Articles tagged with Cognitive Development
Researchers have identified a four-amino-acid mini-exon in the PTPδ gene that plays a critical role in brain development and behavior. The study found that deleting this mini-exon led to anxiety-like behavior and reduced movement in mice, highlighting its essential role in maintaining synaptic balance.
A study by Japanese researchers found that individuals with autism have impaired macrophage function, which may contribute to synaptic pruning deficits. The impaired function is associated with lower expression of the CD209 gene, suggesting a molecular mediator for this process.
A survey of U.K. adults with face blindness reveals the condition's impact on daily life, including difficulty recognizing family members and close friends. The study found that a third of participants struggle to recognize immediate family members, highlighting the condition's significant effects on relationships.
A cohort study found maternal hypertension and preeclampsia independently associated with cognitive and language development delays in preterm infants. Recognizing hypertensive disorders of pregnancy is crucial for targeted risk management strategies.
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.
Researchers found that a thicker preoperative macular layer in the right eye was associated with an increased risk of postoperative delirium. The study suggests that retinal imaging may serve as a non-invasive biomarker to identify individuals at risk, particularly after anesthesia and surgery.
A cross-sectional study found that moderately preterm birth was associated with long-term cognitive problems. The study highlights the need for continued follow-up of all preterm children, particularly those born before 34 weeks' gestational age.
Researchers have identified new candidate genes that could be responsible for congenital deafness, a condition affecting around one in 1,000 babies born in the UK. The study suggests that understanding these gene mutations may hold the key to devising effective treatments.
A new study has revealed that Beagle dogs carrying mutations in the Shank3 gene exhibit face processing abnormalities, similar to those observed in human ASD patients. The research provides direct experimental evidence that mutations in Shank3 lead to ASD-like deficits in face processing, contributing to social impairments.
Researchers found that ChatGPT makes the same kinds of decision-making mistakes as humans, including biases such as overconfidence and hot-hand fallacy. The study suggests AI needs oversight and ethical guidelines to reduce biases and improve decision-making.
A new study found that children exposed to higher levels of air pollution have weaker connections between key brain regions, potentially disrupting normal brain network development. The associations persist throughout adolescence, suggesting persistent disruptions in brain function.
A study published in GeroScience found that weight training improves memory and brain anatomy in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. The results showed that strength training protected against atrophy in key brain areas associated with Alzheimer's disease.
A machine-learning algorithm named catGRANULE 2.0 ROBOT identifies molecular targets for further researches and therapies in neurodegenerative diseases. The algorithm analyzes protein-RNA interaction to predict potential harm and identify early pathological signals.
A research group has uncovered a potential mechanism linking maternal inflammation to delayed neurodevelopment in infants. CD11c-positive microglia, crucial for myelination, play a key role in this process.
A groundbreaking study reveals that autistic children exhibit social attention patterns similar to their typically developing peers during play, with a primary focus on toys rather than faces. This challenges the longstanding assumption that reduced eye contact is a definitive marker of autism.
A new digital 'translator' for brain studies enables researchers to map the brain in a standardized way, facilitating discoveries and treatments for various disorders. The open-source software allows for the comparison of brain imaging data with widely used brain atlases, promoting commonalities across findings.
The study found that the 'About Me' Care Card helps clinicians identify patient concerns earlier, creating personalized care conversations. However, some patients with advanced cognitive challenges required assistance, highlighting the need for further development and refinement of the tool.
A new study from the University of Turku screened school-age children for anxiety and found that a Master Your Worries programme reduced symptoms of generalised anxiety, social anxiety, and separation anxiety. The study also showed that lighter digital study materials can reduce anxiety symptoms in children.
A study of 733 older female participants found that those with increasing sleepiness had double the risk of stable sleepers. Poor sleep quality in midlife and delayed dream phase are also linked to a higher risk of dementia. The study adds to recent research on the relationship between sleep patterns and dementia.
A recent study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that increased daytime sleepiness in older women is associated with a double risk of developing dementia. The study tracked 733 female participants over five years and observed significant changes in sleep patterns, including declining nighttime sleep and increasing sl...
A new gamified mobile health app, More Stamina, has been shown to effectively manage MS-related fatigue by helping users track their daily activities and energy expenditure. The study found that the app facilitated conversations between MS patients and their families, improving understanding and support.
A new study from the University of Bristol found an association between fish intake and the behavioural development of children. Children who consumed the least amounts of seafood at 7-years-old were likely to be less 'prosocial' at ages 7 and 9 years compared to those who regularly consumed seafood.
Developing multifunctional bioelectronics for organoid interfacing has overcome conventional electronics' limitations. Flexible and stretchable electronics create organoid/electronics hybrids for chronically stable interfaces, enabling electrophysiological recording and multimodal profiling of single cells within 3D tissues.
Elevated fluoride concentrations have been shown to impair cognitive abilities in children, particularly verbal reasoning skills and sensory processing. The study suggests that even low levels of exposure can have significant effects, highlighting the need for further research on fluoride health risks.
Researchers used advanced technology to analyze over 100 hours of brain activity during real-life discussions. The study found that the brain processes language in a sequence, from thinking about words to forming sounds and vice versa.
The Center for BrainHealth has assembled a seasoned team, including retired Navy Admiral William McRaven's match gift commitment, to expand its Optimal BrainHealth for Warfighters program. The program aims to improve cognitive capacity in the military and leverage brain health tools to prevent or mitigate health issues.
A study of nearly 900 postmenopausal women found an association between perimenopausal symptom burden and later cognitive function and behavioral impairment. Women with higher menopausal symptom burdens were more likely to experience poorer cognitive function and mild behavioral impairments, both markers of dementia.
Research suggests that middle childhood and adolescence adversity can foster resilience to anxiety later in life. Individuals who experienced low-to-moderate levels of adversity during this period exhibited distinct patterns of brain activation when differentiating between danger and safety.
Researchers developed an AI tool to predict cognitive impairment over the next five years by analyzing brain wave patterns during sleep using EEG. The tool identified subtle differences in brain wave patterns that predicted which participants would later be diagnosed with cognitive impairment.
Researchers at Kyoto University investigated the effects of two-hit stress on mice, finding that it leads to increased microglia activity, neuronal loss, and decreased brain connectivity. Microglia replacement therapy showed promise in rescuing affected mice, with female mice exhibiting higher stress resilience.
Researchers found that brain connectivity related to cognitive control predicted substance use initiation, while cognitive control behavior did not. Stronger connectivity between the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex was associated with delayed substance use onset.
The new μETF method simplifies fabrication of flexible 3D microelectrode arrays for neural applications. It reduces stimulation thresholds by 1.7 times and improves spatial resolution compared to traditional flat electrodes. The technology has potential in brain-computer interfaces, wearable electronics, and lab-on-a-chip systems.
A new observational study suggests that antidepressants can accelerate cognitive decline in people with dementia, while certain medications appear to be less harmful. Researchers analyzed data from 18,740 patients and found that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) were associated with the fastest cognitive decline.
Researchers found that negative early life experiences can lead to delayed brain development in adolescents, increasing vulnerability to mental health disorders. The study suggests brain connectivity rather than cognitive control behavior is a stronger predictor of future substance use.
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.
Researchers explore the connection between Alzheimer's and metabolic syndrome, finding links between insulin regulation, high blood pressure, and obesity. The study suggests that maintaining healthy blood fat levels may be crucial for brain health, paving way for potential therapeutic developments.
A study published in Annals of Neurology found that severe early-life adversity accelerates brain aging and amplifies neurodegenerative processes in women. Researchers analyzed biomarkers, brain scans, and cognitive tests to determine the link between childhood trauma and later dementia risk.
Researchers from the University of Surrey have demonstrated that adults can acquire absolute pitch through targeted training. In an eight-week online program, participants made significant progress in identifying musical pitches with high accuracy. The study's findings provide new insights into musical cognition and learning.
A study published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood found that children with poor social and cognitive skills during childhood are more likely to fail their GCSE exams. The research, based on data from the UK Millennium Cohort Study, suggests that these issues may account for around 17% of exam fails among 16-year-olds.
Researchers developed a biomarker test that can detect small amounts of tau protein and its misfolded forms in cerebrospinal fluid, correlating with cognitive decline severity. The test identifies early stages of tau tangle formation up to a decade before brain scans, opening doors for early-stage disease diagnosis and intervention.
A new study finds that parents' own screen habits significantly increase the likelihood of preteens engaging with mature media. Proactive parental monitoring and clear media rules are linked to lower consumption of mature content.
The ASCENT project provides real-time advanced air pollutant measurements, including PM2.5 aerosols and chemical components, to help increase public safety amidst the LA fires. The network measures chemicals emitted by burning structures and household materials, such as lead and chlorine, which can have toxic or carcinogenic effects.
Researchers found that individuals with childhood epilepsy have an increased accumulation of brain amyloid later in life, which may lead to late-onset brain amyloid disorders like Alzheimer's disease. The study also showed that these individuals performed worse in cognitive tests compared to controls.
Researchers found that adolescent rodents fed a high-fat diet showed poor control during motor inhibition tasks and conservative decision-making in adulthood. The study suggests that a high-fat diet in adolescence can provoke long-term changes in impulsive behavior.
Researchers developed a predictive tool using the Florey Dementia Index to forecast onset ages of mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's. The validated tool may help prioritize patients for disease-modifying treatments.
Researchers in Kenya, Norway, and Denmark are collaborating on a project to develop and test an improved dietary supplement for pregnant women. The goal is to reduce incidences of low birth weight, improve maternal and child health, and enhance growth and cognitive development in children. The new supplement, MMS+, will include additio...
A new study by Bar-Ilan University researchers reveals encouraging findings about cognitive growth and development in adults with Down syndrome, challenging previous assumptions. Adults with DS demonstrated higher fluid intelligence, while those with NSID showed more fragmented cognitive connections.
A study published in Journal of Medical Internet Research found that open-world video games provide cognitive escapism, reducing stress levels and improving mental health. Popular titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild offer a sense of freedom and autonomy.
A recent study published in Journal of Dental Research examined the relationship between early childhood fluoride exposure and cognitive development. The research found that there were no significant effects of fluoride exposure on cognitive neurodevelopment, with the hypothesis of non-inferiority tests also supporting this conclusion.
A phase 1/2 clinical trial has demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of the AEF0217 molecule in improving cognitive function in people with Down syndrome. Measured outcomes showed significant improvements in behavioral skills, social interactions, and cognitive flexibility.
Researchers found that a blunted response to reward feedback in teens predicts the first onset of depression, but not anxiety or suicidal ideation. This study contributes to understanding neural risk factors for mental health disorders and developing new methods to assess mental health risks.
A University of Gothenburg study found that people who started playing video games at an early age developed problematic gaming more quickly than those who started later. The study showed that younger gamers (average age 14) exhibited problems sooner than adult gamers (average age 21).
A Mass General Brigham study found that taxi and ambulance drivers had lower rates of death from Alzheimer's disease compared to other professions, possibly due to real-time spatial and navigational processing. The study analyzed data from nearly 9 million people across various occupations.
A social work graduate has published her research on cognitive decline among refugees, finding that those who have experienced trauma are more likely to suffer from mild cognitive impairment. The study highlights the need for interventions that address these gaps in care and promote healthier aging.
The University of California, Riverside is transforming undergraduate chemistry classes with a new mastery grading system, promising to improve outcomes for underserved students. The approach reduces high-stakes exams and emphasizes frequent assessments, resulting in a 10-point improvement in performance across all student groups.
A new study found a strong link between pregnant mothers' ozone exposures and increases in the chances of babies developing intellectual disabilities. The research, published in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology, analyzed public health and air quality data from Utah's Wasatch Front.
Researchers found that women who had both ovaries surgically removed before age 50 are at high risk of late-life Alzheimer's disease, with a fourfold increase in risk linked to the APOE4 allele. Hormone therapy reduces this risk by half in these women.
A new study reveals that glyphosate exposure in mice can cause lasting brain inflammation and accelerate Alzheimer's disease-like pathology, even after a significant pause from exposure. The herbicide's byproducts have been found to accumulate in brain tissue, raising serious concerns about its safety for human populations.
Research reveals transgender and gender-diverse preteens are 15% less physically active than cisgender peers, with 1,394 fewer steps taken daily. This disparity may be due to stigma and discrimination discouraging team sports participation.
Researchers have discovered a specific type of body fat linked to abnormal proteins in the brain that are hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. Higher levels of visceral fat were found to be associated with increased amyloid accumulation and higher PET levels of hallmark pathologic proteins.