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The important role of music in neurorehabilitation: Filling in critical gaps

Researchers highlight the effectiveness of music-based interventions in neurorehabilitation, including improvements in sensorimotor, speech/language, and cognitive functions. Studies show that music therapy can enhance executive functioning, affective responding, and motor skills in patients with post-stroke cognition and autism.

SourceIOS Press·JournalNeuroRehabilitation An International Interdisciplinary Journal·DateMar 10, 2021

Experts call for more support for parents of children with genetic learning disabilities

New research from the University of Cambridge suggests that parents of children with genetic learning disabilities are at risk of mental health problems. The study found that social factors do not predict a parent's risk of low mood and stress, instead highlighting the impact of the child's genetic disorder and behavior on family life.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry·DateMar 10, 2020

Easy on the eyes

Researchers have created a synthetic image generation system using AI that overcomes the limitations of traditional experiments. By analyzing neuronal responses, they discovered that certain neurons prefer specific shapes, colors, and silhouettes, which could help understand cognitive issues like autism spectrum disorders.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell·DateMay 2, 2019

Let's dance!

Researchers from University of the Arts Helsinki recommend incorporating dance into schools' curriculum to boost cognitive performance, social interaction, and group cohesion among children. The study highlights dance as a valuable tool for learning, especially for children with kinaesthetic and creative learning styles.

Creating inclusive child-care spaces

A new study found that 91% of Alberta child-care centres have provided inclusive care in the previous two years. However, many still face challenges, with 36% turning away children with special needs due to capacity issues or inadequate staff training.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalInternational Journal of Inclusive Education·DateMar 28, 2013

Ability to estimate quantity increases in first 30 years of life

A study by NIH-funded researchers found that people's ability to estimate quantities improves across the first 30 years of life, with a sharp decline after age 30. The study suggests that environmental factors, such as education, can shape this intuitive number sense and improve math skills.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 27, 2012

Mayo Clinic study: multiple surgeries and anesthesia exposure

Researchers found that children exposed to general anesthesia and surgery before their second birthday were approximately three times as likely to develop speech and language problems compared to those who never underwent procedures. The study, published in Pediatrics, suggests that anesthesia exposure may affect brain development and ...

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateOct 3, 2011

Gene limits learning and memory in mice

Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine have found that deleting a certain gene in mice can improve their learning and memory abilities. The RGS14 gene, which is primarily active in one region of the hippocampus, appears to limit some forms of learning and memory when present.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 17, 2010

Reading Arabic isn't easy

A series of studies published in Neuropsychology found that Arabic's visual complexity affects the right hemisphere's role in decoding text. Reading acquisition in Arabic is harder due to its unique script, requiring more practice and pedagogic effort.

SourceUniversity of Haifa·JournalNeuropsychology·DateAug 31, 2010

The genetic X-factor

A study of over 200 families with learning disabilities has discovered nine new genes on the X chromosome associated with the condition. The research highlights the challenges of identifying genetic causes and cautions against assuming that a knocked-out gene is causing a disease.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateApr 19, 2009