Youth Alcohol Dependency Could Signal Future Depression Risk

Summary: Adolescents with signs of alcohol dependency are more likely to suffer from depression in their mid-20s. The research, involving 3,902 participants from the ALSPAC study, examined the correlation between…

Child’s Play: Kids as Young as Six Consider Choices in Moral Judgments

Summary: Children as young as six factor in past choices when making moral judgments. Involving children aged four to nine, the study revealed that younger children’s judgments were mainly influenced…

The Power of Friendship Counters Early Life Stress

Summary: A new study, based on 36 years of data from nearly 200 baboons, indicates that strong social bonds formed in adulthood can counteract the negative effects of adversity experienced…

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…