The brains of children with autism may not always ‘see’ body language
Researchers found that children with autism process brain waves differently when focused on body movements versus colors, highlighting a key challenge in communication.
Cognitive Development
Articles tagged with Cognitive Development
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Rutgers scientists reveal new evidence of key mechanism in Alzheimer’s
Researchers found evidence of how destructive proteins attack human brain cells and destroy surrounding tissue. The study identified a pivotal mechanism that could be a potential therapy for the disease.
How preschoolers’ brains develop self-control
Research finds that preschoolers' brain maturation improves inhibitory control abilities, with 4-year-olds outperforming 3-year-olds in tasks requiring stopping actions. The cognitive control network's distinct regions and white matter connections are associated with different aspects of self-control development.
Helping babies to sleep more
A recent study from Penn State's Center for Childhood Obesity Research found that second-born children in families where mothers received responsive parenting training slept an average of 40 minutes longer per night. The training also promoted healthier feeding practices and lower body mass indices (BMIs) in infants.
Three distinct brain circuits in the thalamus contribute to Parkinson’s symptoms
Researchers have identified three distinct brain circuits in the thalamus that contribute to Parkinson's disease symptoms, including motor dysfunction and depression. By manipulating these circuits, they were able to reverse Parkinson's symptoms in mice, suggesting potential new therapeutic targets.
Whole-body learning can boost children's letter sound recognition - the first step towards reading
A new study by the University of Copenhagen found that children who move while learning sounds of letters significantly improve their ability to recognize individual letter sounds. This embodied learning approach can help give beginner readers a good start and may lead to better reading skills in the long run.
NIH awards USC more than $16 million for research on vascular dysfunction and Alzheimer’s disease
Researchers will track changes in the blood-brain barrier, neurovascular function, and cognition in over 850 participants with genetic variants at risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. The study aims to improve understanding of the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease and identify effective interventions.
New insights on infant word learning reported in study
A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences offers fresh insights into infant word learning. Researchers found that infants between 7 and 11 months old learn words by building up memory representations over time, rather than through repeated connections between words and objects.
UCI research finds parents’ unpredictable behavior may impair optimal brain circuit formation
Researchers found that unpredictable parental behaviors disrupt optimal brain circuit formation in children, leading to increased vulnerability to mental illness and substance abuse. Studies using mice and human infants suggest that predictable signals and environments are crucial for healthy brain development.
Children who attend schools with more traffic noise show slower cognitive development
A study published in PLoS Medicine found that traffic noise at schools is detrimental to working memory and attention in primary-school students. Children attending schools with higher levels of traffic noise showed slower cognitive development, with a 5 dB increase resulting in a 11.4% slower development rate.
We don’t need road noise pollution
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that children exposed to road traffic noise in schools have slower attention and working memory development compared to those in quieter environments. The research suggests potential implications for environmental noise policies protecting school environments.
Healthy development thanks to older siblings
A new study found that children with older siblings are less likely to develop behavioral problems, suggesting a positive impact of sibling relationships on child development. The study also highlights the importance of early intervention policies to reduce maternal stress and promote healthy child development.
MU study finds health benefits of ‘aging in place’ at TigerPlace
Researchers found that care coordinators identifying illnesses early and providing timely care allowed most residents to 'age in place,' reducing need for nursing home care. Exercise and socialization opportunities also improved physical and mental health outcomes.
Breastfeeding duration associated with cognition
A new study published in PLOS ONE found a significant association between breastfeeding duration and cognitive test scores in children up to age 14. After adjusting for socioeconomic position and maternal cognitive ability, the researchers discovered that longer breastfeeding durations were linked to higher cognitive scores.
Study links thalamus inhibition in adolescence to long-lasting cortical abnormalities
A Columbia University study found that altered thalamic activity in adolescence can lead to long-lasting cortical abnormalities, which may contribute to cognitive symptoms in schizophrenia. Boosting thalamic function during adolescence could potentially treat these symptoms.
A gene-targeted approach may help prevent or recover neonatal brain injuries
A new study suggests that oxidative stress overactivates a glucose metabolism enzyme in the developing hippocampus, impairing learning and memory. However, inhibiting this enzyme can reverse cognitive deficits, paving the way for treatment of neonatal brain injuries.
Choline makes key nutrient available for baby development
A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition finds that choline supplementation increases DHA bioavailability during pregnancy. Choline helps the body more efficiently use omega-3 fatty acid DHA, which is essential for fetal brain, cognition and vision development.
Concussion symptoms in children may have multiple underlying causes
A new study by McGill University researchers has shed light on the complex relationships between concussion symptoms and brain damage in children. The findings suggest that certain combinations of brain injury can lead to specific symptoms, such as attention difficulties and sleep problems.
Study: Treatment minimizes infants’ opioid-related brain abnormalities
Scientists at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center used advanced brain imaging techniques to study the impact of prenatal opioid exposure on infant brain development. The study found that treatment with medications like buprenorphine and methadone can minimize brain abnormalities in newborns exposed to opioids prenatally.
Video games can help boost children’s intelligence
A Swedish study of over 9,000 children found that playing video games increased their intelligence by 2.5 IQ points compared to TV-watching or social media. The study controlled for genetic differences and socioeconomic background, suggesting a positive effect of video games on cognitive abilities.
Family size may influence cognitive functioning in later life
A new study finds that having three or more children is negatively correlated with late-life cognition, with the effect strongest in Northern Europe. The researchers suggest that this may be due to financial stress and reduced social interaction, leading to potential cognitive deterioration.
Study shows sharing behavior among young children may be related to their counting skills
A new study found that symbolic counting skills are strongly related to young children's fair sharing behavior. Researchers developed a counting intervention that improved sharing behavior in preschoolers, suggesting that learning to count may be a key factor in developing this social skill.
New research finds the risk of psychotic-like experiences can start in childhood
Research using Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study data found that urban environments with socioeconomic challenges increase psychotic-like experiences in pre-adolescent children. Early prevention is crucial as these exposures are already present in late childhood.
Parental type 1 diabetes can affect children’s cognitive development
A recent study published in PLOS Medicine found that having a parent with type 1 diabetes may be linked to lower school performance in children. The research involved over 622,000 Danish children and suggested a negative association between parental type 1 diabetes and cognitive development.
Infants preferentially perceive faces in the upper visual field
A study found that infants aged 5-8 months preferentially perceive faces in the upper visual field. The bias emerges around 7 months and is specific to faces, with no observed bias for non-face images. This suggests an important role of experience with faces in daily life in shaping this perceptual bias.
Moving beyond memory metrics for early identification of Alzheimer’s risk
Research presents a promising path forward for early identification and intervention of Alzheimer's disease through the study of executive function and biomarkers. A link to genetics research is also being explored to better understand genetic and environmental factors that influence cognitive and brain aging.
Einstein aging study receives $32 million grant to study Alzheimer's disease
Researchers at Einstein Aging Study are investigating how social forces contribute to inequalities in cognitive health, particularly among Black and Hispanic Americans. The new grant will enable the tracking of over 700 Bronx adults with mobile technology to measure cognition directly as they engage in everyday activities.
Study shows simple, computationally-light model can simulate complex brain cell responses
A study by Tokyo University of Science researchers has demonstrated that a computationally-light model can simulate complex brain cell responses, including periodic and quasi-periodic responses. The Izhikevich neuron model was found to be capable of reproducing both types of responses at lower computational cost.
Machine learning predicts conduct disorder in kids
A new study uses a machine-learning approach to assess risk factors across biological, psychological, and social domains to predict the development of conduct disorder in children. The model correctly predicted CD two years later with over 90% accuracy.
Trainee teachers made sharper assessments about learning difficulties after receiving feedback from AI
A study found that trainee teachers who received AI-generated feedback improved their diagnostic reasoning, identifying potential learning difficulties in pupils more accurately. The AI system analyzed the trainees' work and provided clear, adaptive feedback.
Longitudinal data from India reveals that low-birth-weight infants experience lower test scores compared with normal birth weight infants
A study using longitudinal data from the Indian Young Lives survey found that low-birth-weight infants experienced lower test scores compared to normal birth weight infants. The study estimated a 10% increase in birth weight corresponds to a 0.11 standard deviation increase in cognitive test scores at ages 5-8 years.
Scans show weakened connections in brains of adolescents at risk of bipolar disorder
A recent brain imaging study has found evidence of weakening connections between key brain areas in adolescents at high genetic risk of developing bipolar disorder. This study suggests that early intervention strategies may be effective in preventing the progression towards major changes in the brain.
Heart attack survivors may be at greater risk of mental decline
A recent study found that approximately 1 in 3 heart attack survivors experience significant mental decline in the days and months following their heart attack. Cognitive deficits can impact quality of life and treatment adherence, emphasizing the need for cardiologists to monitor patients regularly.
Alzheimer’s pathology, not cognitive decline, drives neuropsychiatric symptoms
Researchers found that biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease pathology, such as amyloid-beta and tau proteins, were associated with increased anxiety and apathy in cognitively unimpaired older adults. Higher levels of apathy were also linked to a more rapid cognitive decline.
SynGAP research fund deploys #CouldItBeSYNGAP1 screening tool in partnership with probably genetic
The SynGAP Research Fund has developed a pre-screening tool to identify potential SYNGAP1 patients through a free online survey. The partnership with Probably Genetic aims to screen undiagnosed patients and provide them with genetic testing resources, ultimately advancing treatment development for SYNGAP1.
Are There positive effects of having a sibling with special needs?
A new study found that siblings of children with disabilities score higher in self-reported cognitive empathy than typically developing peers. This may be due to the specific 'advantage' of cognitive empathy in understanding and supporting their sibling relationship.
Siblings of children with disabilities may have greater cognitive empathy
A new study found that siblings of children with disabilities exhibit greater cognitive empathy, understanding their sibling's thoughts and feelings. This increased empathy is linked to improved social skills and prosocial behavior in these individuals.
Study: Lower acculturation linked with poorer cognitive function in older Hispanics
A new study on culture and cognition found that long-term Hispanic immigrants who were less acculturated performed significantly worse on cognitive function tests than their highly acculturated peers. The study assessed the acculturation levels and cognitive function of over 600 Hispanics age 60 or older.
Study shows high prevalence of depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder after COVID-19
A study tracking 425 patients post-COVID-19 found high prevalence of cognitive deficits, psychiatric impairments, and significant memory decline. Researchers observed no correlation between the severity of the disease or socio-economic factors with psychiatric alterations, suggesting a possible link to delayed inflammatory processes.
Sense of ‘professionalism’ linked to unethical behavior
A Cornell University study found that a high self-concept of professionalism can lead to greater acceptance of conflicts of interest and bias. Managers with a deep understanding of the concept are more likely to remain objective and ethical.
Smartphone reminders can improve memory for older adults with dementia
A recent study found that using personal assistant applications on smartphones can significantly improve memory in older adults with dementia. The researchers trained participants to use the technology to receive reminders about daily events and activities, resulting in improved memory performance.
Social connectedness, sleep, and physical activity associated with better mental health among youth during the COVID-19 pandemic
A longitudinal survey of over 3,000 adolescents aged 11-14 found that supportive relationships with family and friends, physical activity, and better sleep helped shield against the pandemic's negative impact on mental health. Girls were more likely than boys to experience psychological distress during the pandemic.
Cannabis use produces persistent cognitive impairments
A systematic review of 43,000 participants found cannabis use leads to acute cognitive impairments that persist beyond intoxication. Cannabis intoxication impairs areas including concentration and memory, with potential consequences for daily life, education, and work performance.
Learning through ‘guided’ play can be as effective as adult-led instruction up to at least age eight
Research suggests that guided play can be just as effective as traditional instruction in developing key skills such as literacy, numeracy, and social skills. Guided play may even improve math skills and cognitive ability in younger children.
Reducing air pollution could lower dementia risk
A new study found that reducing air pollution can lower dementia risk among older women by decreasing their likelihood of developing dementia. The benefits were consistent despite differences among participants in age, geographic area, socioeconomic background, and other factors.
Timing of brain injury in pregnancy, birth may impact motor and language outcomes, UCSF study finds
A new UCSF study found that the neural connections of newborns with two different kinds of brain injuries were linked to significantly different developmental outcomes years later. CHD newborns had worse language function at 12-18 months and worse cognitive, language, and motor function at 30 months compared to HIE infants.
Autism can be identified as early as the first year of life
Researchers found that infants with autism symptoms can show significant improvement in just a few months through targeted therapeutic interventions. The studies suggest that bridging the gap between early detection and intervention may significantly reduce the severity of lifelong developmental deviation.
How do children learn to trust an adult’s non-verbal cues?
Kids consider track record of accuracy and degree of access to knowledge when judging a communicator's trustworthiness. Children who received accurate non-verbal cues in the familiarization phase followed them in the test phase 83% of the time.
White matter microstructure reveals developmental risk for psychosis
A new study found that white matter structural tracts are relatively stable throughout typical development, but show increased instability in children with psychosis spectrum symptoms. The integrity of these tracts was lower in children with psychosis and associated with cognitive function.
Small measures can be a big help for children of mothers with depression
Research in Sweden, Bhutan, and Turkey finds that low maternal mental health affects children's attentiveness, social understanding, and decision-making skills. Small community support and social networks can mitigate this impact.
New public neuroimaging dataset provides deep sampling of individual human brains
Researchers have published an extensive 7T fMRI dataset to study how humans perceive and interpret naturalistic photographs. The Natural Scenes Dataset provides a massive scale of brain data for training complex deep-learning models that predict brain activity.
Self-administered cognition test predicts early signs of dementia sooner
A new study developed by researchers at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found that a simple, self-administered test can identify early signs of dementia sooner than the most commonly used office-based standard cognitive test. The Self-Administered Gerocognitive Examination (SAGE test) accurately identified patients with mil...
Latte lovers rejoice! Study reveals drinking coffee could lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease
A long-term study has revealed that drinking higher amounts of coffee may make you less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. The study found an association between coffee and several important markers related to Alzheimer’s disease, including executive function and amyloid protein accumulation in the brain.
Inadequate sleep is bad for preteens’ brains
A study from Boston Children's Hospital found that inadequate sleep can jeopardize brain organization in early adolescence, leading to deficits in cognitive processes such as attention, reward, and memory. The research identified racial disparities in the impact of sleep on brain networks, with non-white participants experiencing dispr...
Stereotypes in STEM fields start by age six
A new study by the University of Houston researcher found that gender stereotypes in computer science and engineering begin at age six, leading to a lack of representation of girls and women in these fields. The study suggests that introducing high-quality STEM activities in elementary school can help close the gender gap.
Boston Children’s Hospital to co-lead a 25-center NIH-funded study of brain development from birth to age 10
The HEALthy Brain and Child Development study will enroll 7,500 pregnant mothers and their infants at 25 US sites. The findings will provide insight into how environmental exposures, such as poverty and maternal stress, affect brain development from birth to age 10.
Persistent, distressing psychotic-like experiences associated with impairment in youth
A new study found that children with persistent, distressing PLEs show impaired cognition, higher levels of psychopathology, and delayed developmental milestone achievement compared to those without these experiences. The researchers highlight the need for early intervention and support for youth who report these experiences.
Studying the placenta to gain a better understanding of febrile seizures in children
A Québec research team studied the expression of three families of genes in the placenta and found associations with febrile seizure characteristics. The study, led by Professor Sarah Lippé, may help understand the underlying mechanisms of febrile seizures and their impact on children's cognitive development.
As we develop, the brain connects lessons learned differently
A new study found that adults and children make inferences about connections between experiences in different ways. Children create separate memories and compare them to make inferences, while adults build integrated memories with inferences already baked in. This difference may be due to differences in brain development and maturation.
University of Kentucky's Sanders-Brown receives continued funding to research vascular cognitive impairment and dementia biomarkers
The University of Kentucky's Sanders-Brown Center on Aging has received a five-year grant renewal to discover and validate biomarkers for vascular cognitive impairment and dementia. The program, which aims to develop a toolbox of biomarkers, will increase to 200 participants and focus on inclusivity and diversity.