Childhood Inflammation Linked to Later Mental Health Risks

Summary: Children with persistent inflammation are at a higher risk of developing mental health disorders like psychosis and depression in early adulthood. A study found that elevated inflammation markers, particularly…

Child Signals: Vocal Cues Shape Adult Perceptions

Summary: Human children depend on caregivers for extended periods, employing complex vocal and cognitive cues to elicit adult attention and care. Recent research shows that adults prioritize vocal cues when…

Preteen Suicide Rates Rising, Especially Among Girls and Minorities

Summary: A recent study reveals that preteen suicide rates have increased by 8% annually since 2008, with the highest rises among female, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian/Pacific Islander, and Hispanic preteens.…

Umbilical Cord Blood Test Could Predict Autism Risk

Summary: A recent study suggests that measuring specific fatty acid metabolites in newborn blood could predict autism spectrum disorder (ASD) risk. Researchers found that higher levels of certain metabolites were…

Reflective Thinking Boosts Teen Brain Resilience to Violence

Summary: Teens who engage in “transcendent thinking” can counteract the negative effects of violence exposure on brain development. This type of thinking involves considering broader ethical and societal implications of…

Adolescent Boys Show Aggression When Masculinity is Threatened

Summary: A new study reveals that adolescent boys respond aggressively to perceived threats to their masculinity, particularly in environments with rigid gender norms. Researchers found that boys whose motivation to…

Study Shows Narcissism Declines with Age

Summary: A study reveals that narcissism decreases from childhood to older adulthood, though individual differences remain stable over time. People who are more narcissistic as children tend to stay that…

Early Inflammation Linked to Midlife Cognitive Decline

Summary: A new study finds that higher inflammation in young adulthood is associated with reduced cognitive function in midlife. Researchers discovered that inflammation due to factors like obesity and smoking…

Prenatal Cannabis Use Impacts Brain Development

Summary: A new study suggests prenatal cannabis exposure may influence long-term brain development and mental health. Researchers used data from the ABCD Study to examine neuroimaging of children exposed to…

Digital Devices Hinder Kids’ Emotional Regulation Development

Summary: A new study reveals that using digital devices to manage children’s tantrums hampers their ability to regulate emotions later in life. Researchers found that frequent use of tablets or…