Summary: A recent study of 121 infants in Accra, Ghana, finds that babies are routinely exposed to two to six languages through interactions with multiple caregivers. Contrary to the common Western model—where one primary caregiver provides most linguistic input—these infants acquire language within a diverse, socially rich environment. Local languages such as Akan, Ga, and … Read more

Summary: Researchers report a promising approach to restore muscle function in an aggressive mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by combining grafted motor neurons with optical nerve stimulation. The method demonstrates that even muscles severely affected by ALS can be reinnervated and regain contractile strength when replacement motor neurons are guided and repeatedly stimulated. … Read more

Summary: Researchers found that increases in mothers’ cortical responses to infants’ faces from pregnancy to the postpartum period are linked with stronger reported emotional bonds with their babies after birth. Source: SRCD. New research indicates that the brain changes that occur between pregnancy and early motherhood can influence how deeply mothers bond with their infants. … Read more

Summary: Nurse-led support delivered during vaccination can reduce children’s fear and distress around needles. Source: University of South Australia Many children experience tears, tantrums, and high levels of anxiety when faced with needles. As vaccination programs become more common across schools and communities, practical approaches to reduce needle-related fear and pain are increasingly important. New … Read more

Summary: A team at the University of Gothenburg has developed a new blood test for Alzheimer’s disease that measures a specific phosphorylated form of the tau protein, P-tau181. Early results show the test distinguishes Alzheimer’s from other neurodegenerative disorders and can detect disease-related changes at an early stage. Source: University of Gothenburg Researchers at the … Read more

Summary: As people grow older, they increasingly rely on whether a face is centered on a screen when deciding where to look while watching videos. Source: UCR How do infants, children, and adults differ in where they look when watching faces on television and video? Researchers at the University of California, Riverside examined how viewers … Read more

New neuroimaging evidence shows breastfeeding supports early brain development in infants A recent study from Brown University using specialized, baby-friendly magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) adds to growing evidence that breastfeeding positively influences early brain development. The research found that infants who were exclusively breastfed for at least three months showed greater growth in key white … Read more

Summary: Children who grow up in areas with high levels of air pollution face a higher risk of being diagnosed with schizophrenia later in life. Source: Aarhus University Overview Air pollution is known to harm physical health, and new research from Aarhus University indicates it may also affect mental health. A Danish population-based study that … Read more

Summary: Researchers have pinpointed 64 genomic regions that contain DNA variations linked to increased risk for bipolar disorder and have shown genetic overlap with other psychiatric conditions. Source: Mount Sinai Hospital In the largest genetic study of bipolar disorder to date, an international team of researchers has identified 64 genomic regions where DNA variations are … Read more

Summary: Struggling to quit smoking? New research shows a common genetic mutation can increase the likelihood of nicotine relapse by altering brain responses to nicotine. Source: Institut Pasteur. Genetic Mutation Increases Risk of Nicotine Relapse after Quitting Why is it so hard to stop smoking, and why do some people relapse months after quitting? Researchers … Read more