Articles tagged with Brain Development
A new study reveals that combinations of multiple genetic factors determine the risk and severity of symptoms in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Researchers analyzed 37,375 individuals from 11,213 families to understand how rare mutations and common genetic variation contribute to ASD.
A study of over 200 pregnant women found that prolonged stress and depression during the pandemic affected fetal brain development, including reduced white matter and delayed brain gyrification. The findings have major implications for basic science and informing public policy initiatives.
A small study suggests that maternal psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic may be associated with changes in the brain of developing fetuses. The study found decreased brain structure and volumetric measures in fetuses from the pandemic cohort compared to the pre-pandemic cohort.
Two preclinical studies have identified potential new therapies for patients with Allan-Herndon-Dudley syndrome (AHDS), a brain development disorder that causes severe intellectual disability and movement problems. A gene therapy approach has shown promise in improving cognitive and motor functions, while repurposing a common drug may ...
A new study suggests that supplementing a diet with Ascidiacea, also known as sea squirts, reverses some main signs of aging in animal models. The researchers found that plasmalogens, vital to body processes, decrease with age and contribute to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
A new study suggests that up to 1 in 4 cases of congenital hydrocephalus may be linked to genetic mutations affecting neural stem cell growth, leading to underdeveloped brains and enlarged ventricles. This paradigm shift could lead to targeted therapies such as gene editing or drugs to optimize neurodevelopment.
Researchers found that hormone fluctuations, particularly estrogen, shape brain development and behavior. Estrogen influences the growth of brain regions, leading to permanent changes in neural circuitry.
A recent Rutgers University study has found that children in families struggling to provide diapers are more likely to have disrupted and shorter sleep periods. The researchers also discovered a strong association between diaper need and an increased risk of childhood obesity, emotional problems, and maternal mental health symptoms.
Researchers used gene therapy to recover the TCF4 gene's function in human brain tissue, rescuing neural structure and function in brain organoids. The study offers promising insights into treating neurological disorders like autism spectrum disorders and schizophrenia.
A study by Children's National Hospital found that elevated anxiety, depression, and stress in pregnant women can alter key features of the fetal brain, decreasing their offspring's cognitive development at 18 months. This alteration also increased internalizing and dysregulation behaviors.
A new study from Boston Medical Center found that COVID-19 infection during pregnancy is associated with elevated inflammatory markers in infants, potentially impacting growth and brain development. Researchers emphasize the importance of COVID-19 vaccinations for pregnant women to avoid long-term adverse consequences for their infant.
A study found that fetuses with single-ventricle congenital heart disease are more susceptible to social-emotional problems compared to those with two-ventricle congenital heart disease. Infants with impaired prenatal brain growth also experience worsened language, cognitive, and motor outcomes by 18 months.
A study at the University of Helsinki found that in utero exposure to mother's antiepileptic or antidepressant medication can lead to widespread changes in cortical networks, affecting local and global brain function. This may have implications for infants' neuropsychological development and future research on environmental factors.
Research suggests that pregnant mothers' environments can influence the structure and function of their babies' brains before birth. A study found that babies born to mothers living in poverty tend to have smaller brains than those whose mothers had higher household incomes. Additionally, exposure to crime during pregnancy may affect b...
The BrainChart platform benchmarks brain development based on MRI data from over 100,000 individuals, creating a standardized chart like those for height and weight. The tool identifies previously unreported neurodevelopmental milestones and provides a common language to understand brain images from different sources.
Researchers created brain charts spanning human lifespan, revealing rapid brain growth in early life and slow decline with age. The charts use aggregated MRI datasets, covering a range of ages from fetus to 100-year-old adult, and aim to create a common language for describing brain development and maturation.
Researchers have identified the complete series of 10 factors that regulate the development of brain cell types in the visual system of fruit flies. This discovery opens new avenues of research to understand how brain development evolved in different animals and holds clues for regenerative medicine.
Researchers have discovered a novel nano-therapy that prevents bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in premature babies. The therapy uses tiny particles released by mesenchymal stromal cells, which travel to the brain and lungs, reducing damage and improving lung and brain health.
A USC-led study reveals that children with binge eating disorder show abnormalities in gray matter density compared to unaffected peers, indicating a possible link between the disorder and brain development. The findings suggest that treatment may need to address underlying brain abnormalities.
Researchers at Niigata University identified a novel Olig2 binding protein called Ddx20, which regulates RNA metabolism and transcription. Ddx20's interaction with Olig2 helps maintain cell survival and prevents apoptosis in neural progenitor cells.
Researchers observed that chandelier cells, which regulate cortical circuit activity, communicate with other neurons shortly after birth, influencing brain development. This interaction is crucial for normal brain function and may be disrupted in neurological disorders.
Researchers found that blocking an overactive signaling pathway during the first five weeks of life prevents autism symptoms from developing in mice. The study suggests that targeting this critical period could lead to a potential cure for autism.
A recent study found that exposure to complex mixtures of endocrine disrupting chemicals during pregnancy can impact children's brain development and language acquisition. The research, conducted in collaboration with multiple institutions, used a novel approach linking human population studies with experimental cell and animal models.
Researchers at UC Davis MIND Institute found a novel gene linked to autism spectrum disorder in newborns. The study analyzed DNA methylation signatures in the placenta, which reflected fetal brain development and early autism diagnosis.
A new study has discovered that as brains mature, the precise ways in which two key memory regions communicate make us better at forming lasting memories. The findings also suggest how brains learn to multitask with age, with slower oscillations in older participants and faster oscillations in younger ones.
A team of scientists has identified hundreds of new genomic loci associated with brain structure, shedding light on how the human brain is shaped. The study used genetically informed brain atlases to uncover the largest number of genetic variants linked to cortex size and thickness.
Researchers used 3D mini-brain models to study the effects of three autism risk genes on neural formation and development. The study found that despite unique molecular mechanisms, the genes converged on affecting specific types of neurons, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for autism treatment.
A longitudinal survey of over 3,000 adolescents aged 11-14 found that supportive relationships with family and friends, physical activity, and better sleep helped shield against the pandemic's negative impact on mental health. Girls were more likely than boys to experience psychological distress during the pandemic.
Scientists at the University of Missouri discovered that bisphenol A (BPA) exposure during pregnancy can negatively impact fetal brain development. MicroRNAs in the placenta play a key role in regulating cellular functions, including neural development. Researchers believe that microRNA packages could reach the brain through the placen...
Researchers at Waseda University discovered a new protein isoform called Senp5S, which helps regulate Drp1 and mitochondrial dynamics during brain development. The study suggests a novel and vital role for post-translational SUMOylation in neuronal differentiation.
Researchers found correlations between brain morphology and sensory characteristics in adults with ASD, suggesting structural changes may cause sensory abnormalities. The study aims to improve diagnosis and treatment options for ASD beyond behavioral indicators.
A study from Boston Children's Hospital found that inadequate sleep can jeopardize brain organization in early adolescence, leading to deficits in cognitive processes such as attention, reward, and memory. The research identified racial disparities in the impact of sleep on brain networks, with non-white participants experiencing dispr...
A recent study reveals that child maltreatment is associated with altered oxytocin gene methylation, leading to atypical brain structures and function. This finding suggests a potential biological mechanism for targeting during adolescence to improve the lives of victims of childhood abuse.
The HEALthy Brain and Child Development study will enroll 7,500 pregnant mothers and their infants at 25 US sites. The findings will provide insight into how environmental exposures, such as poverty and maternal stress, affect brain development from birth to age 10.
A new study found that adults and children make inferences about connections between experiences in different ways. Children create separate memories and compare them to make inferences, while adults build integrated memories with inferences already baked in. This difference may be due to differences in brain development and maturation.
Researchers identified areas of the infant visual cortex that already show strong preferences for faces, bodies, or scenes, similar to those in adults. This challenges the traditional view that these regions take years to develop, suggesting a more rapid emergence of specialized brain structures.
A team of scientists led by Associate Professor Nicola Allen found that astrocyte signaling is directly related to each stage of neuronal development. The researchers determined that astrocytes respond to neurotransmitters produced by neurons to control the timing of signal production, instructing neuronal growth and development.
Researchers at UC San Diego will document brain development from birth through early childhood, focusing on environmental factors and mental disorders. The HBCD study aims to optimize brain imaging technologies and predict future behavioral problems.
A new study reveals that sensitive skin surfaces are overrepresented in the brain due to stronger connections between sensory neurons and brain stem neurons. This mechanism may explain why certain body parts, like hands and lips, are more sensitive than others.
A recent study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that exposure to low levels of organophosphate esters can harm brain development in children, affecting IQ, attention, and memory. The chemicals, used as flame retardants and plasticizers in electronics and baby products, have been widely misassumed to be safe.
A groundbreaking study will follow 7,500 pregnant women and their infants across the US to understand healthy brain development. The five-year study aims to provide a comprehensive picture of normal variability in brain development and identify factors that pose the greatest risk.
Researchers found that depressed adolescents' brains reduce activity in brain areas related to visual processing when shown distressing images. Antidepressant treatment restored brain activity to healthy levels, suggesting a potential vulnerability in adolescent brains.
The researchers will develop techniques to analyze the joint growth of the brain and cranium using MRI scans, helping clinicians better assess and diagnose developmental disorders. The project has the potential to provide invaluable insights into healthy child development, enabling early detection and effective treatment.
A study by Boston University researcher Jennifer Zuk found that the brain's organizational pathways, known as white matter, set a foundation for language learning abilities within the first year of life. This is reflected in children born with higher indications of white matter organization having better language skills five years later.
A study by Umeå University researchers found that a specific light receptor, Opsin 3, plays a crucial role in brain development. The discovery may lead to new possibilities for using targeted light therapy during pregnancy to reduce the risk of neurological disorders in adulthood.
Researchers at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem have developed a new deep learning artificial infrastructure inspired by individual neurons. Their approach uses complex mathematical modeling to replicate the brain's electrical processes and create more intelligent AI systems.
Researchers identify biomarkers that indicate early brain injury in premature infants, highlighting the importance of gut microbiome and immune system balance. The study provides a starting point for developing therapies to prevent or mitigate brain damage.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg generated a comprehensive transcriptional atlas of neonatal mouse meningeal leukocytes, showing that these cells play a crucial role in brain development and pathology. The study also identified novel immune cell subtypes involved in brain injury and provided new insights into the interaction...
Higher maternal weight during pregnancy may be associated with poorer offspring brain development into adolescence. The observational study found a positive correlation between maternal weight and brain development in offspring, suggesting potential long-term effects on cognitive function.
A 17-year study found that children who experienced poverty in preschool had smaller volumes of certain subcortical brain regions, including the hippocampus and thalamus. The researchers also found that these children showed slower growth in these regions over time, leading to poorer cognitive and behavioral outcomes in adulthood.
New research published in eNeuro found that premature babies' brain connections at birth can predict their future emotional and social development. The study discovered a link between the strength of the uncinate fasciculus, a white matter tract involved in emotional regulation, and emotion moderation skills in preschoolers.
A University of Texas at Arlington researcher examines the impact of blunt smoking on teenagers, revealing heightened risks of respiratory disease, addictive behavior, and mental health disorders. The study also finds that blunt use can act as a gateway to other tobacco and nicotine products.
A study has identified a gene that plays a crucial role in brain development, with mutations affecting inheritance patterns. The Plexin-A1 gene is found to have dominant and recessive forms, which can cause significant damage to the brain and eyes.
Researchers have demonstrated that HERV activation can impair brain development, leading to altered cortical neuron function and structure. This finding has important clinical implications, particularly in the context of neurodegenerative diseases.
Research led by Ulrike Müller found that APP protein plays a crucial role in normal brain development, learning, memory formation, and social communication. The absence of APP during brain development led to malformations in critical brain regions and impaired behavior tests, including autistic-like behavior.
Researchers found that piglets raised in a laboratory environment developed brain structures and function comparable to those raised on a traditional farm. The study used MRI scans to assess brain development over time and found no significant differences between the two groups.
A first-of-its-kind study with 144 pregnant women found that low parental socioeconomic status during pregnancy affects the developing fetal brain, altering key regions and cortical features. This can potentially impact neural, social-emotional and cognitive function later in infancy.
Researchers found that the HTT gene mutation affects brain and body growth, leading to increased susceptibility to brain cell death, even in children as young as six. Gene therapy trials are underway to slow disease progression and potentially prevent onset by delivering gene therapy to carriers.
Researchers at Tohoku University discovered molecular mechanisms that cause Fragile X syndrome by studying fetal brain development in mice. The study identified key molecules associated with neurogenesis, autism, and intellectual disability.
A Penn State College of Medicine researcher is leading a three-year project to create an atlas of developing mice brains using computational tools and high-resolution imaging. The goal is to better understand brain development and identify key cells that may contribute to disorders like autism and schizophrenia.