Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Processed food diet in early childhood may lower subsequent IQ

A high-fat, high-sugar processed food diet in early childhood may lower IQ, while a healthy diet rich in vitamins and nutrients may boost intelligence. Research based on over 14,000 children found a strong association between dietary patterns in childhood and IQ at age 8.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateFeb 7, 2011

Clarity in short-term memory shows no link with IQ

Researchers at the University of Oregon found that a person's ability to store more items in their short-term memory is linked to higher fluid intelligence as measured by IQ tests. In contrast, the clarity or resolution of those memories shows no relationship with fluid intelligence.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateNov 29, 2010

IQ scores fail to predict academic performance in children with autism

A study by researchers at the University of Washington found that 90% of high-functioning children with autism spectrum disorders showed discrepancies between their IQ score and performance on standardized tests. These children often have above-average academic abilities, suggesting that traditional IQ scores may not be an accurate pre...

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateNov 17, 2010

Proof: smoking is dumb

A Tel Aviv University study found that young men who smoke cigarettes have lower IQs compared to non-smokers, with an average difference of seven points. The study tracked over 20,000 Israeli army recruits and found a strong correlation between cigarette smoking and lower cognitive function.

IQ among strongest predictors of CVD -- second only to cigarette smoking in large population study

A large population study found that lower IQ scores were associated with higher rates of cardiovascular disease and total mortality, surpassing the risk linked to smoking. The study also identified other risk factors, including obesity, high blood pressure, and low physical activity.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Cardiovascular Prevention & Rehabilitation·DateFeb 9, 2010

Half of Utahns with autism lead fulfilling lives, follow-up study shows

A follow-up study published in the Journal of Autism Research found that 41 Utahns with autism had a higher social outcome than similar studies, with 24% having a very good social outcome. The study suggests that early intervention and strong social networks may play a role in determining social outcomes for individuals with autism.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalJournal of Autism and Other Developmental Disorders Current Research and Practice·DateMar 19, 2009

New method of scoring IQ tests benefits children with intellectual disabilities

Researchers have developed a new system of scoring IQ tests for children with fragile X syndrome, a genetic disorder causing intellectual disabilities. The new method provides a more accurate assessment of the long-term learning potential of these children, helping parents and physicians diagnose and treat them more effectively.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJournal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders·DateDec 15, 2008

Low childhood IQ linked to type of dementia

A study published in Neurology found that children with lower IQs are more likely to develop vascular dementia later in life. The research compared the cognitive abilities of 173 people who developed dementia to those who did not, and found a significant link between low childhood IQ and an increased risk of vascular dementia.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJun 25, 2008

Breastfeeding boost IQ in infants with 'helpful' genetic variant

A recent study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that breastfeeding enhances infant intelligence quotient (IQ) only if they have a specific genetic variant. This variant, found in the FADS2 gene, influences the metabolism of breast milk's long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are essential for...

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 5, 2007

Gene governs IQ boost from breastfeeding

A study of over 3,000 breastfed infants found that having the FADS2 gene variant increased intelligence by an average of nearly 7 IQ points. The researchers suggest that breastfeeding may account for these differences in intelligence due to the presence of certain fatty acids.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 5, 2007

Better communicators make better doctors

A study by McGill University found that physicians who score poorly on patient-physician communication skills exams are more likely to generate patient complaints. The exam's results prove its value in predicting patient complaints and could be used earlier in medical school admissions.

SourceMcGill University·JournalJAMA·DateSep 4, 2007

Tiny brain, normal life

A 44-year-old man with a tiny brain and massive ventricular enlargement led a normal life despite mild leg weakness and cognitive impairments. He underwent various treatments, including shunt insertions and neuroendoscopic procedures, to manage his symptoms.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 19, 2007

How the brain and an iPhone differ

A team of UO researchers found that human memory has a four-item limit, varying from person to person, with high IQ individuals able to think about more things at once. The study contradicts the assumption that those who can remember more items have clearer memories.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 11, 2007

You don't have to be smart to be rich, study finds

A nationwide study by Ohio State University's Jay Zagorsky found that people with below-average intelligence are just as wealthy as those with higher IQ scores. However, high-IQ individuals tend to earn higher incomes but struggle with financial difficulties such as maxed-out credit cards and missed bill payments.

SourceOhio State University·JournalIntelligence·DateApr 24, 2007

Black-white IQ gap has narrowed

Researchers found that the cognitive ability gap between blacks and whites has decreased significantly since 1972, with blacks making notable gains in cognitive tests. The study's findings suggest a possible correlation between social equality progress and IQ gains, potentially indicating further improvements.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateSep 12, 2006

First solid evidence that the study of music promotes intellectual development

A study published in Psychological Science found that extra-curricular music lessons significantly improved IQ scores and academic performance in six-year-old children. The research, led by Dr. E. Glenn Schellenberg, showed that music lessons had a more pronounced effect on cognitive development than drama lessons or no lessons at all.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 19, 2004

Timing of IQ test can be a life or death matter

A recent study found that IQ tests taken at different times can result in vastly different diagnoses, with potential consequences for life or death sentences. The 'Flynn effect' causes IQ scores to rise over time, making it essential to reset the test every 15-20 years.

SourceCornell University·JournalAmerican Psychologist·DateDec 3, 2003