Summary: Researchers discovered associations between specific microbes in infants’ guts and early cognitive development performance. This exploratory study examined 56 infants, revealing that certain microbiome compositions corresponded with success in…
Tag: developmental neuroscience
Linking Childhood Trauma to Mental Illness: Astrocytes Key to the Puzzle
Summary: The removal of excitatory synapses by astrocytes, triggered by stress hormones, can lead to mental illnesses induced by childhood neglect or abuse. The study reveals that synthetic glucocorticoids, or…
Adolescence’s Impact on Adult Dopamine Function and Impulsivity
Summary: In a novel study, researchers reveal a sensitive developmental phase during adolescence that significantly influences adult impulsivity, aggression, and dopamine function in mice. This study highlights the implications of…
Plasma Proteins Predict Mental Health Risk in Teens
Summary: Researchers discovered plasma protein-based biomarkers that could predict mental health risks in adolescents. These markers offer a potential for early detection of mental health issues, which currently afflict 10-20%…
Balanced Parenting Is Key to Nurturing Harmonious Sibling Bonds
Summary: A new study suggests that equal treatment of siblings by parents fosters better sibling relationships. Analyzing retrospective reports of 325 college-age adults, the researchers found that parental differential treatment…
Live Music Outperforms Recorded Shows for Infant Engagement
Summary: The magic of live performances is not lost on infants, as new research suggests that live music captivates them more than recorded versions of the same show. Researchers noticed…
Breast Milk Component Boosts Infant Brain Connectivity
Summary: Researchers have discovered that myo-inositol, a small cyclic sugar molecule found in breast milk, plays a crucial role in promoting neuronal connections in infants’ brains. Prior studies indicated the…
Prenatal THC Exposure May Risk Lifelong Health
Summary: A recent study shows that exposure to THC during pregnancy could significantly affect fetal development, leading to life-long health impacts on offspring. The research discovered that THC exposure altered…
Perceptions of Past Abuse: Memory of Childhood Trauma Impact Mental Health More Than Abuse Itself
Summary: he recollection and processing of childhood abuse or neglect can significantly impact mental health in adulthood, more than the experiences themselves. The research revealed that self-reported experiences of early…
Trusting Others Over Self: Infants’ Unusual Bias Towards Outside Observations
Summary: Infants tend to trust others’ observations more than their own. Studying 8- and 12-month-old infants, the researchers found that younger infants prioritized an animated character’s attention over their own…
