Articles tagged with Cognitive Development
A new analysis of nearly 6,000 people found that childhood cognitive ability is associated with better scores on measures of wealth in adulthood, but the relationship varies for different financial measures. The study also discovered an inverted U-shape relationship between cognitive ability and debt levels.
The study reveals that spontaneous waves of neurotransmitter glutamate facilitate dendrite pruning, while a unique protection/punishment machinery strengthens certain connections and eliminates others. Proper pruning is critical for neural development, with insufficient or excessive connections linked to neurophysiological disorders.
A new study followed over 7,000 middle-aged and older Canadians for three years, finding that social participation was associated with successful aging. Those who engaged in volunteer work and recreational activities were more likely to maintain excellent health and less likely to develop physical or mental problems.
The study used transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) to stimulate the prefrontal cortex, a region involved in cognitive function. The results showed that tPBM modulated hemodynamic and metabolic activities in a wavelength- and site-specific manner.
Adolescent neurostimulation of dopamine circuitry may reverse genetic deficits in frontal cortex function, rescuing structural and behavioral deficits caused by disorders. Researchers identified critical windows in brain development where interventions can target and change the course of diseases.
A deep learning system accurately classifies autism spectrum disorder and predicts symptom severity based on behavioral responses to social cues. The method offers a digital measurement of joint attention, but further validation is needed.
A national study published in Sleep Health found that screen habits linked to better sleep include keeping devices out of the bedroom and avoiding screens before bedtime. The study analyzed data from 10,280 preteens aged 10-14 and found that 15.5% reported trouble falling or staying asleep in the past two weeks.
Scientists have developed a new method to genetically modify brain organoids, allowing for quick and effective analysis of gene function in early stages of brain development. This breakthrough enables comparative studies across primate species and simulates neurological diseases without animal experiments.
Research supported by NIDA found that states with stronger social safety nets have lower socioeconomic disparities in brain development and mental health of children. Anti-poverty programs, such as cash assistance and Medicaid expansion, reduce these disparities.
More than half of stroke survivors develop cognitive impairment within a year, with 1 in 3 at risk for dementia. Early screening and comprehensive care are advised to support stroke survivors with cognitive impairment.
A large national study found that preteens carrying excess weight have notable differences in cognitive performance, brain structures, and brain circuitry. The association is concerning as it suggests that excess BMI may impact brain development and function.
The new NIH Toolbox V3 iPad App allows doctors to quickly screen patients for cognitive functions such as memory, emotion, and vision. The app covers a wide range of tests spanning four domains, enabling clinicians to assess patients in under 30 minutes.
A new PANDA-project aims to develop and test an ear-EEG device that can screen patients for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. The technology measures brain electrical activity and sleep patterns, with the goal of identifying early signs of the diseases and enabling earlier diagnosis.
A recent Mayo Clinic study found that prescription opioid use is associated with declines in cognitive performance, particularly in memory and attention. Older adults who received at least one opioid prescription over 7.5 years had a 20% higher chance of developing mild cognitive impairment.
Research suggests that lonely people process information in unique ways, differing from their peers, even with large social networks. This difference may lead to a reduced sense of understanding and further challenges in achieving social connection.
A new study found that LGB preteens ages 10-14 reported 10.4 hours of daily recreational screen time, which was nearly four hours more than their straight peers. The researchers argue that parents should regularly talk to their children about screen usage and develop a family media use plan.
High blood pressure damages specific brain regions, including the putamen and white matter areas, leading to cognitive decline and increased risk of dementia. The study uses a combination of MRI, genetic analyses, and observational data to identify these affected regions.
A new national study finds that lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) youth are twice as likely to report trouble falling or staying asleep than their straight peers. This is attributed to greater depression, stress, and family conflict among LGB youth, which can make it harder for them to get a good night's sleep.
A new study has uncovered the brain's internal compass, which helps it navigate changing environments. The research found that the brain uses a mechanism called 'network gain' to reorient itself after being disoriented, allowing for rapid recovery of its sense of direction.
A new Boston University study suggests that repetitive blows to the head in tackle football may lead to less white matter in the brain, potentially causing impulsive behavior and other cognitive issues. Researchers found players who start playing at a young age or play for over 11 years are at greater risk.
Researchers collected electrophysiological recordings from prefrontal cortical regions in three human subjects with severe treatment-resistant depression. They found lower depression severity correlated with decreased low-frequency neural activity and increased high-frequency activity.
Researchers found that astrocyte cells directly impact motor learning by maintaining an optimal molecular balance. Astrocytes' ability to regulate neurotransmitter glutamate affects the smoothness of movement and refinement of technique.
An international team of researchers has received $3 million to study how early gut development shapes children's health. They will collect tissue samples from diverse groups to understand the impact of environment, genetics, and other factors on gut development.
A study by University of Cologne researchers found that virtual reality gamers completed tasks faster with higher levels of general intelligence and processing capacity. The results suggest VR games can be used as a tool for predicting job performance, bridging the gap between research and practice.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology developed a method to predict fall accidents and cognitive illnesses like Alzheimer's disease using radar sensors that track walking patterns. The technology can help healthcare staff make more reliable risk assessments and tailor interventions for improved patient outcomes.
A study by Nagoya University researchers identified three intestinal bacteria - Collinsella, Ruminococcus, and Bifidobacterium - linked to dementia with Lewy bodies. These findings may help diagnose and treat the neurodegenerative disease, with potential therapeutic interventions targeting specific bacteria.
A study of 11,633 children aged 9-11 found that increased screen time was associated with a higher risk of developing suicidal behaviors two years later. Each additional hour of screen time led to a 9% higher risk of reporting suicidal behavior.
Research from Amsterdam UMC found a small yet significant reduction in test scores for children born after induced labour from 37 to 41 weeks compared to those born without induction. This could lead to a potentially large impact on society as elective inductions are increasingly common.
Researchers developed a testing model to understand cognitive challenges of superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD), a rare condition causing sound-induced dizziness and hearing abnormalities. The Mongolian gerbil model shows promise for accelerating recovery with reversible diagnostic findings characteristic of patients with SSCD.
Researchers from New York Institute of Technology have made significant findings on how the sense of smell is impacted in individuals with autism. The study analyzed a mouse model of autism and found that scent processing was impaired at a later step, after signals were processed at the olfactory bulb input.
A new study suggests that childhood mental health problems resulting from early-life adversity drive poorer cognitive performance in adolescence. Researchers found that addressing mental health difficulties when children are young can alleviate the effects of early-life adversity on later cognition.
A study of 13,287 children found that early-life adversity was strongly associated with poorer mental health across all ages from 3 to 14 years. Adversity also predicted poorer working memory at age 11 and vocabulary at age 14.
A UCF cancer researcher is studying the molecular causes of Alzheimer's disease by examining a protein deficiency in the brain. His research may lead to new targets for therapy and earlier diagnosis. The study focuses on KLF8, a protein important for brain function that has been recorded as deficient in patients with Alzheimer's.
Researchers found that children perceive time differently than adults, with a shift in bias around age 7. Children tend to overestimate the duration of an eventful video and underestimate that of an uneventful one, while adults exhibit the opposite bias. This switch is unexpected based on biological models of time perception.
A long-term study by UC Davis MIND Institute researchers identified three distinct paths of intellectual development in autistic children: persistent intellectual disability, an increase in IQ, or average IQ. The study used IQ trajectories to track changes in communication and behavioral development over time.
A new study found that sleep medications increase the risk of dementia in white adults. However, the relationship between sleep medications and dementia risk varies by medication type and socio-economic status. The study suggests that patients with poor sleep should consider alternative solutions before taking medications.
A recent study of 437 children reveals associations between infant screen use and electroencephalography markers with cognitive outcomes. The findings suggest that excessive screen time during infancy may contribute to impairments in executive function.
A new study led by the University of California San Diego found that daily walking and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity significantly reduced the risk of developing mild cognitive impairment or dementia in senior women. With each additional 1,865 steps per day, the risk was lowered by 33%, while moderate-to-vigorous physical acti...
A retrospective study found associations between vitamin D levels and fine motor development delays, as well as thyroid hormones with cognitive development. Certain metals were also linked to language, cognitive, or motor skill development.
A new study conducted at the University of Turku found that maternal gestational diabetes mellitus may have unfavourable effects on the neurodevelopment of 2-year-old children. A healthy diet during pregnancy supports child's neurodevelopment, while higher maternal body fat percentage is associated with weaker cognitive and motor skills.
A new study shows that preschoolers as young as 3-5 years old understand that some reasons for reneging are more defensible than others. Children agree that breaking promises is generally wrong, but are more understanding when good excuses are given. The children's responses revealed that lame excuses are just as bad as none at all.
A new study suggests that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) could help prevent Alzheimer's disease in women who are carriers of the APOE4 gene. The research found that HRT use is associated with improved memory and larger brain volumes among at-risk women. Early introduction of HRT during perimenopause may be particularly beneficial.
Researchers aim to provide the highest quality of care possible by understanding the sound environment of child care centers. A 48-hour monitoring period and staff evaluations helped identify factors influencing child and provider experiences.
Scientists at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center discovered gene usage similarities between COVID-19 patients' brains and aging brains. This study suggests a link between severe COVID-19 and accelerated brain aging, with potential implications for neurological follow-up in recovered individuals.
Researchers have identified optimal blood tests to detect Alzheimer's disease at its earliest stages. The study found that phospho-tau217 is a reliable marker for monitoring disease progression and selecting individuals for novel trials.
A study published in Pediatric Research found that Zika-exposed children may exhibit differences in motor skills, readiness for school, and parental distress, suggesting the need for additional support as they age. However, cognitive function scores were not significantly different between groups.
Scientists at Texas A&M University found that transplanting intestinal epithelial stem cells can repair the gut and reduce inflammation, potentially preserving cognitive function after a stroke. The study suggests that targeting gut health may be key to developing more effective stroke therapies.
A research team developed a vaccine targeting synthetic opioid fentanyl to block its entry into the brain, preventing fatal effects. The breakthrough could have major implications for treating Opioid Use Disorder, with potential relapse prevention capabilities.
The study proposes a multidisciplinary developmental perspective to understand leadership in adolescence, highlighting the importance of studying youth leadership and its impact on society. Researchers aim to develop leadership interventions to maximize potential and facilitate better diversification of the leadership pipeline.
Researchers found age-related changes in the balance of inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters in the prefrontal cortex during adolescence. This study provides first-ever evidence of plasticity in the frontal cortex during this critical developmental period.
A team of researchers from Rice University, Baylor College of Medicine, and Northern Illinois University are developing an open source system called FLASH to objectively measure children's screen-viewing behaviors. The five-year grant includes funding for three long-term studies on the impacts of screen use on young children.
Researchers found that experiences of early deprivation, such as parental neglect and financial difficulties, were more closely associated with cognitive and emotional functioning in adolescence. Deprivation was also linked to internalizing and externalizing problems, including lower performance on tests of intelligence.
A study of nearly 2,000 children found that those who played video games for three hours per day or more performed better on cognitive skills tests involving impulse control and working memory. The researchers observed higher brain activity in regions associated with attention and memory, suggesting that practicing tasks related to imp...
Researchers propose a broader definition of learning that includes behavioral adaptation to environmental features, enabling collaboration across fields and promoting new research. This 'mechanism-free' approach highlights the importance of system-level responses to environment in various domains.
A recent study analyzed the records of over 33,000 dementia patients in Wales and found that those closest to their diagnosis were taking an average of three or more medications. This suggests a possible link between polypharmacy and the development of dementia.
Research in Zambia suggests children infected with HIV are more likely to struggle with cognitive and mental health issues despite well-controlled disease. Early intervention through better nutrition and antiretroviral therapies may improve neurological function.
Researchers have identified a previously unknown biological contributor to postpartum depression: impaired autophagy, which limits the body's ability to clean up old genetic material. This finding may lead to new treatments and early identification of women at risk before they become ill.
Scientists at UC San Francisco's Neuroscape Center have developed video game interventions that improve key aspects of cognition in aging adults, including short-term memory, attention and long-term memory. The games use adaptive closed-loop algorithms to challenge players, keeping them engaged while adapting difficulty levels.
A new study from Boston University's Social Development and Learning Lab reveals that children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds take bigger risks in certain situations due to their environment. The research, led by Professor Peter Blake, suggests that children are rationally choosing risk when it makes sense in their circumstances.
A new study shows the first-of-its-kind program led to significant declines in anxiety for those with food allergies and improvements in quality of life. The Food Allergy Bravery (FAB) program provides individualized, cognitive behavioral treatment that encourages children to take small steps towards facing allergen-related fears.