause premature neurogenesis and cellular stress.
A study found that prenatal phthalate exposure may lead to hormonal changes in females, affecting future fertility, but not males. The study suggests sex-dependent effects of phthalates on hormone levels during critical development periods.
A new study from the University of Illinois found that fathers who use constructive conflict resolution strategies show more involvement and warmth towards their children, leading to positive child development. This approach can help minimize stress and promote healthier family dynamics.
Researchers found that tightly curled scalp hair provided the best protection from the sun's radiative heat while minimizing sweat. This adaptation enabled human brains to grow to modern-day sizes without conserving water through sweating.
Researchers discovered that ZC3H11A is essential for regulating metabolic genes in embryos and their absence leads to complete lethality. The study's findings suggest that ZC3 may be a promising therapeutic target for the development of anti-viral agents against medically significant human viruses.
A special issue of the Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation presents strategies to challenge the status quo that young people with disabilities face in employment. Research highlights the need for verification of evidence-based practices, competitive integrated employment, and increased utilization of vocational rehabilitation services.
A study by Mayo Clinic researchers found that brain transmission speeds continue to increase into early adulthood, reaching a plateau around age 30-40. This may help clinicians offer therapies to treat disorders such as anxiety and depression that emerge during late adolescence and early adulthood.
Scientists have defined a basic toolkit for forming tubular organs in animals, which is thought to be the foundation of organ development in vertebrates. The study uses the sea star as a model organism and reveals that cells can proliferate and migrate simultaneously during tube formation.
Researchers have created a detailed map of human retinal organoid development, revealing information on cell types, proteins, and gene expression. The study uses advanced imaging techniques to visualize multiple proteins simultaneously and provides insights into retinal diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa.
Researchers developed a self-organizing system that models key cellular processes involved in embryogenesis, shedding light on the self-organization of ectodermal cells during neurulation. The study could inform ways to prevent or counteract central nervous system birth defects by optimizing human ectodermal development.
Researchers investigated the cardiovascular effects of glucocorticoids on chicken embryos, finding that Betamethasone (Beta) caused more severe growth restriction, cellular stress, and cardiac dysfunction compared to Dexamethasone (Dex). Dex triggered oxidative stress, while Beta sustained glucocorticoid receptor activation
A new study found that teachers who struggle to cope with stress report far lower job satisfaction compared to those who manage their pressure effectively. The research highlights the importance of identifying and adopting healthy coping mechanisms to prevent teacher burnout, which contributes to many teachers leaving the profession.
A Penn Medicine study identified a developmental sequence in brain maturation during adolescence, revealing regions supporting cognitive and social functions remain malleable until late adolescence. The study found that socioeconomic environments have a significant impact on brain development in these regions.
A specialized mRNA translation circuit controlled by protein RBPMS determines the competence for heart formation in human embryonic development. The study provides a better understanding of human cardiac development and reveals potential molecular targets for therapeutic interventions.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have discovered that beneficial microbes in infant gut use nitrogen from human milk to support pediatric nutrition and development. The study provides new insights into the molecular underpinnings of these processes, which could lead to improved infant health around the world.
Researchers have found that embryos in pregnancies ending in miscarriage take four days longer to develop in the womb than those in live births. This delay is associated with a higher likelihood of miscarriage and may be used to estimate pregnancy outcomes.
A study by researchers from BirdLife International, WWF, and the University of Cambridge found that 80% of key biodiversity areas (KBAs) on land contain infrastructure, which is a significant driver of threats to biodiversity. The prevalence of infrastructure in KBAs is likely to increase due to planned developments.
Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine have identified a new type of cell called the vasculogenic fibroblast, which can help create new blood vessels for treatment. This discovery could lead to improved treatments for ischemic diseases such as diabetic wounds.
A new study found that trauma leads to high levels of intergenerational substance use among Black women, with 30% increased odds of drug use and 40% increased odds of Child Protective Services cases. The researchers also highlighted the importance of understanding the prevalence and impacts of these issues among minority populations.
Research suggests that targeting gut microbiome development, rather than just human nutritional needs, can more effectively improve child growth and development. Genetic functions of gut microbes can predict how well a child is growing, providing a new target for interventions.
A single dose of azithromycin has been shown to decrease sepsis and death by half in women in labor, making it an important tool for keeping mothers safe before, during, and after delivery. The antibiotic was found to be beneficial for vaginal childbirth as well, reducing mortality rates and the risk of developing sepsis.
The University of Missouri has received a $2 million grant from the Department of Justice to help detect potential threats to school safety in rural Missouri schools. The project will partner with up to 26 rural school districts and utilize technology software to monitor online activity for threatening language or images.
Researchers discovered poly(A)-tail-mediated remodeling of maternal mRNA during the oocyte-to-embryo transition, involving partial degradation and re-polyadenylation. This process is essential for human embryo development, as blocked re-polyadenylation leads to failed first embryo cleavage.
Researchers found that spontaneous movements in newborns and infants develop patterns of muscle interaction, enabling them to perform sequential movements as infants. This study provides insight into the origin of human movement and may lead to earlier diagnosis of developmental disorders.
Scientists at ASHBi have successfully generated a 3D model that recapitulates the early stages of human body plan development, including somite formation and axial skeleton development. The study revealed the importance of retinoids in this process and demonstrated its potential for understanding congenital spine disease.
Researchers at UNSW Sydney have successfully induced a gastrulation-like event in human pluripotent stem cells, mimicking the early stages of embryonic development. This breakthrough could lead to new approaches for studying human development and creating personalized body tissue or organs using hydrogel materials.
A review of over 100 scientific articles suggests that the safety of antidepressants during pregnancy is endorsed by science, but their effects on fetal neurodevelopment are poorly understood. Brazilian researchers propose using lab-grown mini-brains to investigate this impact and identify potential alterations.
Researchers found that while humans excel at categorizing interactions between humans, dogs, and monkeys, they struggle to predict aggressive behaviors in both species. Participants performed poorly on identifying aggression in dogs and humans, suggesting a potential bias towards assuming good intentions from others.
A recent research study led by David Almeida found that daily stressors and people's reactivity to them decrease with age. As younger individuals juggle multiple roles, their social roles and motivations change as they age, leading to fewer stressors.
A new study using human brain organoids reveals that prenatal alcohol exposure impairs brain cell development and functioning. The findings confirm the harm inflicted by alcohol on the developing fetus, with effects including faulty brain architecture and impaired electrical activity patterns.
Researchers identified SHROOM4 gene's role in human embryonic development and its link to congenital malformations. The study found that altering the gene can cause various organ system malformations.
An international research team developed an animal-free testing battery to detect developmental neurotoxicity, using human cells instead of animals. The results show that the testing battery is technically feasible and already has a measurement sensitivity comparable to animal experiments.
A team of researchers from Rice University, Baylor College of Medicine, and Northern Illinois University are developing an open source system called FLASH to objectively measure children's screen-viewing behaviors. The five-year grant includes funding for three long-term studies on the impacts of screen use on young children.
Researchers developed a 3D organoid model that mimics human heart development, revealing how low levels of cadmium can block cardiomyocyte formation and induce heart abnormalities. The study supports decades of toxicology research on environmental exposures contributing to human diseases.