Articles tagged with Cognitive Development
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.
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 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...
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
A study funded by NIH found no association between antiseizure drugs used during pregnancy and neurodevelopmental problems in children at age 6. Higher folate doses during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy were associated with better cognitive outcomes.
A new Northwestern Medicine study found the 'lizard brain' is connected to newly evolved social cognitive network regions, which are involved in thinking about other people. This link helps shape the function of the social cognitive network by giving it access to the amygdala's role in processing emotionally important content.
Adolescents who snore frequently exhibit behavior problems like inattention and rule-breaking, but not cognitive decline. The study tracked nearly 12,000 children from age 9-10 to age 15, finding no correlation between snoring and reduced cognitive abilities.
A study found that maternal immune activity during pregnancy affects offspring's long-term memory circuitry and function in childhood and midlife. Elevated levels of IL-6 and TNF-a in mothers were linked to adverse brain activity in memory circuitry, particularly in postmenopausal women.
Research finds that adults outperform children in learning new motor skills, with older individuals improving faster and retaining skills longer. Better sleep appears to benefit children's learning and memory more, but other factors like sleep deprivation may also play a role.
A new study found that significant year-to-year fluctuations in cholesterol levels without medication changes could indicate an increased risk of developing dementia or cognitive decline. Researchers suggest that reducing cholesterol variability could potentially be a promising therapeutic target for dementia prevention.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University found that a special protocol of hyperbaric oxygen therapy can improve the condition of PTSD sufferers, reducing typical symptoms such as flashbacks, hypervigilance, and irritability. The study showed improvements in brain connectivity and clinical symptoms, offering new hope for millions of PTSD suff...
Researchers found that chimpanzees complete more difficult tasks when watched by multiple people, while performing worse on easier ones. This 'audience effect' suggests a unique bond between chimps and humans, influencing task performance.
A study of over 2.4 million individuals born in Canada found that preterm birth is associated with lower employment income, university enrollment, and educational attainment through age 28. The findings suggest that long-term supports are vital to mitigate the effects of preterm birth on socioeconomic outcomes.
A study found that people with excessive daytime sleepiness and a lack of enthusiasm are more likely to develop motoric cognitive risk syndrome, a condition that can lead to dementia. The study suggests that addressing sleep issues may help prevent cognitive decline.
A new study found that people from more affluent backgrounds are less likely to develop cognitive impairment or dementia. Those with higher education levels, managerial occupations, and wealth were also more likely to recover from mild cognitive impairment and improve their health.
A Michigan Medicine study of over 18,500 adults found that obstructive sleep apnea was associated with a higher risk of dementia symptoms or diagnosis at every age level. Women were more likely to be diagnosed with dementia than men, especially as they aged.
Researchers at EPFL have created a unique experimental setup combining non-invasive deep-brain stimulation, virtual reality training, and fMRI imaging to improve spatial memory. The study shows that targeted electric impulses to the hippocampus can temporarily increase brain plasticity, leading to better navigation and recall.
The partnership aims to create, study, and implement digital health solutions to address mental and behavioral health conditions. Researchers will use ecological momentary assessment and digital sensors on a patient's mobile phone to monitor cognitive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia.
Scientists use modern technology to analyze ancient ochre samples, revealing the material's origin and history. This helps them understand how human cognition and social networks developed alongside early technological innovations.
Researchers at UCLA Health found an association between childhood attention problems and increased psychosis risk, with genetic variants acting as a middleman. The study used data from over 10,000 children to explore the relationship between attention span variability and psychotic-like symptoms.
A study in mice reveals that individualistic reward-seeking strategies predict responses to nicotine, with profiles influenced by personality traits and dopamine activity. The findings suggest environmental adaptations shape behavioral traits and sensitivity to nicotine, potentially contributing to addiction susceptibility.
A cohort study examines how traumatic and adverse childhood experiences influence developmental changes in psychiatric risk and cognitive ability. The findings suggest targeted early prevention and intervention strategies for at-risk youth.
A recent study by Virginia Tech's Abecedarian Project found that early childhood education significantly improves skills for disadvantaged children, particularly girls. However, long-term benefits for Black boys dwindle as they enter adulthood due to societal pressures and biases in the education system.
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 new study by MIT researchers found that debunking election misinformation is not always effective, but can be successful if people are less certain of their beliefs and believe the authority is unbiased or motivated by accuracy. The model analyzed over 200 scenarios and identified factors that make debunking efforts more successful.
Researchers found TBI increases hyperphosphorylated tau, astro- and microgliosis, synaptic dysfunction and cognitive impairments linked to developing Alzheimer’s. BAG3 overexpression ameliorates tau hyperphosphorylation, synaptic dysfunction and cognitive deficits through the enhancement of the autophagy-lysosome pathway.