Articles tagged with Brain Development
Administration of antenatal corticosteroids to late preterm babies was not linked to increased risk of neurodevelopmental problems by age 6. Long-term follow-up study suggests the medication may be safe for these high-risk infants.
Researchers have identified a rare genetic condition, Glutamine Synthetase Stabilization Disorder, which causes seizures and delayed development. The study found that genetic variants increase the stability of an enzyme producing glutamine, disrupting brain development.
Researchers at The University of Tokyo successfully connected lab-grown brain-mimicking tissue using axonal bundles, mimicking natural brain connections. This breakthrough enables the study of complex brain networks and their role in various neurological and psychiatric conditions.
Researchers discovered that MEIS2 plays a critical role in activating genes necessary for the formation of inhibitory projection neurons, vital for motion control and decision-making. A MEIS2 mutation found in patients with intellectual disability disrupts these processes.
Researchers found that metformin treatment does not have a positive effect on the brain development of offspring mice. The study suggests that the maternal metabolic state is crucial in determining the impact of metformin on the child's health.
Research reveals metformin treatment does not benefit offspring brain development despite positive effects on pregnant animals. Maternal metabolic state plays a crucial role in shaping the outcomes.
Researchers found that different areas of the brain start with a similar organization in early development, using a shared blueprint to guide neural growth. This suggests that neurodevelopmental disorders may act similarly across diverse brain areas.
A landmark study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that COVID vaccines are safe to administer during pregnancy, with no abnormal delays in infants when tested at 12 months and 18 months. The study of over 2,200 infants from across the country also found an increased risk of delay among male infants at 12 months but not at 18 months.
Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine researchers have created a toolkit of transgenic flies expressing all ten Zika virus proteins. The study found that these protein expressions induced diverse effects on the developing nervous system, including lethality, reduced brain size, and functional defects. This new experi...
Research finds that living in violent neighborhoods can alter a child's brain to detect threats more easily, leading to poorer mental health. Nurturing parents can help protect kids from these detrimental effects by reducing exposure to community violence and promoting resilience.
A recent study of 2,261 infants found no significant adverse effects on neurodevelopment after in utero exposure to COVID-19 vaccination. The research suggests that maternal COVID-19 vaccination is safe for infant development up to 18 months.
A Singaporean study found that children exposed to elevated levels of early life adversity exhibit an accelerated pattern of brain development during preschool years. This accelerated pace may lead to adverse cognitive and mental health outcomes. The study suggests that early intervention may be effective in preventing these consequences.
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 from UC Davis School of Medicine and MIND Institute found that imbalances in folic acid and vitamin B12 can alter brain development in mice. High folic acid intake, even within recommended guidelines, may cause neurodevelopmental issues in offspring.
The brain's reaction to unexpected sounds changes as it matures, with different regions developing at different times. The study found that the cerebral cortex takes longer to mature than expected, around the early 20s in human years, and is influenced by experience.
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.
Researchers found that inhibitory neurons in the entorhinal cortex continue to migrate and build new connections until age two, contributing to neuroplasticity periods and potential susceptibility to Alzheimer's disease.
A recent study published in NeuroImage found that physically active individuals experienced less decline in entorhinal cortex thickness over a seven-year period. Cognitive reserve is also boosted through regular mental stimulation, suggesting that brains can be trained like muscles to counteract age-related decline.
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 discovered how biological information travels between mothers and babies during pregnancy. Microscopic extracellular vesicles, produced by placental cells, act as a protective mechanism transporting important biological information to emerging neurons.
Researchers found that humans are born with brains at a typical development level for similar primate species, but grow much larger and more complex after birth. This challenges the prevailing understanding of evolutionary human brain development.
A review of 23 years of neuroimaging research finds that screen time affects the pre-frontal cortex and other brain regions involved in executive functions, memory, and processing. Digital experiences may shape children's brains and influence cognitive development, with both positive and negative impacts.
A new study suggests that hormonal birth control used by adolescents may influence the development of their brain, leading to altered risk assessment. The researchers found increased myelination and decreased immune cells in the brains of treated rats, while also exhibiting signs of impulsivity in behavior tests.
A new study in Nature Communications presents a large-scale chart of cognitive development in teens, revealing that executive function usually matures by 18 years old. The findings have significant implications for psychiatrists, neuroscientists, parents, educators, and the judicial system.
Brazilian researchers found that Zika-infected mice with microcephaly have lower Ndel1 enzyme activity, which plays a key role in neuron differentiation and migration. The study suggests that Ndel1 may be a biomarker for early diagnosis of microcephaly and offers hope for treatment options.
Researchers have discovered axonal dysregulation in the prenatal brain as a mediator of genetic risk for schizophrenia. The study used induced pluripotent stem cells and three-dimensional brain organoids to identify key genes involved, including CYFIP1, which is highly expressed in microglia.
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.
Researchers at King's College London are studying the effects of maternal prenatal exposure to COVID-19 infection on children's brain development. The six-year study will explore how the maternal immune system affects fetal brain development and identify potential impacts on childhood outcomes.
Researchers created the first 'multiome' atlas of brain cell development in the human cerebral cortex, revealing specific changes in chromatin structure that precede gene expression. The study pinpointed regions associated with genes linked to neuropsychiatric disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Two parallel projects publish detailed cell atlases of the adult human brain and brain development, revealing over 3,000 cell types, including new insights into brain diseases and potential therapeutic targets. The freely available brain atlases will enable researchers to compare healthy brains with diseased ones.
A new AI-powered app can detect autism in children with high accuracy, capturing a wide range of behavioral characteristics beyond eye movements. The app provides detailed information on which indicators led to its conclusions and why, enabling healthcare providers to make informed decisions.
A new study review found children from families with low incomes and families of color are exposed to more neurotoxic chemicals, leading to greater harm on brain development. This disparity is attributed to their neighborhoods being located near factories, chemical plants, highways, and agricultural fields where pesticides are applied.
Exposure to plasticizers during pregnancy has been linked to smaller total gray matter in the brains of children at age 10. Additionally, maternal exposure to certain phthalates is associated with lower child IQ at age 14. The relationship between exposure and lower IQ is partially influenced by total gray matter volumes.
A UMass Amherst neuroscientist is mapping the brain of a sea slug to study how neurons are added to functional neural circuits, shedding light on how this process contributes to neurological conditions. The project aims to provide an unprecedented look at brain development and potentially inform human brain development.
A study by researchers at the University of Tokyo found that the presynaptic Ube3a E3 ligase molecule plays a key role in eliminating neural synapses. This discovery offers insights into developmental disorders such as Angelman syndrome and autism spectrum disorders.
A new study from the University of Toronto finds that cyberbullying is associated with binge eating, weight gain worries and body image distress among 10-14 year olds. The study suggests that limiting social media that encourages eating disorders and appearance comparisons can help prevent these issues.
A new Stanford-led study shows that adding zinc to farmland soil can help prevent childhood stunting, a condition due to chronic undernutrition that is associated with poor brain development and long-lasting harmful consequences. The researchers found that the presence of zinc in soil helps prevent stunted childhood growth.
The Thriving Kids Brain Builders initiative aims to bridge the gap between research and practical application, ensuring all children have access to support for brain development. The project offers a free online course, 'Understanding Brain Development', developed by QBI and Emerging Minds.
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.
Researchers created comprehensive fine-grained functional maps of infant brain networks, providing unprecedented details on brain development from birth to two years old. The study revealed novel insights into when different brain functions develop during infancy and provided valuable references for early brain developmental studies.
A study of 463 infants aged 8-36 months found that those with smaller vocabularies and poorer cognitive skills nap more frequently. Reducing naps for these children may not improve brain development, suggesting a need to re-evaluate sleep recommendations.
Researchers discovered lactate's role in helping neural stem cells develop into specialized neurons. Lactate sends signals to cells, modifying and strengthening neuronal functions. The study provides insight into lactate signaling in the nervous system, with potential applications for preventing or controlling cognitive diseases.
Children who begin reading for pleasure early in life tend to perform better at cognitive tests and have better mental health when they enter adolescence. Reading for pleasure is also associated with improved brain structure, which may help explain the findings.
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.
Research from Keck School of Medicine of USC found that everyday air pollution can alter brain development patterns in adolescents, linked to changes in brain connectivity over time. Exposure to fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide was associated with increased or decreased functional connectivity between brain regions.
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.
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.
A team of researchers used MRI and audio recordings to demonstrate the association between caregiver speech and infant brain development. Infants who heard more words had slower-developing white matter, but eventually showed better linguistic performance when they began to talk.
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.
A national study published in Sleep Health found that screen habits linked to better sleep include keeping devices out of the bedroom and avoiding screens before bedtime. The study analyzed data from 10,280 preteens aged 10-14 and found that 15.5% reported trouble falling or staying asleep in the past two weeks.
Researchers discovered that marsupial brains exhibit region-specific patterns of cortical activity during early development. This finding provides valuable information about human brain development and may inform strategies for improving cognitive function in humans.
Scientists have developed a new method to genetically modify brain organoids, allowing for quick and effective analysis of gene function in early stages of brain development. This breakthrough enables comparative studies across primate species and simulates neurological diseases without animal experiments.
Research supported by NIDA found that states with stronger social safety nets have lower socioeconomic disparities in brain development and mental health of children. Anti-poverty programs, such as cash assistance and Medicaid expansion, reduce these disparities.
A NYU Abu Dhabi study reveals that improvements in visual functions are linked to changes in white matter pathways and specific brain regions. The research confirms the potential of cataract surgery to improve visual function and brain plasticity, especially when performed at a younger age.
A UToledo-led study found early exposure to pyrethroids may increase the risk of autism and developmental disorders in mice. The researchers discovered behavioral changes, including hyperactivity and repetitive behaviors, which are similar to symptoms seen in human patients with neurodevelopmental disorders.
A new study reveals an association between poor air quality in India and impaired cognition in infants under two. The study found that air quality was poorer in homes that used solid cooking materials like cow dung cake, and that reducing cooking emissions could have benefits to infants' emerging cognitive abilities.
Research suggests that problems with the brain's ability to 'prune' itself of unnecessary connections may underlie a wide range of mental health disorders that begin during adolescence. Adolescents experiencing mental health problems showed similar patterns of brain activity, which were largely apparent in the frontal lobes.
A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that individuals with a family history of depression exhibit reduced cognitive abilities. The research highlights the potential impact of genetic and environmental factors on brain development and aging, as well as modifiable lifestyle factors.
A recent study found a significant rise in cannabis exposures in suspected suicide attempts, with the majority involving other substances. The data highlights the need for increased mental health services and awareness about the risks of cannabis use, particularly among youth.