The brains of children with autism may not always ‘see’ body language
Researchers found that children with autism process brain waves differently when focused on body movements versus colors, highlighting a key challenge in communication.
Developmental Neuroscience
Articles tagged with Developmental Neuroscience
Discovery of molecular signatures of immature neurons in the human brain throughout life provide new insights into brain plasticity and other functions, according to Penn Medicine researchers
A team of researchers has used advanced techniques to identify immature hippocampal neurons in significant numbers throughout the human lifespan. The findings resolve a long-running controversy over adult neurogenesis and provide insights into brain plasticity, memory, mood, behavior, and brain disorders.
Maternal milk tied to better school-age outcomes for children born preterm
A study of preterm infants found that those who received more maternal milk in early life had better academic achievement, higher IQs, and reduced ADHD symptoms. Higher intake of maternal milk was also associated with improved reading and math scores.
How dads can use ‘kangaroo care’ to bond with their infants
A study by University of South Australia researchers documents the benefits of fathers using kangaroo care with premature newborns. The practice mimics the marsupial model, providing a nurturing environment that reduces pain and stress for both baby and caregiver.
Written all over your face: An improved AI model for recognizing facial expression
Researchers developed a novel convolutional neural network for facial expression recognition, outperforming conventional models while being computationally less expensive. The new model achieved an accuracy of 72.4% using only 58,000 parameters.
Brain’s response to understanding stories changes as we grow up
Research reveals that brain responses to stories change dramatically between childhood and adulthood, with different brain regions activated in each age group. Children as young as seven show similar patterns of brain activity to adults when watching a story, but their brains are less synchronized and more focused on sensory details.
Post-operative atrial fibrillation associated with higher risk for heart failure
A new study found that post-operative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is associated with a higher risk of hospitalization for heart failure among patients undergoing cardiac and non-cardiac surgery. POAF may be an early marker for heart failure, and its presence could contribute to the development of the condition.
Whole-body learning can boost children's letter sound recognition - the first step towards reading
A new study by the University of Copenhagen found that children who move while learning sounds of letters significantly improve their ability to recognize individual letter sounds. This embodied learning approach can help give beginner readers a good start and may lead to better reading skills in the long run.
Bad dreams could be early warning of Parkinson’s disease
A new study published in eClinicalMedicine found that older men experiencing frequent bad dreams were twice as likely to be diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The researchers suggest that dream changes could serve as an early warning sign for the condition, which may develop years before characteristic symptoms appear.
Broad spectrum of autism depends on spectrum of genetic factors
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.
Alzheimer’s disease blood test research at IU continues to advance the field with a community-based study
Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine have made significant progress in developing blood tests for Alzheimer's diagnosis and treatment. The latest study, published in Nature Medicine, explores the utility of phosphorylated tau (P-tau) blood biomarkers to aid in early detection and improve disease management.
Uncovering new details of the brain's first line of defense
A study by Kyushu University researchers has analyzed the development and genetic profile of a set of cells that construct the brain's immune system. The findings reveal that meningeal macrophages develop in the same way as other microglia, but perivascular macrophages originate from meningeal macrophages after birth.
Eating sea squirts may reverse the signs of ageing, study shows
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.
New study reveals how the brain says ‘oops!’
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai discovered how the brain uses a group of neurons in the frontal lobe to monitor performance, enabling humans to learn from mistakes and develop specific skills. This mechanism allows for flexibility in learning new tasks and adjusting focus based on conflict or difficulty encountered.
How mosquito brains encode human odor so they can seek us out
Researchers discovered that mosquito brains use a surprisingly simple mechanism to recognize human odor, involving just two nerve centers. The team identified the specific compounds decanal and undecanal as key components of human scent, which are also present in other mammal odors.
SPIE journal Neurophotonics publishes extensive status report on tools for brain science
The latest neurophotonic tools and techniques are reviewed in a new status report, covering advances from molecular nanoprobes to cortical column imaging. The report provides an overview of current state and future directions for brain science research.
Boys are more demanding than girls before they are born – according to scientists
A new Cambridge study has discovered that the sex of a fetus can affect placenta function, diet-induced maternal obesity, and stress. Designing sex-specific therapies and personalized lifestyle interventions could have lifelong health benefits for children.
Scientists pinpoint what makes brain cells develop in a specific order
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.
Study reports potential target and compounds to slow the development of Alzheimer's disease
A study found a shift in the profile of specialized lipid mediators from pro-resolving to pro-inflammatory in patients with cognitive impairment, correlating with severity of cognition impairment. The researchers identified novel mechanisms of brain health and potential therapeutic targets for slowing down Alzheimer's disease onset.
Rational neural network advances machine-human discovery
A novel 'rational' neural network reveals underlying mathematical equations through Green's functions, enabling humans to understand machine-generated findings. This breakthrough in partial differential equation learning holds promise for advancing scientific exploration of weather systems, climate change, and more.
Marion Silies receives ERC Consolidator Grant for research on adaptive functions of visual systems
Neurobiologist Marion Silies is investigating how various visual systems adapt to specific environments and behavioral conditions. She will use fruit flies as an animal model to understand visual processing mechanisms and their adaptation to differing conditions.
Growing up in rural or suburban areas improves spatial navigation
A study published in Nature found that people raised in rural areas outperform those from cities, particularly grid-pattern streets, in navigating spatial environments. This suggests that the simplicity of rural street networks influences navigational abilities.
Choi awarded $1.6M NIH grant to develop protein biomarkers for delayed cerebral ischemia
H. Alex Choi receives NIH grant to develop protein biomarkers for delayed cerebral ischemia, a complication after subarachnoid hemorrhage that affects approximately 50,000 Americans annually. The goal is to predict which patients will worsen and identify biological processes causing worsening patients.
Novel cell survival mechanisms through RNA regulation in the central nervous system
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.
How does the brain make memories?
Cedars-Sinai researchers identified two types of brain cells that divide continuous human experience into distinct segments, enabling the brain to recall memories. The discovery provides new hope for treatments of memory disorders like dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Connecting stress, weight, and social anxiety in early adolescence
A new study by EPFL researchers finds that stress during early adolescence leads to increased body fat and reduced sociability in males, but not females. The researchers identified a biological link between stress-induced fat gain and impaired brain function, specifically the NAD+/Sirtuin-1 pathway.
How motor neurons develop into subtypes that activate different muscles
A study in mice reveals how the Kdm6b gene influences motor neuron development into subtypes with distinct synaptic targets. The research, led by biologists at the University at Buffalo, founds that Kdm6b works cooperatively with proteins Isl1-Lhx3 to diversify motor neurons.
*Free* A new framework to assess health outcomes from endocrine-disrupting chemical mixtures
Researchers have developed a new framework to evaluate the health impacts of endocrine-disrupting chemical mixtures. A large cohort study found that prenatal exposure to these chemicals may be associated with language delay in children, highlighting the need for risk assessments to account for mixture effects.
Study reveals likely link between mitochondrial dysfunction and age-dependent cognitive disorders
Scientists demonstrate a definitive link between mitochondrial oxidative damage and cognitive dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease using a transgenic mouse model. The study found that Aβ1-42 aggregation in the hippocampus caused cognitive impairment, while oxidation led to mitochondrial dysfunction.
A routine prenatal ultrasound can identify early signs of autism
Researchers found that 30% of fetuses who later developed ASD had heart, kidney, and head anomalies detected during routine prenatal ultrasounds. These anomalies were more common in girls and linked to the severity of ASD. The study suggests that doctors can use these signs to evaluate the probability of a child being born with ASD.
TTUHSC researchers receive new NIH grant to continue studying amygdala-pain link
Researchers will use transcriptomics and chemogenetics to identify molecular targets for pain management. The project aims to advance knowledge on pain mechanisms and develop novel therapeutic strategies.
Study shows visual stimulation influences cell formation
Neuroscientists discover visual experience necessary to specify types of cells that form in brain. Researchers found that exposure to light altered the expression of genes and led to changes in cell connectivity.
In Down syndrome cells, genome-wide disruptions mimic a senescence-like state
Researchers discovered that genome-wide disruptions in Down syndrome cells share similarities with cellular aging or senescence. Anti-senolytic drugs were found to correct these disruptions, improving gene accessibility and cell function in cell cultures.
Researchers have succeeded in identifying the proteins in the coronavirus that can damage blood vessels
A team of experts from Tel Aviv University has identified 5 coronavirus proteins responsible for damaging blood vessels. The researchers hope that the identification will lead to the development of targeted drugs that reduce vascular damage in COVID-19 patients.
Resilience to stress can be measured and controlled in the brain and body
Researchers assessed short- and long-term effects of stress on rodent models to better understand the brain's response. The study's findings aim to develop targeted treatments for anxiety disorders and PTSD.
To baby brains, language is language, whether signed or spoken
Researchers found no difference between kids exposed to language at birth, regardless of sign or speech. Children with delayed language exposure tend to struggle with executive functioning. The study suggests that 'talking' doesn't just mean speech—sign language exposure is equally nourishing for baby brains.
NIH award advances the study of young and developing brains
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.
Researchers improve method to map brain cell connectivity
Scientists have developed an improved technique to trace brain connections between neurons in zebrafish using vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), enabling the visualization of connected neurons up to five days after infection. This breakthrough could provide insights into brain network connectivity repair after injury or disease.
Study shows fragile X treatment can incur resistance, suggests ways around it
A new study in mice reveals that fragile X treatment can incur resistance, but also identifies potential strategies to overcome this. Administering mGluR5 inhibitors at a young age and then stopping may produce lasting benefits in cognitive ability.
UNLV research bolsters link between diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease
A study published in Communications Biology reveals that chronic hyperglycemia in diabetes impairs working memory performance by altering the connection between key brain regions. Researchers found that areas critical for forming and retrieving memories were over-connected, leading to errors in remembering correct information.
When it comes to communication skills—maybe we’re born with it?
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.
Baby detector software embedded in digital camera rivals ECG
University of South Australia researchers create a computer vision system to detect premature babies' faces and vital signs from digital cameras, outperforming electrocardiogram machines. The technology has the potential to replace contact-based sensors, reducing skin tearing and infections.
Understanding motor problems in children with autism spectrum disorder
Anjana Bhat is studying the prevalence and relationship of motor problems in children with ASD. Her research aims to alter the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders definition of ASD by including motor impairments.
To do or not to do: Cracking the code of motivation
Researchers manipulated dopamine receptors to understand benefit- and cost-based motivation, revealing complementary roles for D1R and D2R. The study sheds light on the neurobiological mechanism of decision-making and has implications for psychiatric disorders.
Species of gut bacteria linked to enhanced cognition and language skills in infant boys
A University of Alberta study found that infant boys with a high Bacteroidetes gut bacterial composition scored higher in cognition and language skills. The researchers believe this association may be due to the production of metabolites called sphingolipids, which are instrumental for neuron formation and structure.
Smart biomarkers to empower drug development for brain diseases
Researchers at DZNE's Dresden site develop i3D-Markers, a cutting-edge technology platform that uses high-density microelectrode arrays and 3-dimensional neuronal networks to predict the reaction of neurons to compounds. This platform aims to optimize drug candidate selection and accelerate brain disease development.
Disabled researcher calls for better support for faculty
Academic institutions must improve support for disabled faculty members, including those with visible and invisible disabilities. The commentary highlights the challenges created by high demands for grant money and frequent research publications, which can lead to reduced funding and staff retention.
RIT researchers using drones and artificial intelligence to help assess crop growth
Researchers at Rochester Institute of Technology are creating a cost-effective and accurate 3D reconstruction sensing system for crop monitoring. They aim to reduce the cost from $500,000 to just a few thousand dollars by using lighter and less expensive sensors.
Can a newborn's brain discriminate speech sounds?
Researchers found that newborns' brains can process voice pitch but struggle with the spectral and temporal fine structure of sounds. The study's findings suggest that neural encoding of speech sounds develops over time, providing a potential biomarker for early detection of language impairments.
Tell me who your friends are: Neural network uses data on banking transactions for credit scoring
A neural network developed by Skoltech researchers improves credit scoring using transactional banking data, surpassing existing models. The EWS-GCN model processes large-scale temporal graphs directly and aggregates information to predict target client credit ratings.
Apples to apples: neural network uses orchard data to predict fruit quality after storage
Researchers developed a classification algorithm that uses orchard data to predict internal browning, surface cavities and fruit firmness in apples with high accuracy. The method shows promise for improving yield and reducing losses in the fruit industry.
MicroLED neural probe for neuroscience
A MicroLED neural probe for neuroscience has been developed to control and record neural activity in the brain. The probe uses high-efficiency MicroLEDs to activate neural activity with sufficient light output, enabling researchers to study higher brain functions and their relationship with animal behaviors.
"The machine as extension of the body"
A research team led by Prof. Gordon Cheng aims to develop a 'soft' exoskeleton that can sense user movement intentions and provide real-time feedback, integrating with brain-machine interfaces. The goal is to create an exoskeleton that works as an extension of the human body, enabling users to control their movements with their minds.
New activity found for CHD7, a protein factor vital in embryonic development
Researchers discovered a new epigenetic function for CHD7, which regulates cardiac neural crest cell development. The study also found that a single point mutation in the CHD7 gene can cause severe developmental defects and embryonic lethality.
For neural research, wireless chip shines light on the brain
A new chip has been developed that can be surgically implanted to read neural signals and stimulate the brain with both light and electrical current. The chip is fully wireless and trimodal, allowing for precise control over targeted regions of the brain.
Performance test for neural interfaces
Neural interface electrodes play a crucial role in studying the nervous system and developing potential treatments for diseases. A new set of guidelines has been established to standardize the testing of these electrodes, enabling transparent reporting and promoting an efficient scientific process.
Society for Neuroscience recognizes Courtney Miller for advocacy efforts
Society for Neuroscience recognizes Courtney Miller for her career-long practice of mentoring women scientists, including founding Professional Women's Nexus to provide support and connections. Miller has also achieved significant scientific success, developing treatments for drug addiction and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Single brain region links depression and anxiety, heart disease, and treatment sensitivity
A new study suggests that targeting a single brain region called the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (sgACC) could lead to better outcomes for people with depression and anxiety. Over-activity in sgACC underlies several key symptoms of mood and anxiety disorders, but an antidepressant only successfully treats some of the symptoms.
How to make AI trustworthy
A new tool, DeepTrust, generated automatic indicators of data and prediction trustworthiness in neural networks, addressing the need for trust in AI. The researchers used subjective logic to assess neural network architectures, providing insights into testing reliability and maximizing accuracy.
The benefits of slowness
Researchers developed an AI algorithm that uses the 'slowness principle' to estimate age and ethnicity by ignoring rapidly changing facial features. The system achieves impressive accuracy, outperforming even human experts in face recognition.