Baby Einstein's Quasi-Recall Oct 26, 2009
Baby Einstein videos were at best devoid of their promised education benefits ("your child will learn to identify her different body parts, and also discover her five senses in Spanish, English, and French!") and at worst to brain development. Bush's own Federal Trade Commission was at that very moment weighing a against Baby Einstein for making false and deceptive claims. (Slate)
Treatment For Epilepsy Is Possible Culprit For Development Of Schizophrenia Oct 25, 2009
In research presented at the 39th annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center researchers show that exposure to AEDs during critical periods of brain development in animal models increases schizophrenia-like behaviors. "We know that early-life exposure to AEDs such as Phenobarbital triggers cell death in many brain regions associated with the onset of schizophrenia," explains Guillermo Palchik, a doctoral student in the department of pediatrics at GUMC.... (Science Daily)
Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) Oct 24, 2009
Although glutamine plays a role in the development of the baby's brain, an excess has been shown to cause significant impairment of brain development in infants and can lead to mental retardation later on. How to Reduce Your Risk of MSG Toxicity. (Suite101.com)
Sex-based prenatal brain differences found Oct 24, 2009
The purpose of the new study was to determine whether they appear during the process of brain development or first upon the conclusion of that process ... Some of the genetic activity in question is evident in the adult brain, while other of it only appears at earlier stages of brain development. (EurekAlert!)
Letters for Thursday, October 22, 2009 Oct 23, 2009
interesting wrote on Oct 22, 2009 7:48 AM:" some cites to support the idea that proper brain development cant occure without cursive would be welcome ". hulali wrote on Oct 22, 2009 1:48 PM:" What if the Declaration of Independance had printed names or Xs instead of signatures????? You can't be serious, its the contect of the document that is significant and the identification of the courageous men that signed it. It wouldn't matter at all if it were printed or Xed. I can't believe that you... (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Darwin Lives! Modern Humans Are Still Evolving Oct 23, 2009
Among those genetic changes, discovered by examining more than 3 million DNA variants in 269 individuals: mutations that allow people to digest milk or resist malaria and others that govern brain development. But not all evolutionary changes make inherent sense. (Time.com)
Keep brain strong with supplements Oct 23, 2009
A wealth of research shows that dietary consumption of the omega-3 fatty acids (DHA in particular) found in fish can help support brain development and learning. It can also increase the production of phosphatidylserine, a compound in the brain that can improve communication among brain cells. (Honolulu Advertiser)
The inner me Oct 21, 2009
At some point during the brain development something happens which means we become self-aware - but quite what it is still remains a mystery. Chimpanzee experiments. (BBC News -- Health)
Genetics Of Patterning The Cerebral Cortex: How Stem Cells Yield Functional Regions In 'Gray Matter' Oct 21, 2009
During embryonic brain development, the stem cells that will give rise to the cerebral cortex pass through a series of tightly regulated stages: from omnipotent stem cells to cortical progenitor cells that will eventually form functionally specialized regions, such as the six-layered neocortex, the biggest and evolutionarily most recent part of the cerebral cortex, and the older three-layered olfactory cortex among others. Early during neurogenesis, stem cell-like progenitor cells known as... (Science Daily)
APP -- Good, bad or both? Oct 19, 2009
CHICAGO New data about amyloid precursor protein, or APP, a protein implicated in development of Alzheimer's disease, suggests it also may have a positive role -- directly affecting learning and memory during brain development ... In a presentation at the 39th annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center researchers say that while APP is negatively associated with AD, it appears to play a critical role in brain development. (EurekAlert!)
Link Between Genetic Defect And Brain Changes In Schizophrenia Demonstrated Oct 18, 2009
Even so, no one has ever shown that a risk gene for the disease actually disrupts brain development ... They tracked two subclasses of neural stem cells -- called basal and apical progenitors -- throughout early brain development in a mutant mouse with the same genetic deletion ... (June 1, 2008) People with schizophrenia from families with no history of the illness were found to harbor eight times more spontaneous mutations -- most in pathways affecting brain development -- than healthy. (Science Daily)
* Toddlers and the telly Oct 18, 2009
Experts in child development have found that three things optimize brain development: face-to-face interaction with parents or carers; learning to interact with or manipulate the physical world; and creative problem-solving play. Electronic screens do not provide any of this. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Juggling Enhances Connections In The Brain Oct 17, 2009
16, 2009) A first of its kind study examining the effects of methamphetamine use during pregnancy has found the drug appears to cause abnormal brain development in children. The research is published in the. (Science Daily)
Mechanism Of Gene Linked To Autism, Schizophrenia Pinpointed Oct 17, 2009
29, 2008) Schizophrenia emerges from an altered pattern of brain development, and researchers continue to search for the genes that cause the brain to develop along a path that ultimately leads to. . (Science Daily)
UCSD Receives $8.9M Grant For Brain Study Oct 16, 2009
Researchers will study brain development in children by using gene-mapping tools and imaging technology, with the goal of determining why people have different personalities and mental qualities, according to UCSD.. The grant, awarded through the National Institute on Drug Abuse, is one of the largest UCSD has received through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. (TheSanDiegoChannel.com, CA)
Red meat, fortified milk can stop anaemia Oct 16, 2009
If severe enough at this age, it can delay brain development and even result in behavioural problems and impaired cognitive function. Not much research has been done into toddler nutrition and iron levels, but Anne-Louise Heath, nutritionist, and Ewa Szymlek-Gay, University of Otago, wanted to test whether food-based strategies such as increasing red meat or fortified milk intake could combat the problem. (India Times, India)
HUL's 'Kissan Amaze' under govt scanner Oct 15, 2009
The five-member committee headed by Vasantha Muthuswamy, former deputy director general Indian Council of Medical Research, will look into such claims relating to brain development to establish whether these are supported by scientific evidence. The companys product may also be tested by scientists and experts. (India Times)
Experts summarize state of the science in autism disorders Oct 15, 2009
Some recurrent themes of the review are the expanding knowledge of early brain development, and the importance of early diagnosis of ASDs, accompanied by intensive early treatment ... In sum, say the authors, "no cure for autism spectrum disorders is yet available." However, "outcomes are improved with early detection and intensive treatment." In the future, the authors conclude that advances in early detection and diagnosis will allow more individualized and effective early treatment to alter... (EurekAlert!)
Australia wants TV ban for toddlers... Oct 14, 2009
" Nikita Khrushchev 'nuff said. gobnait on October 13, 2009 at 10:10 PM Considering you can watch the R Rated Family Guy at 5 p.m. in the afternoon 5 days a week it is no wonder our kids are so confused and aimless. Parents are not home to monitor what their kids watch until 6 and by then it is too late. Where is the responsibility!? Mark Jackson on October 13, 2009 at 10:10 PM What protects adults and the old from television? Life can't be edited like tv and it shows. The net is worse without... (The Drudge Report)
Stressful Childhood May Mean Earlier Death Oct 13, 2009
For example, childhood stress affects brain development, so individuals who've experienced it may be more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety, and more prone to deal with stress in unhealthy ways, for example by drinking alcohol or smoking cigarettes. Just a third of the people in the study were completely free of any sort of childhood trauma, Anda added, making it clear that these sorts of harmful experiences are widespread. (MEDLINEplus)
Key Mechanism In Brain Development Pinpointed, Raising Question About Use Of Antiseizure Drug Oct 13, 2009
These neuron-to-neuron junctions form early in brain development, and their. (May 29, 2007) A critical step in brain development is governed by endogenous cannabinoids, "the brain's own marijuana." Studies now show that these endogenous molecules regulate how certain nerve cells recognize. (Science Daily)
Big games = Big fun Oct 12, 2009
Certainly, game play has been shown to have a significant role in childhood brain development, but need adults run around in public, costumed or completing amorphous "missions". "The thing that big games provide is what video games lack," Lantz said. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Entertainment)
Wonder Drinks Oct 10, 2009
Introduced as part of its Juicy Juice line, the Brain Development and Immunity drinks claim to provide youngsters with important nutrients that may be lacking in their diets. Nestl; s probiotic Boost Kid Juicy Juice Brain Development is fortified with omega-3 DHA for children aged one to two. (Suite101.com)
Ministry restricts sale of imported dried fruits due to high lead content Oct 9, 2009
Lead, in cumulative amounts over time, causes nervous system disorders and distorts brain development, especially in children. Liow said the monitoring began following a US Food and Drug Administration report on Oct 1 that alerted consumers over the dried fruit sold by the 15 manufacturers due to lead contamination. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Eating Licorice Can Affect Pregnant Moms Babies Oct 9, 2009
High levels of these types of hormones, called glucocorticoids, are believed to affect brain development and have been linked to behavior problems in children. The children were tested for various cognitive functions including vocabulary, memory and spatial awareness. (Newsmax)
Dried fruits from east Asiaon Level 5 alert Oct 8, 2009
Lead, in cumulative amounts over time, causes nervous system disorders and distorts brain development, especially in children. To see the list of product affected, click. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Eating Licorice In Pregnancy May Affect A Child's IQ And Behavior Oct 8, 2009
High levels of such hormones, known as glucocorticoids, are thought to affect fetal brain development and have been linked to behavioral disorders in children. The results of the study are published in the American Journal of Epidemiology. (Science Daily)
Warning on liquorice in pregnancy Oct 7, 2009
High levels of such hormones, known as glucocorticoids, are thought to affect foetal brain development and have been linked to behavioural disorders in children in previous studies. Of the children who took part in the Finnish study, 64 were exposed to high levels of glycyrrhizin in liquorice, 46 to moderate levels and 211 to low levels. (BBC News -- Health)
Whitney Lab lecture takes flight Oct 7, 2009
Johnson studies the zebra finch and how and when these birds learn their songs to explore brain development and learning. Like humans, zebra finches must learn to vocalize in order to communicate. (Daytona Beach News Journal -- Local)
Africa: Continent Leads World in Premature Infant Deaths Oct 7, 2009
Even infants born late preterm have a greater risk of re-hospitalisation, breathing problems, feeding difficulties, hypothermia, jaundice and delayed brain development. "This [report] was a first attempt to estimate the worldwide scale of the problem," said Dr. Mario Merialdi, of WHO's Department of Reproductive Health and Research and one of the authors of The Global and Regional Toll of Preterm Birth report. (allAfrica.com)
Hold the mayo? Not when it comes to astute pilots Oct 7, 2009
Researchers said the study is not aimed at weight control and noted that because the pilots are young, they're able to absorb a high amount of fatty acids for brain development. Military experts hope the research will eventually help improve pilots' performance. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
Exercise in Adolescence May Cut Risk of Deadly Brain Tumor Oct 7, 2009
The researchers said increases in glioma risk could be related to "energy balance" during a critical period of brain development. People who are tall have higher levels of the growth factor IGF-1 during childhood. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
UMC plans to prosper amid ailing economy Oct 5, 2009
Her research looks at the way infections during pregnancy affect fetal brain development. (Joe Ellis/The Clarion-Ledger). (The Clarion-Ledger)
Global death toll: 1 million premature babies every year Oct 5, 2009
"In the United States alone, the annual cost of caring for preterm babies and their associated health problems tops $26 billion annually. "If world leaders are serious about reaching the United Nation's Millennium Development Goals to reduce child mortality and improve maternal health, then strategies and funding for reducing death and disability related to preterm birth must receive priority," Dr. Howse adds. An Uneven Global Problem The new White Paper uses data published recently in The... (EurekAlert!)
Don’t throw away the key on all juvenile killers Oct 3, 2009
Brain development is responsible for fundamental differences between children and adults. Does this mean all kids deserve parole. (Boston Globe)
WIC food packages getting healthier Oct 3, 2009
It s been proven to improve health outcomes and brain development, Floyd said. For the WIC Program to expand and include healthier foods is a big step in the right direction. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
Cholesterol necessary for brain development: study Oct 3, 2009
Cholesterol necessary for brain development: Swedish study_English_Xinhua. Cholesterol necessary for brain development: Swedish study ... Professor Ernest Arenas who led the study said experiment in mice shows that the formation of dopamine-producing neurons during brain development is dependent on the activation of a specific receptor in the brain by an oxidised form of cholesterol called oxysterol, said a press release from Karolinska institute. (Xinhuanet, China)
Cholesterol crucial to brain Oct 3, 2009
Arenas notes that the formation of dopamine-producing neurons during brain development in mice is dependent on the activation of a specific receptor in the brain by an oxidised form of cholesterol called oxysterol. The researcher writes that dopamine-producing nerve cells play an important part in many brain functions and processes, from motor skills to reward systems and dependency. (India Times, India)
A fine line between genius & madness Oct 1, 2009
Scientists have discovered that creative people have a gene, called neuregulin 1, in common which is also linked to psychosis and depression -- in fact, it plays a role in brain development but a variant of it is linked to mental illnesses like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Lead scientist Szabolcs Kri of Semmelweis University in Hungary said this is the first study to show that a genetic variant associated with psychosis may have some beneficial functions. (India Times)
Pregnant smoking 'psychosis link' Oct 1, 2009
The researchers suggested tobacco exposure in the womb may affect the child's brain development, but admitted further study of the issue was needed. The research by Cardiff, Nottingham, Bristol and Warwick universities was part of a long-running study known as the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children looking at how genetics and the environment affects health. (BBC News -- Health)
Young Adults May Outgrow Bipolar Disorder Sep 30, 2009
Researchers predict the prevalence of the disorder also could be affected by brain development, particularly the prefrontal cortex. The prefrontal cortex, the very front part of the brain, is thought to control perception, senses, personality and intelligence. (Science Daily)
Acton-based AccesSportAmerica brings athletics to disabled Sep 26, 2009
In 1986, Lilley s son Josh was born and was diagnosed with cerebral palsy a group of disorders that includes learning, seeing and thinking difficulties due to brain development problems. Describing Josh as a built-in test pilot, Lilley eventually left the church to incorporate the nonprofit in 1995. (Acton Beacon, MA)
Group to ask for ban on chemical in plastics Sep 25, 2009
Chemicals like BPA mimic a natural hormone, fooling the body, and may lead to cancer, obesity and problems with sexuality and fetal and infant brain development. Kevin Evanto, a spokesman for Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato, confirmed that the county has been contacted by the Homestead Association about the ban and will review the request. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
UCSF, Stanford win science stimulus awards Sep 25, 2009
Among those projects is one from Stanford assistant professor of neonatal and developmental medical Dr. Anna Penn that looks at the placenta s role in regulating fetal brain development. Other Stanford winners are Dr. Euan Ashley, assistant professor of cardiovascular medicine; Sarah Heilshorn, assistant professor of materials science and engineering; K.C. Huang, assistant professor of bioengineering; and Justin Sonnenburg, assistant professor of microbiology and immunology. (San Jose Business Journal, CA)
Ghana makes giant strides in promoting exclusive breastfeeding Sep 21, 2009
She said the harm done to children who were denied the basic nutrients for a long time was enormous and explained that low performance in school was sometimes due to malnutrition, which affects brain development. Breast milk, she said, is an ideal source of rich nutrients, protects babies from infections, safe, convenient and economical. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Central records high rate of acute malnutrition Sep 21, 2009
He pointed out that the damage caused to such children was irreversible because the period of rapid brain development occurs in the first three to four years and queried the kind of adults the region would produce should the trend continue. Mr. Sosi said UNICEF was supporting the regional directorate to address the issue to help forestall any negative social implication and has, therefore, provided some therapeutic food (plumpy nuts) for the rehabilitation of malnourished children in the 17... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
State's child-care system still flawed Sep 20, 2009
Plus, said Jamie Palagi, chief of the state's Early Childhood Services Bureau in the Department of Public Health and Human Services, more and more scientific evidence has been published showing the importance of early childhood education and brain development. And more Montana businesses and foundations, particularly the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation of Missoula which helped pay for a landmark study of the benefits of early childhood education last year, are showing an interest in the... (Montana Standard, MT)
Atlanta poised to lead early learning Sep 19, 2009
g., economic development implications, brain development, quality standards, and implementation models). The group is moving toward a consensus that bold actions are needed to ensure appropriate investments in early childhood education in metro Atlanta. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
The real truth about so-called scary foods Sep 19, 2009
Children, women in their childbearing years, and those who are pregnant or nursing are considered high risk and need to restrict their intake of high-mercury fish because the heavy metal can interfere with youngsters brain development. Studies have found that mercury exposure even before birth can lead to deficits in language, attention, motor skills, and memory in children. (MSNBC -- Health)
A kick out of reading Sep 19, 2009
It can really influence their brain development. I read to Louis often, even though he spends most of the time trying to eat the book. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
What is the Best Food to Feed my Ca... Sep 19, 2009
Kitten foods, fed for the first year of a cat's life, are higher in calories to promote growth, and contain ingredients such as DHA for optimal brain development. Senior feline diets, fed after the age of seven, are lower in calories, to account for a less active lifestyle, and may have added glucosamine and chondroitin for joints. (Suite101.com)
The role of genetic factors in adult ADHD Sep 15, 2009
This approach has delivered a first gene for ADHD in children, CDH13, encoding a cell-adhesion gene with a role in early brain development (Lasky-Su et al., 2008; Lesch et al., 2008). A preliminary analysis in IMpACT suggests that this gene also plays a role in the adult form of the disorder (presentation at the ECNP Congress 2009). (EurekAlert!)
Alzheimer's Gene Affects Brains of Young Adults Sep 15, 2009
"We need to further explore the gene's effect on brain development and early cognitive function to determine who ultimately is at risk for Alzheimer's disease.". The findings were published online in the journal Alzheimer's tia. (MEDLINEplus)
Testing for toxics at schools sparks questions, lawsuits Sep 14, 2009
Even so, questions remain about dangers from long-term exposures to the other metal found: manganese, which may affect brain development, behavior and the ability to learn, especially in children. "We don't know enough to say it's a problem, but we don't know enough to say it's not a problem," says Keeve Nachman, an environmental toxicologist with who examined the county's findings for USA TODAY. He says the county's findings reflect "potentially concerning exposures.". (USA Today -- News)
Home school: Making the grade? Sep 13, 2009
" Such rules wouldn't have w 00003116 orked for her children, she said. Her kids learned on their own time lines, according to their own brain development, something she and her husband studied before embarking on home schooling. One son didn't learn to read until he was 8, but then sped ahead and was in college chemistry classes by 15. The problem, school administrators say, is that quite a number of kids end up at public school after their parents fail at home schooling, and teachers have to... (Anchorage Daily News)
Baby chimps better at controlling emotions than human babies Sep 8, 2009
Scientists reckon the finding may result from difference in brain development between the two species, with human babies being born with slightly less developed brains than chimps. "If you pick up a baby chimp when it's fussing (crying), it calms down and stays calm. "Anybody who has had a fussy child knows it is well within the range of the human norm that if you pick them up then they are still fussy," said Professor Kim Bard of Portsmouth University. More Stories from this section Text Size:... (India Times, India -- Health/Science)
Researchers Identify Critical Gene For Brain Development, Mental Retardation Sep 7, 2009
But Polleux s study shows that the brain protein srGAP2 can also impose cell shape by directly bending membranes, forming filopodia as a mean to control the migration and branching of neurons during brain development ... Polleux and his colleagues began looking at srGAP2 because the gene was almost exclusively turned on or expressed during brain development ... Because disruptions in these critical connections would have detrimental effects on brain development, Polleux will now collaborate with... (Science Daily)
Vitamin C Deficiency Impairs Early Brain Development, Guinea Pig Study Finds Sep 5, 2009
4, 2009) New research at LIFE Faculty of Life Sciences at University of Copenhagen shows that vitamin C deficiency may impair the mental development of new-born babies. In the latest issue of the well-known scientific journal The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, a group of researchers headed by professor Jens Lykkesfeldt shows that guinea pigs subjected to moderate vitamin C deficiency have 30 per cent less hippocampal neurones and markedly worse spatial memory than guinea pigs given a... (Science Daily)
Animals that favor one side of brain fare better Sep 4, 2009
Lesley Rogers, an emeritus professor in the School of Science and Technology at the University of New England, is an expert on brain development and animal behavior. She told Discovery News that the new paper "confirms the hypothesis that lateralization enhances cognitive performance." Rogers pointed out that prior research showed, for example, "that parrots with a stronger right foot preference have a larger lexicon size.". (MSNBC -- Environment)
Anti-drug coalition to hold first meeting of school year Sep 4, 2009
"Alcohol is the number one killer of kids, and now it's drinking, driving and texting too." The coalition has a big youth summit planned for Wednesday, Sept. 30, in the Rocky Hill High School cafeteria, with a speaker on brain development and drugs and alcohol, and another speaker on going green, she said. It's about caring for yourself and caring for your environment, she added. (Rocky Hill Post, CT)
BPA-Free Baby Bottle Manufacturer Green to Grow Urges Public to Demand Support for California's Toxics-Free Babies and Toddlers Act (SB 797) Sep 3, 2009
A wealth of scientific data shows that this kind of hormone disruption can cause diabetes, breast cancer, ADHD, early onset puberty, obesity, impaired brain development and immune function disorders, among others. " Mr. Ritterbrown added that Green to Grow's donation to the St. John's Well Child & Family Center is part of its ongoing educational outreach philosophy to give back to communities in need. "We believe in the power of knowledge and direct action. (PR Newswire)
Pregnancy Myths Exposed Sep 1, 2009
And the majority of brain development happens in the third trimester. Your baby is dependent on you to supply her with enough DHA. That means that if you don't get an adequate amount for both of you, your stores can become depleted, especially while you're breastfeeding. (CBS News)
UF scientists construct 'off switch' for Parkinson therapy Aug 29, 2009
The naturally occurring protein is important for the survival of dopamine-producing neurons during brain development, and a survival factor when given to adults. In this case, scientists engineered the virus with two genes that must act in concert to produce the protein. (EurekAlert!)
9 honorees are chosen for Hon Kachina awards Aug 27, 2009
She developed the Scientific Enrichment Program for Students, which lets high-school students participate in scientific research, and Kids Brain Matter Too, which teaches children and teenagers about brain development and brain injury. E-mail jeanette. (AZCentral -- News)
Underage drinking in Wisconsin fueled by adults Aug 26, 2009
When children are young, the two most critical times of brain development are from birth to 3 years old, and from ages 10 to 16. If teens start drinking during that second stage, they can stunt their brain growth. (Menomonie Dunn County News, WI)
