Schizophrenia Risk Genes: Placenta’s Role May Outweigh Brain’s

Summary: In a paradigm shift, researchers found over 100 genes associated with schizophrenia risk operate primarily through their role in the placenta, rather than the developing brain. The research emphasizes…

Stress Hormone in Pregnancy Bolsters Child’s Early Language Skills

Summary: Higher cortisol levels, a stress hormone, during the third trimester of pregnancy may boost speech and language skills in early childhood. A new study analyzed data from over 1,000…

Focusing on Mental Imagery Helps Teens Break Free From Negativity

Summary: A new study reports that negative rumination can be improved by using mental imagery for teens. The researchers reported that mental imagery improves negative affect and helps regulate the…

Children and Adults Process Social Interactions Differently: Study Reveals Key Differences in Brain Activation

Summary: A new study found brain differences between adults and children that potentially explain developmental differences in social interaction understanding. The study showed that children and adults might employ different…

Link Found Between Common Ear, Nose, and Throat Infections in Preschoolers and Increased Risk of Autism

Summary: Preschoolers with common ear, nose, and throat (ENT) issues may be at risk of autism or high levels of autism traits, according to a study published in BMJ Open.…

Early Indicators of Autism May Be Identified in Fetal Brain Scans

Summary: A study by King’s College researchers has identified a link between autism traits and isolated fetal ventriculomegaly – a common antenatal brain abnormality. Using MRI brain scans, the study…

Father’s Alcohol Consumption Before Conception Linked to Brain and Facial Defects in Offspring

Summary: Researchers report paternal alcohol exposure prior to conception is associated with an increased risk of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and facial growth defects in their offspring. Source: Texas A&M…

Listening to Music During Pregnancy Benefits Baby Brain’s Ability to Encode Speech Sounds

Summary: Exposure to music or the sound of the mother singing while in the womb was associated with better neural encoding of speech sounds in infants. Source: University of Barcelona…