Articles tagged with Developmental Neuroscience
A virtual reality study with zebrafish shows that the environment experienced by young fish influences the shape and electrical activity of neurons in the eye. Fish growing up surrounded by horizontal stripes develop differently shaped neurons compared to those exposed to vertical stripes, which affects their behavior.
The new section in JMIR Neurotechnology focuses on the responsible and ethical use of neurotechnology. Submissions welcome for original research, case series, theoretical viewpoints, and data-driven analyses on ethics and policy in neurotechnology.
A study of 2,044 older Japanese adults found that lower vitamin C levels were associated with lower gray matter volume and reduced connectivity within the default mode network. Optimal vitamin C levels may support cognitive function, but further research is needed to explore the biological mechanisms.
A systematic review of 73 studies found that early diet may shape cognitive performance and academic outcomes in adolescents. Unhealthy dietary patterns in infancy have lasting consequences for intelligence in adolescence, according to the study.
A new study found that safe firearm storage can minimize children's exposure to lead, an environmental toxin. In homes where firearms are not stored or locked, dust lead levels are higher and blood lead levels in children increase by up to 20%.
Researchers found that octopuses can use mirrors to find food out of sight, displaying spatial cognitive abilities. The study shows that octopuses traveled to the correct side approximately 73% of the time when searching for a reward.
A new framework, criticome, integrates experience until age 25, reframing autism, schizophrenia, depression, and trauma as developmental disorders. The study suggests that screen-saturated childhoods may produce adult dysfunction, highlighting the importance of early experience in brain development.
The LEGO Foundation Fellowship will support up to 10 researchers pursuing ambitious work on how children thrive in crisis and conflict settings, neurodivergent children, and AI-enabled learning. The fellowship aims to deepen understanding of what helps children learn, grow, and thrive.
A research team at Niigata University has identified a copper-HIF1α-BNIP3-mTOR pathway connecting trace elements to glial cell development in autism spectrum disorder. Lower plasma copper levels were associated with higher ASD symptoms and reduced white matter volume, which was linked to social symptoms.
Researchers identified two reproducible autism subtypes characterized by reduced brain connectivity (hypoconnectivity) or increased connectivity (hyperconnectivity), linked to synaptic pathways and immune-related systems, respectively. The study provides a biological foundation for precision medicine approaches.
Researchers identified two distinct subtypes of autism based on brain connectivity patterns, one characterized by reduced connectivity linked to synaptic pathways and the other by increased connectivity associated with immune-related systems. The study's findings offer a biological basis for personalized care and support.
The University of Maryland School of Medicine has received a $2.9 million federal grant to establish an advanced microscopy facility, enabling researchers to study cellular processes with nanoscale precision. The facility will house cutting-edge instruments like the MINFLUX microscope, which can visualize molecular events in brain cell...
Researchers developed a viable homozygous CHD8 mouse model, showing that stronger mutations can dramatically alter male–female autism patterns. The study revealed pronounced autism-related abnormalities in both sexes with severe mutations.
Researchers have discovered that errors in the final step of cell division can cause dramatic changes in developing brain cells, leading to abnormalities such as multiple nuclei and cilia. The study found that a protein called p53 acts as a guardian of brain development by triggering the self-destruction of abnormal cells.
Researchers mapped HuD-bound mRNAs across embryonic and adult mouse brains, finding shared biological pathways. The study suggests that adult neurons use an embryonic
A long-term study of patients treated with flow diversion devices (FDDs) for intracranial aneurysms revealed excellent safety profiles, with no significant differences in outcomes between various FDD platforms. The study found that multiple FDDs were associated with a higher risk of insufficient closure and delayed complications.
Children with high genetic susceptibility to schizophrenia show decreases in frontal cortical surface area during early adolescence, contrasting with regional expansion in those with low genetic susceptibility. This suggests neurodevelopmental deviations prior to symptom onset.
Researchers at University of California - Riverside discovered that the primary cilium, a microscopic structure inside nearly every cell, plays a critical role in brain development. The study found that proteins associated with the cilium are directly linked to human developmental disorders and that protein production occurs directly w...
Genomic Press launches Brain Health, a new peer-reviewed journal dedicated to the science of lifelong brain resilience, featuring research on glial plasticity and recovery from depression. The inaugural issue explores the intersection of fields including cognitive reserve, sleep, aging biology, nutritional psychiatry, and social sciences.
A study by Adelaide University researchers found that teacher self-efficacy is critical in creating safe learning environments for young children experiencing trauma. Early years teachers play a vital role in supporting children's wellbeing and helping to break cycles of disadvantage.
Researchers at the UC Davis MIND Institute found that polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) alter genes more in females than males, with a key gene called XIST playing a protective role. Folic acid also shows promise in mitigating harmful effects of PCB exposure, particularly in women.
Research explores how differences in brain development, age, and sleep affect EEG signals recorded from awake individuals. The study reveals that brain signals during wakefulness depend on prior sleep, with effects differing between children and adults.
Researchers found that building everyday behavioral skills in early childhood can shield young brains from the detrimental effects of prenatal stress. Children with stronger adaptive skills showed comparable brain activation patterns to their unexposed peers, suggesting these skills may protect brain function.
Researchers from the Salk Institute found that astrocytes play a crucial role in fragile X syndrome symptoms. Correcting dysregulations in star-shaped brain cells improved some symptoms, including reduced seizures and restored molecular balances in a mouse model of FXS. The study validates the importance of studying astrocytes in FXS r...
Researchers will use DNA-encoded chemical libraries and artificial intelligence to screen hundreds of millions of potential drug compounds, identifying those most likely to succeed in treating Alzheimer's. The project aims to shorten the timeline for identifying new treatments, bringing them to patients faster and with greater precision.
Researchers found that an ASO strategy boosts expression of the closely related HNRNPH1 protein, reducing symptoms of HNRNPH2-related neurodevelopmental disorder. The study provides vital mechanistic data to support advancement of this promising therapy.
The 2026 cohort of Leon Levy Scholars in Neuroscience will pursue research projects addressing neurological disorders and developing new treatments. The program provides scientific and professional career development opportunities, including mentorship and networking.
Researchers develop molecular tool called SynTrogo, which enables selective dismantling of synaptic connections in brain circuits. By harnessing astrocytes, the system reduces synapse number while strengthening remaining connections, leading to enhanced long-term potentiation and improved memory.
Researchers have discovered that within the first few weeks of development, some embryo cells are already selected to take on particular roles in the peripheral nervous system. This finding overturns longstanding assumptions in biology and opens up new avenues for research into developmental diseases and potential therapies.
A new study by MIT researchers uses advanced human cell cultures to model Rett syndrome, revealing distinct abnormalities caused by two different mutations of the MECP2 gene. The findings suggest that correcting key differences made by each mutation requires different treatments, paving the way for personalized therapies.
Researchers developed a nasal spray that reversibly reduces brain inflammation, restores cellular power plants, and improves memory. The treatment bypasses the brain's protective shield through intranasal delivery, suppressing chronic inflammation and promoting successful brain aging.
Critical thinking skills are crucial for teenagers to spot fake news, resist online addiction and harms like sextortion and bullying. Parents and educators can equip teens with practical skills to evaluate sources, seek multiple perspectives and make informed decisions.
A study found that epigenetic changes present at birth can impact an infant's gut microbiome development during their first year. The researchers also identified specific epigenetic changes and gut microbes associated with signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
A secondary analysis of the ANGEL-ASPECT trial found EVT to be beneficial for patients with anterior-circulation LVO and a large ischemic core and absent-to-moderate white matter lesions. In contrast, those with severe WMLs showed less pronounced benefits, suggesting uncertainty about EVT's efficacy in this subgroup.
Researchers developed a new sensor called CAMEO to monitor electrical activity in human cerebral organoids, facilitating research into neurodevelopment and genetic disorders. The device is made of carbon nanotube strands, enabling low-cost and scalable monitoring.
A new survey by Autism BrainNet reveals a significant disconnect between Americans' strong support for autism research and their limited understanding of postmortem brain donation. The survey found that 70% of respondents had never heard of brain donation, despite 92% agreeing its importance in advancing research.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have created a detailed cellular roadmap of human brain development, utilizing data from nearly 200 studies and 30 million cells. The atlas provides insight into genetic links and pathways involved in conditions like autism spectrum disorder and Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers created a pioneering database to map neocortical development across species using multiomic data from 188 studies. They discovered that humans take longer than mice to reach full molecular maturity, and gene regulation plays a key role in brain disorders.
Researchers discovered that mild hypoxia shortly after birth hinders learning and memory into adulthood through altered neuron-to-neuron communication in the hippocampus. The study also found a second protein involved in hypoxia's effects on this channel's functioning, which was restored when targeted.
A study led by Dr. Marco Milán identified mitochondria as a key player in a rare disease causing microcephaly, a condition where the brain develops to a smaller size. The researchers found that mitochondria dysfunction leads to proteotoxic stress, causing cells to accumulate errors in chromosome distribution, resulting in microcephaly.
In a breakthrough study, researchers successfully integrated neuronal precursor cells into biobots, resulting in the formation of functional nervous systems. This development has significant implications for neuroscience, bioengineering, and regenerative medicine, enabling the investigation of fundamental questions about the origin of ...
A new trial found that infants and toddlers with unilateral cerebral palsy show significant improvements in hand and arm function when receiving early, high-dose therapy. The study suggests that multiple approaches can help children build critical motor skills, providing families and clinicians with evidence-based options.
Researchers tracked killifish behavior from adolescence to death, mapping aging trajectories and identifying distinct behavioral stages. Long-lived fish displayed more vigorous bursts of movement and less daytime sleep, while short-lived individuals had disrupted activity patterns and increased daytime sleep.
Researchers have created the first high-resolution molecular atlas of the adult Drosophila melanogaster brain, uncovering how neurons retain a record of their developmental origins. The study found that the genetic diversity of neurons is far greater than previously thought, and that sex differences arise through selective neuronal sur...
Researchers discovered Setd8 enzyme preserves retinal progenitor cell flexibility, enabling potential regenerative vision therapies. The study highlights a potential target for repairing damaged retinas, with implications for regenerative medicine and ophthalmology.
Research reveals altered brain networks in newborns with congenital heart disease, which may be linked to sensory perception, movement, and social behavior. After corrective surgery, these brain networks are improved, suggesting that cardiac surgery can improve brain health.
Researchers identify nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) as a central mediator of neuronal migration and cortical lamination. The study reveals that UPF2, a core component of NMD machinery, is essential for proper neuron migration and brain development.
A new study reveals that astrocytes actively participate in motor-learning circuit rewiring by eliminating synapses in the striatum. The research identifies MEGF10 as a key molecular mediator of this process, which is regulated by dopamine signaling and neural activity.
Researchers review schizophrenia mechanisms, including neurotransmitter dysregulation and immune dysfunction, to develop next-generation therapies. Promising treatments include TAAR1 agonists, muscarinic modulators, NMDA receptor enhancers, and probiotics targeting the gut-brain axis.
Researchers created a simplified, scalable human cell model to study coordinated brain rhythms. They found that inhibitory signaling mediated by GABA helped promote sleep and prevent seizures, while potassium channel perturbations influenced rhythmic organization in distinct ways.
The UTA Pediatric Brain Health and Neurosciences Center will focus on developing novel treatments for drug-resistant epilepsy in children. Dr. Papadelis' team has already made significant discoveries in identifying the epileptogenic zone and predicting surgical outcomes.
The FENS Forum 2026 will be Europe's largest neuroscience congress, covering areas of basic to translational research. Journalists can register for free and attend symposia and poster sessions.
Researchers used AI to analyze brain activity of 130 two-month-old infants, discovering that they can categorize objects in their brains at just two months old. This challenges earlier thought and highlights the richness of brain function in the first year of life.
A new study from the Stowers Institute has identified a mechanism that makes fleeting moments unforgettable, revealing a critical step in forming long-lasting memories. The research discovered a specific type of chaperone protein that allows proteins to change shape and form functional amyloids that house long-term memory.
A recent study reveals that tissue stiffness regulates the production of key signaling molecules in the brain, using the mechanosensitive protein Piezo1. This discovery opens new avenues for understanding development and tackling diseases such as cancer.
A new study at York University found autistic adults who are right-handed demonstrate a reduced specialization of hand use and more distinctive movement patterns. Autistic participants used their right hand less often for grasping and followed highly unique, idiosyncratic paths.
A new MIT study reveals that somatostatin-expressing neurons follow a unique trajectory when forming connections in the visual cortex, establishing conditions needed for sensory refinement. These inhibitory neurons help usher in the critical period by setting baseline inhibition levels.