Articles tagged with Human Development
Researchers found that placenta cells start to develop shortly after fertilization, triggering a cascade of molecular events. This discovery could lead to improvements in fertility treatments and a better understanding of placental-related diseases during pregnancy.
A UCLA-led team of scientists found that sleep changes its purpose at around 2-and-a-half years old, shifting from brain-building during REM sleep to brain-maintenance and repair afterwards. This transition is crucial for clearing damaged genes and proteins from neurons, preventing serious illness.
The COVID-19 pandemic has undermined the Chilean uprising's potential for reform, as protests have been stymied by fear of the virus and its economic consequences. The regime may gain a new lease on life, but the question remains whether mass mobilization can regroup and win reforms.
A comprehensive survey found similar color-emotion associations worldwide, with red linked to both love and anger globally. National peculiarities were observed, such as white being associated with sadness in China and purple with mourning in Greece. Climate may also influence these associations.
A 410-million-year-old fossil discovery challenges conventional wisdom on shark evolution, hinting that bone may have emerged before cartilage. The find provides new insights into the evolutionary history of sharks and their relatives.
A Baylor University study found that people experiencing threats to their existence are more likely to experience miracles. The study analyzed data from a Pew Research Center survey of 15,400 respondents from 16 countries and found no relationship between education level and the likelihood of experiencing a miracle.
A National Institutes of Health study has found that women trying to conceive who use opioids are more likely to experience lower chances of achieving pregnancy and an increased risk of miscarriage during early pregnancy. Opioid use was associated with a 29% lower chance of becoming pregnant within a given monthly cycle.
A new study published in Social Psychology Quarterly explores how high school students categorize their peers into groups based on physical appearance. The research found correlations between these groupings and aspects of mental health, academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, social status, and risk-taking behaviors.
Salk researchers mapped DNA methylation changes over time in mice to better understand developmental disorders. The data help identify regions of the human genome that play roles in diseases such as schizophrenia and Rett Syndrome.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes and UCSF have developed a comprehensive region-specific atlas of regulatory regions linked to human embryonic brain development. The study identified 19,000 potential genetic variants critical to brain development, providing a valuable tool for probing underlying biology of neurodevelopmental disorders.
Research funded by the NIH has linked endometriosis to DNA changes, particularly in methylation patterns that can alter gene activity. The findings may inform new ways to diagnose and treat this condition affecting up to 10% of U.S. women.
Researchers mapped the stages of T-cell development in the human thymus, revealing a high-resolution picture of human T-cell development. This knowledge could lead to insights into diseases like immunodeficiency disorders and leukemia, as well as advancements in immunotherapies like CAR-T therapy.
Researchers developed a new model to study early human development using human embryonic stem cells, allowing them to observe the formation of the body plan and potentially reveal causes of birth defects and diseases. The model, called gastruloids, resembles an embryo at around 18-21 days old.
A study by University of Córdoba researchers questions the Neanderthal origin of Spanish rock art in the Nerja Cave. They propose a new method for dating Paleolithic art that considers multiple measuring systems, potentially leading to a revised timeline for human artistic development.
Researchers at The Francis Crick Institute identified a genetic cause of testicular tissue developing in people with female chromosomes. They found that mutations affecting the Wilms' Tumor 1 (WT1) gene lead to an imbalance that favors male testis development.
Researchers describe four categories of self-nudging tools: reminders and prompts, framing decisions in a certain way, reducing accessibility of harmful options, and using social pressure. This behavioral science technique can help individuals negotiate internal conflicts and reach long-term goals.
Researchers from IIASA and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology used the Human Life Indicator to measure progress in development, finding it easier to calculate and interpret than the Human Development Index. The new approach can provide a clearer idea of regional inequalities, helping policymakers design means to bridge gaps.
Researchers Joan Kang Shin and Jered Borup developed a three-webinar series and wrote three blogs to support English teachers worldwide in remote learning. The webinars, recorded and posted on National Geographic Learning's website, focused on engaging students and building a supportive classroom environment.
A new study by Yale University researchers found that genetic variations can trigger functional changes in the brain before birth, during early childhood, and later in life. The study analyzed DNA and RNA data from 176 tissue samples across various developmental stages, revealing age-specific effects of genetic variants on brain function.
A new study by the University of Sussex found that four-year-olds display overconfidence in their abilities, even when faced with evidence to the contrary. Girls outperformed boys in a card game due to a lower-risk strategy, but also experienced greater swings in confidence.
Researchers at Kyoto University have successfully reconstructed the human segmentation clock using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), a key focus of embryonic development research. The study reveals novel genetic components and oscillation patterns of the clock, which controls the formation of organs and tissues.
Researchers have identified a rare juvenile Homo naledi fossil, providing insights into the evolution of human development. The partial skeleton is estimated to be around 8-11 years old at death, displaying a unique mix of maturity patterns seen in modern humans and earlier hominins.
A new test measures expressive language skills in individuals with Fragile X syndrome, helping increase participation in clinical studies aimed at improving intellectual and cognitive functioning. The test's reliability and validity were demonstrated through consistent scores across multiple administrations.
A recent study by New York University found that statewide teacher evaluation reform is associated with increased turnover of lower-performing instructors, particularly in urban districts and low-performing schools. The research suggests that these reforms can help retain more effective teachers for longer periods.
A new cell-based test developed by Stemina Biomarker Discovery accurately predicts the potential of drugs and chemicals to cause birth defects in humans. The devTOXqP test uses human embryonic stem cells to detect developmental toxicity with an accuracy of 82%, highlighting a promising alternative to animal testing.
Researchers have created a comprehensive map of human thymus cells, identifying over 50 different cell states that change in abundance throughout life. This atlas has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of T cell development and inform new clinical applications, including therapies for immune-related diseases.
A new NIH study found that antioxidant supplements did not improve semen quality or pregnancy and live birth rates in men with infertility. The Males, Antioxidants, and Infertility Trial (MOXI) reported no statistically significant differences between the placebo and antioxidant groups.
A study by Tulane University found that homicide was a leading cause of death among pregnant and postpartum women in Louisiana. The researchers estimated that for every 100,000 pregnant or postpartum women, there were 12.9 homicide deaths, outnumbering deaths from any single obstetric cause.
George Mason University Professor Linda Mason received a grant to develop and implement activities promoting inclusion in early childhood education. The project aims to build capacity of quality programs through partnerships with leaders in early childhood special education.
Researchers developed a new database of gene essentiality, providing insight into the causes of rare childhood diseases. The study identifies new mutations likely responsible for these conditions and offers a valuable resource for clinicians and researchers.
Brain region-specific organoids reveal transcriptional signatures of neuropsychiatric disorders and allow researchers to study chromatin accessibility and gene expression in specific cells over critical developmental stages. The development of the human forebrain is a complex process guided by epigenetic gene regulation.
New York University professors created three digital games to train cognitive skills, which have proven effective through research studies. The games, including Gwakkamolé, CrushStations, and All You Can ET, improve executive functions like memory, inhibition, and working memory.
Dr. Mitinori Saitou has made groundbreaking contributions to understanding mammalian germ cell development and reproduction in vitro. His work has enabled the generation of functional gametes from pluripotent stem cells and improved germ-cell technology.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham propose a groundbreaking design approach for additive manufacturing inspired by human growth and development. By leveraging insights into developmental biology, they unlock new potential for the creation of innovative materials and products.
A team of researchers has developed a laboratory model for vertebral development, allowing them to study the human segmentation clock and its role in forming the spinal column. The model reveals that the clock controls the periodic activation of molecular signaling pathways, leading to the formation of vertebrae.
Scientists have unveiled the first lab-dish models of human spine development, providing evidence of the segmentation clock in humans. The models allow for the study of early spine development and could lead to new treatments for conditions such as congenital scoliosis.
Kelley Regan, Pamela Baker, and Margaret Weiss received a $20,600 grant to support a dynamic coaching outreach program in special education. The project aims to enhance the training experiences for teachers using technology in varied ways.
Researchers found changes to the dentate gyrus, an area of the hippocampus responsible for spatial thinking and memory, in participants who spent 14 months in Antarctica. Cognition tests showed effects on both spatial abilities and selective attention.
Women living in ethnic enclaves have lower rates of gestational diabetes, preterm delivery, and infant small size. Access to culturally relevant healthcare resources, traditional diets, and social networks contribute to improved health outcomes.
An interdisciplinary team developed a simple method to identify the most accurate experts in groups by analyzing decision similarity. The research tested it successfully in various fields, including radiology and geopolitics, and found that the method accurately predicted accuracy.
Professor Muzlifah Haniffa has made significant contributions to biomedical science, including mapping the maternal-fetal interface and discovering new immune cells in the skin. Her work aims to improve understanding of health and disease, particularly in childhood kidney cancer.
A study found that bots are more successful in certain human-machine interactions when they hide their non-human identity, but cooperation rates decrease when transparency is required. This has implications for the use of bots in help desks and other scenarios where efficiency is key.
Researchers found that 3 women with no apparent olfactory bulbs could identify, detect, and discriminate between odors as well as the average person. Their brains had normal structures outside the olfactory system, suggesting alternative glomeruli maps in other brain regions.
A team of international scientists has developed a new method for culturing primate embryos in the lab, allowing them to study early developmental processes for the first time. The breakthrough provides valuable insight into embryonic development and potentially informs approaches to advance regenerative medicine in humans.
A study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers links piperonyl butoxide, a common insecticide synergist, to stunted forebrain development and facial abnormalities in mice. The chemical's interference with the sonic hedgehog signaling pathway suggests a potential link to rare human birth defects like holoprosencephaly.
Recent advances using lab-grown brain organoids have improved understanding of human brain development and diseases. However, questions remain about how well these brain models mirror the complexity of the cortex. Studies show that organoids can reproduce a rich diversity of cell types found in the cerebral cortex, but fail to capture ...
Researchers analyzed human and chimpanzee cerebral organoids to understand dynamic gene expression and regulation in early brain development. They identified human-specific gene expression patterns and developmental differences in the adult prefrontal cortex.
Researchers discovered an alternative pathway for testosterone production that contributes to the development of male characteristics in human girls with a genetic disorder. The study found this pathway is present and active during fetal development and plays a key role in shaping external genitalia in newborns with CAH.
Biologists study flies to understand how chromosomes fold up in microscopic cells, finding that certain regions 'button' together easily while others don't. This discovery lays the foundation for better understanding human development and gene expression, particularly in cases of genetic anomalies leading to disease.
Matthew Devereaux, a UT human development specialist, has been honored with the National Excellence in Extension Award for his visionary leadership and innovative programming that positively develops youth in afterschool settings. His research on social-emotional learning programs has shown significant gains in student grades and stand...
Researchers created a comprehensive atlas of human liver cell changes during fetal development, revealing how stem cells support high oxygen demand. The study improves our understanding of normal development and will aid efforts to tackle diseases like leukemia and immune disorders.
A NYU scholar suggests aligning English language proficiency standards with STEM content standards to address the barriers faced by English learners. This would enable them to communicate their ideas and skills more effectively in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics classrooms.
A team of evolutionary biologists discovered that atavistic limb muscles, lost in adult humans, are formed during early human development and then disappear. These muscles are present in many limbed animals but are absent in adults. The study uses high-quality 3D images to analyze the development of human arm and leg muscles.
Researchers will investigate factors contributing to successful post-adoption development in children adopted from the child welfare system, focusing on household dynamics and physiological mechanisms.
Research suggests that infants under 6 months can detect the motion of large objects more accurately than small ones, whereas adults struggle with this task. This phenomenon is attributed to surround suppression, which weakens in older children and adults, allowing them to see smaller motions better.
Researchers create a 'clock in a dish' to study human developmental timing, replicating a genetic mutation linked to spondylocostal dysotosis. This breakthrough provides insight into the hard-wired timing within cells and may accelerate cell development for clinical benefit.
A study of 90 Austrian chess players found that both intelligence and practice positively influenced skill level. More intelligent players acquired skills more quickly and retained them longer with the same amount of practice.
Researchers grew 'miniature kidneys' in a lab from patient skin cells to better understand how kidney diseases develop and test potential treatments. The mini kidneys, or organoids, showed promise for personalized therapy approaches.
Researchers from Boyce Thompson Institute have discovered a natural compound called nacq#1 that accelerates the time to sexual maturity and reduces lifespan in soil roundworms. The findings suggest a possible link between environmental chemicals and human development and aging.
A new study found that many Indigenous North American youth experience depressive symptoms during adolescence, with risk factors including discrimination and early puberty. The study identified four developmental patterns of depressive symptoms, with nearly 33% of participants meeting criteria for alcohol-use disorder.