Articles tagged with Cognitive Development
A team of scientists has identified a new genetic mutation in the SGIP1 gene that may cause early-onset Parkinsonism. The mutation affects brain cell communication, leading to synaptic dysfunction and recessive Parkinsonism. This discovery provides new insights into the disease's development and potential treatment strategies.
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.
A new large-scale longitudinal study will investigate the environmental, lifestyle, social, and clinical factors affecting brain development in children with type 1 diabetes. The five-year study aims to refine clinical guidelines and targeted treatments for children with diabetes.
Aging brains struggle to clear out outdated information, leading to slower processing and more frequent forgetfulness. Beta-band neural oscillations play a crucial role in regulating working memory, with older adults showing a stronger link between these oscillations and their ability to delete irrelevant information.
A new study finds that excessive social media use is associated with a higher risk of eating disorder symptoms in 9-14-year-olds, including binge eating and distress over weight gain. Problematic screen use may contribute to unhealthy behaviors and addictive tendencies.
A comprehensive review of genetic and population studies challenges conventional wisdom about the relationship between genetic risk and cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. Premorbid cognitive impairment is largely explained by non-familial factors rather than inherited genetic variants.
Researchers aim to develop a voice assistant delivering customized cognitive stimulation therapy to improve the quality of life for persons living with dementia and their care partners. The project has the potential to positively impact a large population, including those in remote areas.
Children's brains cannot focus on tasks because their working memory is not fully developed, according to a new study. Researchers found that even with rewards, children still 'over explore' and gather unnecessary information. This suggests that kids are naturally curious and unsure of retaining information in their memory.
A cross-sectional study of 170 former football players found a strong association between repeated head impacts and increased perivascular space volume, as well as worse cognitive test performance. The findings suggest that PVS volume may contribute to the link between RHI exposure and neurodegeneration.
The new ERC EARTH research center will focus on developing sustainable refrigerant technologies and practices to improve quality of life and combat climate change. Lehigh University's team, led by David Vicic, will work on reclamation and repurposing of high-GWP legacy refrigerants.
A scoping review from the University of Gothenburg found that music-based movement therapy, known as the Ronnie Gardiner Method, can improve rehabilitation outcomes in individuals with brain disorders. The method has been shown to be challenging, motivating, and enjoyable for participants, leading to improved recovery and quality of life.
Stroke survivors experience a range of psychosocial symptoms, including depression, anxiety, stress, fatigue, and decreased quality of life. Nurses can help identify and manage these conditions through education, therapy, and evidence-based interventions.
A new AI model developed by Karolinska Institutet can predict autism in young children with an accuracy of almost 80% for those under two years old. The model uses a combination of limited information to identify patterns and strong predictors of autism, such as age of first smile and eating difficulties.
A study published in iScience has uncovered significant findings related to the early sensorimotor features and cognitive abilities of toddlers who are later diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The research suggests that a higher IQ may confer resilience to atypical sensorimotor functioning, highlighting the need for more pr...
A study published in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry suggests that psychological wellbeing noticeably declines 2-6 years before mild cognitive impairment (MCI) diagnosis. Key findings include lower levels of purpose and personal growth among participants with MCI, even without apparent cognitive impairment.
A recent study analyzing over 1.5 million patients' electronic health records found that mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is significantly underdiagnosed in rural areas of West Michigan. Researchers discovered a higher rate of MCI skippers, where patients progress directly to dementia without a prior diagnosis, in these communities.
Parents who struggle with alcohol use disorders can pass along symptoms of early aging to their children, affecting them well into adulthood. These accelerated aging effects include high cholesterol, heart problems, arthritis, and early onset dementia.
A novel study finds that monitoring cortical microstructural change in the brain using diffusion weighted MRI scans may help identify individuals at risk for cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. Tracking these changes over time could provide precious time for disease-modifying treatments.
Researchers found that combining plasma p-tau217 and Aβ42/40 levels could predict early brain Aβ accumulation in people with subthreshold Aβ accumulation. These biomarkers may help screen participants for primary prevention trials.
A new national study found that leaving phone notifications on leads to less sleep compared to turning the phone off or keeping it outside the bedroom. Adolescents are highly sensitive to phone notifications, which can disrupt their sleep patterns.
A UNIGE team studied a cohort of patients with a 22q11.2DS microdeletion and found unique «coupling» between structure and activity of their brain regions, leading to either over- or under-coupling. This specificity paves the way for identifying reliable risk markers.
A new study found that increased exposure to residential greenery during midlife can help stave off cognitive decline. Higher average exposure to greenness was linked to higher levels of cognitive function and slower cognitive decline, particularly among people living in low-socioeconomic status and highly populated neighborhoods.
Mayo Clinic scientists have established criteria for a memory-loss syndrome in older adults that specifically impacts the brain's limbic system. The syndrome, called Limbic-predominant Amnestic Neurodegenerative Syndrome (LANS), progresses more slowly and has a better prognosis than Alzheimer's disease.
A new study introduces a novel hypothesis that digital technologies affect human sociality and mental health, particularly among youth. The Disembodied Disconnect Hypothesis suggests cultivating rich personal relationships in face-to-face communities to counterbalance disembodied digital interactions.
Researchers at Amsterdam UMC have developed a prediction model that can forecast cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients with mild cognitive impairment or dementia. The model provides an indication of the disease course over 5 years and has potential for use in a user-friendly app, aiding doctors in discussing prognosis with patients.
Researchers have discovered a new diagnostic method for PSP by analyzing protein biomarkers in spinal fluid, which could lead to earlier diagnosis and targeted therapies. The high-throughput technology allows for the measurement of thousands of proteins in a tiny drop of fluid, providing a promising solution for identifying the condition.
A new study creates a framework to reduce confusion around fish consumption during pregnancy and provide clearer guidance on risks and benefits. The research found that consuming low-mercury fish was beneficial, while high-mercury fish was detrimental to neurodevelopment.
New research suggests that neighborhoods with more educational and socioeconomic opportunities can improve infants' brain activity and cognitive development. Infants in such neighborhoods show greater brain function at six months of age and better cognition at 12 months old.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that pandemic stress can affect brain development in babies, with reduced volumes in the left amygdala and right hippocampus. The research highlights the need for ongoing assessments of developmental or mental health support for children born during the pandemic.
This study reveals that thalamocortical connectivity plays a vital role in the formation of functional brain networks. The researchers used advanced neuroimaging techniques and computational models to map changes in thalamocortical connectivity across different age groups, from infancy to adulthood.
A study found that neural balance, measured by the E/I ratio, is associated with brain maturity and better cognitive ability. Research suggests that as children develop, their E/I ratios decrease, leading to improved performance in cognitive tests.
Research at the University of Zurich reveals that the first week after birth is a critical period for the development of senses, particularly smell and touch. Olfactory stimuli can induce neural activity across multiple brain regions, including areas responsible for non-olfactory sensory processing.
A new study highlights the importance of providing developmental supports to young victims of serious child abuse before they start school. Researchers found that children who were removed from their homes and entered out-of-home care were more likely to be developmentally delayed in some areas, but also vulnerable in other areas. The ...
Research from the University of South Australia found that people with knee OA unconsciously believe exercise is dangerous, despite medical advice. The study developed a tool to detect and evaluate these implicit beliefs, suggesting they can be a better predictor of actual behavior than reported attitudes.
Research from Cambridge University Press found that perceived unfair treatment by teachers is strongly associated with populist attitudes among teenagers. Girls were less likely to hold such attitudes than boys, while those with migration backgrounds and higher family affluence showed stronger populist tendencies.
A new study found that internet addiction in adolescents can lead to changes in the brain's neural networks, resulting in addictive behaviors and tendencies. The study, published in PLOS Mental Health, reviewed 12 articles involving 237 young people aged 10-19 with a formal diagnosis of internet addiction.
Researchers from Tel Aviv University discovered 400,000-year-old stone tools, Quina scrapers, used to butcher and process smaller game like fallow deer. The unique tools were made of non-local flint, likely sourced from the Mountains of Samaria, a calving area for the deer.
Longitudinal study finds that higher baseline body mass index is associated with more depressive symptoms over time. Children's cognitive performance also declines as they enter adolescence, highlighting the importance of monitoring children with overweight or obesity for depression problems.
Researchers at IIT have identified a brain network that enables the recognition of others' emotions, which could lead to more effective treatments for neurodevelopmental conditions. The discovery provides insight into how the brain processes social functions and may help develop targeted therapies.
A new study from the University of Copenhagen found that long-term exposure to air pollution accelerates cognitive decline and increases risk of dementia. The research, which followed a cohort of nurses for 27 years, also suggests that physical activity may mitigate the adverse effects of air pollution.
Scientists have recruited over 20,000 volunteers to a resource aimed at accelerating dementia drug development. The cohort will enable healthy individuals with increased genetic risk to participate in clinical trials, allowing researchers to test new treatments before symptoms appear.
Research at Ruhr-University Bochum found that preschool children tend to prepare for upcoming events by considering how bad it will feel to lose, rather than how good it will feel to win. This pessimistic outlook motivates them to behave proactively in the present.
A new study found that transgender preteens reported 13 hours of daily recreational screen time, which was 4.5 hours more than their cisgender peers. The researchers highlight the importance of managing the risks associated with excessive screen use for this vulnerable population.
A new IU study reveals that young infants' daily-life input is unique to their age, characterized by high-contrast edges and simple patterns, which serve as a foundation for human vision. This finding has implications for addressing lifelong visual deficiencies and improving AI visual systems.
A study found that male baby chickens play more than females, with males engaging in social and object play. The researchers suggest that this difference may be due to the high degree of sexual dimorphism in adult junglefowl.
A large-scale study revealed a profound link between dietary patterns and brain health, with a balanced diet associated with better mental health, superior cognitive functions and higher grey matter in the brain. The researchers suggest that gradual dietary modifications can lead to healthier food choices and improved wellbeing.
A study of nearly 4,000 individuals found significant impairments in processing speed, working memory, and executive function among perinatally HIV-infected children and adolescents. The findings highlight the need for better diagnosis and treatment in low- and middle-income countries to improve long-term cognitive outcomes.
Researchers studied infant marmosets' interactions with caregivers to understand how parenting influences attachment formation and child development. The findings reveal that marmosets adjust their attachment to different caregivers and develop attachment disorders when raised away from families.
A new generative AI tool models the infant microbiome, predicting neurodevelopmental deficits. The Q-net model predicts which babies are at risk for cognitive deficits with high accuracy, identifying potential treatment targets.
The SUNRISE European Study Group urges European countries to take specific actions to promote healthy movement behaviors in children under five years. Effective policies targeting upstream environmental influences are required to equitably change movement behaviors among European populations.
Researchers at University of Cologne's CECAD Cluster of Excellence discovered that mitochondrial fusion boosts new neuron plasticity. The study found that as new neurons mature, their mitochondria fuse to acquire elongated shapes, sustaining synaptic plasticity and refining brain circuits.
A recent study published in Annals of Neurology suggests that midlife stressful events may be a risk factor for developing Alzheimer's disease in older ages. Researchers found associations between stress and higher levels of beta-amyloid protein, neuroinflammation, and brain atrophy, particularly in men.
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.
Researchers discover a significant association between chronic knee pain and accelerated brain aging, highlighting the need for early detection and intervention strategies. Brain regions critical for cognitive function show increased signs of aging in individuals with chronic musculoskeletal pain.
A study of 303 early childhood children found concussion associated with more postconcussive symptoms than typical development up to three months after injury. The study used developmentally appropriate manifestations and behaviors to track postconcussive symptoms and aid in concussion diagnosis in young children.
Research highlights advances in developmental executive functions study from Latin American regions, finding both universality and cultural specificity in EFs development. This contextualized approach fosters effective pathways for supporting children's cognitive and emotional development.
A landmark study found that adolescents who grapple with the bigger meaning of social situations experience greater brain growth. This type of thinking predicts stronger identity development and life satisfaction years later. Brain networks involved in effortful thinking and internal reflection coordinate to predict psychosocial outcomes.
A new international study led by UNSW Sydney found no increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders and learning difficulties after exposure to antipsychotics during pregnancy. The study tracked the long-term risk of intellectual disability, poor academic performance in maths and language, or learning, speech and language disorders.
Researchers from Tokyo University of Science developed a flexible paper-based sensor that operates like the human brain, enabling low-power and efficient health monitoring. The device can distinguish 4-bit input optical pulses and generate currents in response to time-series optical input, with rapid response times.
A new study suggests that personal recovery, defined as living a full meaningful life despite illness limitations, can prevent serious mental health problems. Key elements of recovery include understanding mental health challenges, finding purpose and meaning, and receiving support.