Early Exposure to Violent Media Linked to Teen Antisocial Behavior

Summary: A study of nearly 2,000 children found that boys exposed to violent television content at ages 3.5 to 4.5 were more likely to exhibit antisocial behaviors as teens. These…

Delayed Brain Maturation Links Genetics and Eating Disorders

Summary: Over half of 23-year-olds display restrictive, emotional, or uncontrolled eating behaviors, with delayed brain maturation playing a significant role. The research linked structural brain differences, mental health challenges, and…

Physical Neglect Causes Lifelong Social Challenges in Children

Summary: A new study highlights how childhood physical neglect disrupts social development more than physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. Neglected children were less social, less popular, and less connected to…

High-Fat Diets in Adolescence Linked to Adult Impulsivity

Summary: Adolescent rats fed a high-fat diet displayed increased impulsivity and altered decision-making as adults. These “cheesecake rats” were quicker to act on visual cues (indicative of impulsivity) but showed…

Early Reproductive Aging Alters Brain Connectivity, Emotional Health

Summary: Research shows that accelerated reproductive aging in females, such as early puberty or menopause, is linked to increased mental health risks at different life stages. Adolescents experiencing early puberty…

Teen Brain’s Blunted Reward Response Predicts Depression Onset

Summary: A new study reveals that a reduced neural response to rewards in teens predicts the first onset of depression, but not anxiety or suicidality. Researchers used EEG scans to…

Twin Dynamics: How Developmental Differences Shape Dominance Roles

Summary: A new study reveals that developmental differences strongly influence dominance roles in twin relationships, with typically developing twins perceived as dominant over their nontypically developing siblings. This dominance imbalance…

Moms’ Baby Talk Boosts Infant Oxytocin

Summary: A new study reveals that when mothers regularly discuss their infants’ thoughts and feelings, it is associated with higher oxytocin levels in their babies. Oxytocin, a hormone crucial for…

Alcohol Use Predicts Escalating Cannabis Vaping Among Youth

Summary: A recent study highlights alcohol as the strongest predictor of cannabis vaping initiation and experimentation among youth and young adults, regardless of demographic factors. Conducted over three years, the…

The Secret to Raising Independent Kids? Let Them Learn on Their Own

Summary: Parents are 50% less likely to intervene in their young children’s tasks, such as getting dressed, when these activities are framed as learning opportunities. A new study demonstrated that…