Articles tagged with Brain Development
Researchers found that excessive folic acid intake during pregnancy can have detrimental effects on the brain development of embryos. The study suggests a 'Goldilocks effect,' where too little or too much folic acid is harmful, and more investigation is needed to determine the optimal dosage for pregnant women.
Research finds that even low levels of alcohol consumption during pregnancy can impact a child's brain development, leading to anxiety, depression, and poor attention. The study, published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, suggests that any alcohol use during pregnancy is associated with subtle yet significant behavioural and psyc...
PRMT1 controls tissue development and lifespan, as well as stress responses in non-neuronal cells. In neonatal mice lacking PRMT1, severe inflammation is observed, including increased astrogliosis and microglia numbers.
Researchers discovered a population of brain-resident immune cells that transfer information from the body to the brain environment. The presence of these cells is crucial for normal brain development in mice, and their absence affects behavior and brain development.
Researchers discovered brain-resident immune cells that play a crucial role in normal brain development and are essential for the regulation of brain functions. The findings suggest a connection between gut bacteria, white blood cells, and neurological diseases.
A recent study has identified the RAB39b gene as a critical regulator of early brain development, with mutations leading to macrocephaly and autism spectrum disorder. The research used mouse models and human brain organoids to demonstrate how this gene disrupts neural progenitor cell growth and differentiation.
A study identified dozens of new mutations in the DDX3X gene, critical for brain development, and found that half caused loss of function while others disrupted its normal functioning. The research provides insight into how the gene functions normally and may lead to potential therapies.
New research suggests that moving birth a day early can trigger an early start to widespread neuron death in the developing brain. Delaying birth has no apparent effect on when this cell death occurs, indicating a developmental process takes over in this scenario.
A new study reveals that people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have a cellular abnormality that impairs production of myelin, a fatty substance that facilitates efficient electrical communication across the brain. This impairment could lead to abnormal brain development and neurological problems associated with ASD.
The University of Iowa will expand its decade-long study on brain development in children at risk for Huntington's Disease (HD) with a new $18 million NIH grant. Researchers found that children as young as 6 years old had abnormalities in the striatum, an area known to deteriorate in HD, suggesting compensatory mechanisms.
Researchers found that severe infections in pregnant mothers can impair brain development, leading to psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorders. The study showed immediate and long-lasting effects on neuronal cells, including impaired cortical GABAergic interneuron development.
Researchers have found clues to Huntington's disease origins in early brain development, using a new technology that manipulates human embryonic stem cells. The study takes the developmental timeframe back further than previous work, revealing dramatic effects on tissue structures.
Researchers uncover a molecular mechanism controlling neural stem cell development, enabling precise differentiation into neurons. The discovery sheds light on brain developmental processes and has implications for stem cell biology and cancer research.
Researchers have discovered that a gene called Memo1 is necessary for organizing the scaffolding of brain cells, which plays a critical role in proper brain development. Mutations in this gene are linked to autism and can disrupt neural circuit formation, leading to disorganized layers and neuronal misplacement.
Researchers observed bonobos in swamps foraging on aquatic herbs rich in iodine, a critical nutrient for brain development. This finding suggests that prehistoric humans may have obtained iodine from natural sources, potentially explaining their nutritional needs.
B.J. Casey advocates for reform to ensure healthy psychological development for young offenders in the US prison system. She recommends bail reform and closing facilities that lack rehabilitation components, citing examples like Kalief Browder's tragic case.
Research found thalidomide alters CRBN protein function in neural stem cells, leading to smaller brains and embryonic malformations. Increasing CRBN availability results in larger brains.
Researchers found that Integrator complex proteins regulate Earmuff, a transcription factor that prevents dedifferentiation. This process is critical for healthy brain development. Mutations in human Integrator genes are associated with neurodevelopmental syndrome.
Researchers have identified nine distinct groups of microglia, including some that appear only in embryonic or newborn stages, and others that are involved in myelination. These findings may help uncover new roles for microglia in disease and development, and could lead to the development of therapies targeting specific subpopulations.
A recent study from the University of Turku investigated brain structure in newborns, revealing asymmetry in lobar volumes between hemispheres. The findings suggest that environmental factors during pregnancy may have a lasting impact on infant brain development.
A new study suggests that playing a season of contact sports like youth football can affect normal gray matter pruning in the brain. Researchers found significant increases in power and gray matter volume in the frontal default mode network in high-impact players.
Research using young mice suggests that a nutrient-rich diet during early-life stress can improve brain development and function. The study found that micronutrients could help mitigate the negative effects of early-life stress on cognition, suggesting potential benefits for children's learning and memory abilities.
A recent study published in NeuroImage found that breast milk is associated with improved brain connectivity in premature babies. The research, conducted by the University of Edinburgh, suggests that exclusive breastfeeding for at least three-quarters of hospital days can lead to better long-term outcomes for pre-term infants.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital created a massive database of gene activity in individual cells during embryonic development and after birth, enabling scientists to trace specific developmental trajectories in the cerebellum. The analysis will aid understanding of brain development and provide a foundation for unde...
A recent study found that increased fetal exposure to folic acid due to grain fortification is associated with altered postnatal brain development and psychiatric risk in youth. Cortical thickness on MRI scans revealed significant changes, highlighting the need for further research into micronutrient effects on brain development.
New findings from fetal brain scans reveal that mothers' stress during pregnancy changes neural connectivity in their developing child's brain. The cerebellum plays a key role in this effect, which may be linked to future human health and development.
A review suggests that exposure to thyroid-hormone-disrupting toxins in pregnant women and children may lead to increased incidence of brain development disorders. This has significant implications for child health and underscores the need for targeted public health strategies.
Low levels of vitamin D during pregnancy and breastfeeding have been linked to differences in social behavior in children later in life. The study found that rats born to mothers with vitamin D deficiency displayed abnormal social behaviors, altered brain chemistry, and impaired learning and memory.
Researchers have developed a new method to precisely map brain folds in premature infants, which could lead to early detection of developmental disorders. The technique uses 3-D imaging and computer algorithms to identify subtle patterns of growth and folding, providing a unique fingerprint for each infant's brain development.
A landmark study reveals that maternal immune system activation can shape brain development in babies, with elevated IL-6 and CRP levels correlating with changes in the salience network. The study found significant effects on infant brain function and development into toddlerhood.
A landmark study found that maternal immune system activation during pregnancy can shape brain development in infants, influencing the functioning of the salience network. Elevated inflammatory markers were correlated with changes in brain regions and persisted into toddlerhood.
New research reveals that a father's stress alters his sperm, leading to changes in the brain development of his child. This finding provides insight into the crucial role fathers play in their offspring's brain development.
Researchers found that the modern human brain shape developed gradually within the species, with fossils showing a transition from elongated to globular shapes between 100,000 and 35,000 years ago. This evolution was independent of brain size and was accompanied by changes in early brain development.
A new special issue of Birth Defects Research: The Teenage Brain examines the potential risks of junk food and energy drinks on teen brain development. Research suggests that high consumption of these substances may negatively affect decision-making, reward-seeking behavior, and eating habits throughout adulthood.
A study on chicken embryos reveals that thyroid hormone transporter MCT8 plays a vital role in brain development. The research found that MCT8-deficient cells failed to migrate and proliferate, leading to disrupted brain formation. This suggests that brain lesions associated with a rare neurological disorder may originate before birth.
A new UCSF-led study found that non-representative sampling in pediatric MRI images significantly distorted findings about brain development with age. The research team created a weighted version of the dataset to better reflect the US population, revealing faster-paced brain development and a back-to-front model of brain region develo...
A recent study identified a gene associated with schizophrenia risk that plays a critical role in early brain development. The gene, ZNF804A, regulates essential processes such as protein translation and neuronal migration. Understanding its function could lead to more effective treatments for the disorder.
Researchers found that maternal inflammation can lead to changes in the fetal brain, particularly in the amygdala, which plays a crucial role in emotional processing. This association has been linked to impaired impulse control and an increased risk of psychiatric disorders.
Researchers have found a close link between early brain developmental events and changes in cognitive function in adulthood. Disruptions to the ability of developing brain cells to form connections were associated with increased fear-related memories.
Research from the UNC School of Medicine found an association between certain microbial communities and higher levels of cognitive development. Infants with high levels of Bacteroides had better cognitive scores, while those with diverse gut microbiomes performed worse.
A new study from Newcastle University shows that the exact time of neuron development and its position in the brain are key to forming neural connections. This understanding can lead to better diagnosis and treatment of developmental diseases like schizophrenia, autism, and ADHD.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital discovered a link between complement C3 signaling and neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease. In preclinical models, mice with C3 deficiency showed improved cognitive function despite accumulating amyloid plaques, suggesting modulating immune response could combat the disease.
Researchers are using innovative approaches, such as a scientific journal for kids, to convey complex nutrition research on infant brain development. The goal is to inspire critical thinking in young readers and make science more accessible to the broader public.
Researchers found activation of maternal immune system during pregnancy alters expression of key genes and processes associated with autism, leading to potential neurological repercussions. MIA-induced effects involve single genes and pathways essential for early fetal neurodevelopment.
Researchers found that maternal immune activation alters the activity of multiple genes and pathways in the fetus's brain, including those important for autism development. This effect may be similar to known biology behind conditions like autism.
A study found that in utero environmental factors, such as placement in the womb and access to nutrition, affect cortical structure and lead to differences in brain volume by teenage years. Epigenetic processes also play a role in this relationship.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a piglet model to study nutrition's effects on infant brain development and behavior. The new review article highlights several studies on pediatric nutrition, including those that assess brain development outcomes using advanced MRI methods.
Exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke even before conception appears to impair fetal brain development throughout pregnancy, damaging regions involved in learning and memory. The impact was most severe with exposures occurring in late gestation, but adverse effects also occurred when mothers were exposed prior to conception.
Research shows that brain maturation varies by individual and region, making it difficult to pinpoint a static baseline for maturity. Leah Somerville highlights the importance of considering brain development in policy-making decisions.
Studies found that early life stress associated with poverty and lack of familial support may lead to lower response to rewards, increased vulnerability to depression in children, and altered brain development. Positive maternal support appeared protective against these adverse effects on brain development.
Researchers at SDSU found that brain connections in individuals with autism are more symmetrical across hemispheres, impacting cognitive development. This asymmetry may contribute to difficulties in assembling information into a cohesive narrative.
A University of Georgia research team found that participation in the Strong African American Families Program enhances brain development in regions promoting learning, memory, and stress tolerance. This prevention program strengthens family relationships and supportive parenting among African-American families living in poverty.
A new study found that sleep deprivation in children increases slow-wave activity in posterior brain regions, suggesting these areas may be more susceptible to lack of sleep. The research also discovered a correlation between sleep loss and myelin content, indicating the potential for temporary effects on early brain development.
Researchers at Binghamton University studied brain activity in over 450 children ages 7 to 11, finding significant changes in brain signal complexity from year to year, particularly in frontal brain regions. These changes can potentially benchmark normative brain development and help identify early warning signs for mental illness.
A new study documents abnormal brain development in offspring of a non-human primate infected with Zika virus during pregnancy. The findings provide a model for testing therapeutic interventions to prevent fetal brain injury caused by the virus.
The Baby Connectome Project will investigate how the human brain develops from birth to early childhood, using non-invasive MRI scans of 500 children. The study aims to uncover factors contributing to healthy brain development and provide a comprehensive picture of brain connectivity.
Researchers have created a detailed molecular atlas of primate brain development, revealing key differences between humans and our close evolutionary relatives. The study provides insights into the genetic code underlying brain development and neuropsychiatric diseases.
A consensus statement from Project TENDR highlights the link between environmental toxins and neurodevelopmental disorders in children, including intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, and learning disabilities. The alliance calls for immediate reduction of toxic chemical exposures through policy changes and industry action.
A study by University of Tsukuba researchers reveals that dioxin exposure disrupts AhR signaling, leading to slowed neuron migration and altered brain development. This mechanism may explain abnormal behavioral alterations caused by dioxin exposure in laboratory animals.
A study published in eLife identified a novel mechanism that causes abnormal brain development in autism, a group of highly inheritable behavioral disorders. The research reveals how a specific microRNA regulates gene expression to impair brain development, leading to the characteristic symptoms of autism.