Articles tagged with Speech Development
A study by McGill University researchers suggests that the brain's sensory processing cortex, not motor control cortex, plays a crucial role in learning or regaining speech. Disrupting this area significantly impaired participants' ability to retain newly learned speech movements.
Researchers found that caregivers play a significant role in helping infants learn complex vocalizations, similar to how zebra finches use social feedback to teach their young. The study suggests that both humans and zebra finches rely on social environment to guide low-level temporal foundations of their vocal communication.
Researchers found that Palaeolithic sign sequences are statistically comparable to the earliest proto-cuneiform script, dating back 40,000 years. The analysis of over 3,000 geometric signs on 260 objects revealed complex and informative systems used by early humans to convey information.
Researchers found that preterm infants scored lower on both language comprehension and expression compared to full-term peers. The earlier the birth and lower the birth weight, the weaker the child's performance in language comprehension.
A study by researchers from the University of Zurich found that humans are the most frequent users of child-directed speech among five species of great apes. However, non-human great ape infants may acquire language through surrounding communication and gestures, similar to human children.
A new robotic system uses cues in a scene to determine a human's objective and quickly identify relevant objects, enabling intuitive assistance in household, workplace, and warehouse settings. The approach achieved 90% accuracy in predicting human objectives and 96% accuracy in identifying relevant objects.
Researchers discovered that infants at 15 months old can use conversational contexts to form initial representations of new words, which helps them later recognize the word when the object is visible. By 12 months, infants may not yet have enough familiarity with familiar words to begin forming a representation of a new word's meaning.
The American Heart Association funds research teams to investigate how risk factors for cardiovascular and kidney diseases impact women differently. The project aims to understand the biological significance of certain life cycles and societal factors on disease development.
A recent study from UTSA researchers reveals that large language models (LLMs) can pose a serious threat to programmers who use them to help write code. The study found that up to 97% of software developers incorporate generative AI into their workflow, and 30% of code written today is AI-generated.
A new study shows that classroom discussion plays a vital role in the teaching of writing. Teachers manage this discussion to develop pupils' understanding of writer's choices and their impact on readers. The study emphasizes the importance of 'scaffolding' discussion, making explicit relationships between language choices and meaning.
A growing body of evidence suggests a significant link between human papillomavirus (HPV) and heart disease. Researchers pooled data from nearly 250,000 patients in seven studies, finding HPV-positive individuals had a 40% higher likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease.
The POSTECH research team developed a smartphone-type OLED panel that can transform its shape while functioning as a speaker, maintaining ultra-thin flexibility. The panel uses electrically driven piezoelectric polymer actuators to achieve complex forms without mechanical hinges or motors.
Researchers at Cornell University have developed an AI-powered ring that can track fingerspelling in American Sign Language (ASL) with high accuracy. The device, called SpellRing, uses micro-sonar technology to capture finger movements and predict ASL letters in real-time.
A new approach has been tested, bringing together child health services, specialist care, and the municipality, resulting in faster support for young children with autism. The average age at which children are diagnosed with autism has fallen from three years and eight months to two years and seven months.
Researchers discovered that exposure to similar behaviors within a person's social network is the most significant factor predicting individual prevention behaviors. Household-level interventions targeting entire families could result in more effective prevention strategies.
CerTracker LLC, a digital credential management platform, aims to streamline compliance and onboarding for healthcare professionals. The company will use the $10,000 grant to reduce administrative burdens and improve workforce efficiency in healthcare settings.
Researchers argue that a new definition is needed to accurately describe dyslexia and provide specific support. The new definition retains the idea of difficulties with reading and spelling relative to age, ability, or educational expectations.
Heavy screen use, particularly social media and video games, is associated with an increased risk of developing manic symptoms in U.S. preteens. The study found that prolonged screen time can lead to behaviors characteristic of bipolar-spectrum disorders, including inflated self-esteem, decreased sleep needs, and impulsivity.
A new study by Cornell researchers discovered that caregivers simplify their speech in response to babies' babbling, creating a feedback loop that drives learning. This effect is observed across multiple languages and cultures, suggesting that babies actively shape the conditions for language development.
The iKNOW system combines VR and AI features to provide a natural learning environment for students with autism. It includes avatar interactions and real-time speech recognition, allowing students to practice social skills in a more relatable setting.
West Virginia University researchers Erin Brock Carlson and Scott Davidson have designed an interdisciplinary program to engage liberal arts faculty in discussions on the social, ethical and technical aspects of artificial intelligence. The program aims to support the creation or redesign of 10 courses incorporating AI, exploring its i...
UVA researchers analyzed 300 blood serum samples from babies who died from SIDS and identified specific biological indicators linked to their deaths. The study found 35 predictors of SIDS, including ornithine and a lipid metabolite critical for brain and lung health.
Researchers introduced a novel approach to enhance reservoir computing, incorporating a generalized readout that offers improved accuracy and robustness compared to conventional methods. The new method uses a nonlinear combination of reservoir variables to uncover deeper patterns in input data.
Researchers from Lancaster University found a significant link between hearing impairment and an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The study analyzed data from the UK Biobank, revealing a 57% higher risk for every 10-decibel increase in baseline hearing loss.
Researchers found that humans still outperform ASR systems in noisy environments, but Whisper large-v3 matched human performance in all tested conditions except naturalistic pub noise. The system's ability to process acoustic properties and map them to the intended message was impressive.
Researchers at UCSF have discovered a new type of stem cell in the young brain that can form cells found in tumors, shedding light on how adult brain cells grow and develop into deadly brain cancers. The study provides a comprehensive roadmap for understanding healthy brain development, which could lead to better treatments for conditi...
A Norwegian study investigates the relationship between volunteers and patients, revealing that intimate disclosures can create an imbalanced dynamic. The researchers emphasize the importance of maintaining professional boundaries to avoid emotional burnout and ensure effective support.
Researchers found that babies' first vocalizations and attempts at forming words coincide with fluctuations in their heart rate. This discovery may indicate that successful speech development depends on predictable ranges of autonomic activity during infancy.
Researchers at Eötvös Loránd University found that dogs can recognize their owners based on pre-recorded speech, demonstrating an ability to discriminate between familiar voices. Dogs performed well in matching the correct owner with their voice, with performance best when hearing their main owner's voice.
A Concordia study of 300 Montreal households found that mothers have up to twice the impact on language exposure compared to fathers. Mothers typically transmit heritage languages, even if both parents are heritage-language speakers, due to cultural factors and spending more time at home.
Allophone children who attended preschool services show improved cognitive development, social emotional skills, and communication abilities compared to those who did not. Preschool education is a key factor in bridging the language gap for these children.
A $50 million consortium, led by Virginia Tech, aims to develop high-energy, long-lasting sodium-ion batteries using abundant and inexpensive materials. The initiative seeks to reduce US dependence on critical elements in lithium-ion batteries, paving the way for a more sustainable future in electric-vehicle technology.
A study published in Psychological Science found that 2-year-olds rely on grammatical information to understand the meaning of new words. The researchers used focus signals in sentences to manipulate children's responses, showing that young kids can absorb grammatical cues and leverage them to learn new words.
BrookieKids, a local education tech startup, has launched an AI-powered digital library featuring over 50 Mandarin voice-interactive stories. The platform uses speech AI to guide conversations and boost conversational skills in a fun and interactive way.
A new study reveals that children often begin with holistic learning, identifying whole phrases before breaking them down into parts. This approach challenges the traditional view that language is acquired by assembling smaller parts into larger structures.
Researchers found that a higher proportion of shape-based nouns in a child's vocabulary shortly after cochlear implantation was associated with better language development for the next three years. This association was stronger in children who had received cochlear implants compared to those with normal hearing.
A new systematic review of 70 studies reveals strong relationships between sign language competences and spoken and written language abilities. The findings suggest that English-only approaches may not be suitable for d/Deaf students, who benefit from nurturing their bilingualism through BSL.
The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute received nearly $1 million in grants to develop and enhance tractor-trailer educational programs. The programs focus on advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and safer driving outreach, aiming to save lives by educating drivers on the benefits of these technologies.
Hoda Eldardiry receives $349,360 grant from NSF to develop practical competencies for students to apply ethical principles in AI system design. Her team aims to engage industry professionals to translate AI ethics into concrete decision-making.
A global research team, led by Indiana University's Linda Smith, will investigate how shape perception influences language acquisition in children with typical and atypical developmental trajectories. The project aims to develop a cross-disciplinary theory of the dynamic interaction between language and cognitive systems.
Researchers found that female mouse models of Rett syndrome have a mosaic-like distribution of cells expressing wild-type and mutant MeCP2 protein, leading to dysregulated genes. The study also discovered an unusual disease progression, with females having more dysregulated genes at the pre-symptomatic stage than later on.
A large-scale study of children with genetic disorders found that thousands benefited from targeted treatments and support after receiving a genetic diagnosis, with over 20% able to start or adjust therapies. Researchers expect this number to grow as new genetic therapies develop.
A new study published in Scientific Reports reveals the importance of foot movement in early infant development and interaction. By using machine and deep learning techniques, researchers found that AI can accurately classify five-second clips of 3D infant movements, with foot movements showing the highest accuracy rates.
David Stanley's research uses a mixed integer linear program solver to optimize satellite pointing angles for efficient cloud imaging. The study simulates multiple satellites and clouds to understand convection transport effects on regrowth of new clouds, with potential implications for greenhouse gas emissions.
A recent study found that pregnant women who get less than 7 hours of sleep per night are at higher risk of having children with neurodevelopmental delays. This can affect social, emotional, behavioral, motor, cognitive, or speech skills in the child.
Researchers developed a tool to improve data transparency in large language models, enabling practitioners to find suitable datasets for their models. The tool, Data Provenance Explorer, automatically generates summaries of dataset creators, sources, licenses, and allowable uses.
The study used spatial transcriptomics and machine learning to analyze gene expression and cell distribution in PanINs, identifying key features of pancreatic cancer progression. Key findings include increased cell proliferation and decreased inflammatory signaling in high-grade PanIN lesions.
A study by Dr. Pumpki Lei Su and colleagues analyzed over 300 children's home recordings to find that infants form patterns in their sound clusters, producing three categories of sounds. The researchers found significant clustering patterns in typically developing children and those later diagnosed with autism, suggesting a more sponta...
Researchers developed a new brain-computer interface that translates brain signals into speech with up to 97% accuracy, enabling a man with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to communicate with friends and family. The system was tested in real-time conversations with continuous updates, achieving high word accuracy rates.
Researchers found that babies form strong expectations for a robot's responses within 10 minutes of interaction. The study suggests that contingency, or caregivers' timely reactions, is key to foundational learning in early development.
A new study reveals that parents use less redundant language with older children, highlighting the impact of perceived language proficiency on communication. The researchers employed an innovative method by quantifying redundancy in infant-directed speech using entropy rate.
Research by Lancaster University found that people in higher social grades, including corporate world and education sectors, are adopting each other's speech patterns to be more inclusive. This 'resonance' has increased over the past 20 years, particularly among those with high social status.
Researchers found that siblings of children with autism who had relatives with schizophrenia or anxiety experienced increased social and communication difficulties. Family history of anxiety and intellectual disability was associated with lower verbal and nonverbal skills in these siblings.
Researchers found that infants in English-learning environments were exposed to more spoken language than music, with the gap widening as they get older. The study used daylong audio recordings collected from home environments and crowdsourced annotations through Zooniverse, closing the gap on past studies that relied on parental reports.
Researchers analyzed 130 English-learning infants' vocalizations and found significant cluster patterns of squeals and growls, indicating active play and sound practice. These findings suggest that infant vocal category exploration is a fundamental pathway for language development.
A study led by the University of Turku has identified the brain network responsible for stuttering, which may lead to effective treatments. The research found that stuttering is associated with structural changes in a specific brain network involving the putamen, amygdala, and claustrum.
Newborns of bilingual mothers exhibit greater sensitivity to a range of sound pitches compared to those from monolingual mothers. The study suggests that prenatal exposure to multiple languages may shape the fetus's auditory system, influencing its ability to process speech sounds at birth.
A new study published in npj Mental Health Research reveals three distinct language comprehension mechanisms in autistic children, challenging the common linear trajectory of language development. The findings support the idea that intensive language therapy should start earlier and highlight the importance of improving language compre...
Research by Uppsala University and Region Gotland found that new screening tools are effective in identifying early language and communication difficulties in children. The studies show a sharp increase in referrals to speech therapists after introducing Språkfyrn, a four-year-old screening tool.
Researchers developed a smartphone cognitive testing app that detects early signs of FTD in gene carriers before symptoms appear. The app was found to be comparable to gold-standard methods and may enable greater participation in clinical trials.