The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated brain maturation in adolescents, particularly girls, with their brains aging by an average of 4.2 years. The study links this acceleration to the stress of reduced social interaction during lockdowns, affecting brain regions responsible for emotional regulation.

A recent review of genetic and population studies reveals that premorbid cognitive deficits in schizophrenia, such as lower IQ, are largely due to neurodevelopmental disruptions rather than inherited genetic variants that directly increase schizophrenia risk. The findings suggest that non-familial factors, including rare genetic mutations and environmental influences, play a significant role in both cognitive impairments and schizophrenia risk.

Challenging social environments and the size of the left hippocampus in children aged 9-11 contribute to an increased risk of depression. Researchers found that children with larger hippocampal volumes are more sensitive to negative social environments, amplifying depressive symptoms over a two-year period.

Researchers have uncovered critical insights into how autism spectrum disorders (ASD) may develop at early stages of brain formation. Using mouse models, the team discovered that environmental factors causing autism-like symptoms are linked to early changes in neurotransmitter activity in the brain. Specifically, they observed that a temporary switch from the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA to the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate in neonatal mice could lead to the development of ASD-like behaviors, such as repetitive actions and reduced social interaction, later in life.

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 around age 9, significantly increase the risk of these disorders, as well as cardiometabolic diseases such as insulin resistance. The research suggests that early-life inflammation could be a critical factor in later mental and physical health issues, prompting the need for further investigation into its role.

A study in mice shows that the probiotic Bifidobacterium breve, when taken by mothers during pregnancy, enhances fetal brain development by improving nutrient transport and growth processes. The findings suggest that altering the maternal gut microbiome with probiotics could be a non-pharmaceutical strategy to support healthy fetal growth, particularly in cases of fetal growth restriction. Further research is needed to confirm these effects in humans and explore how probiotics interact with other gut bacteria during pregnancy.

Researchers have identified a link between brain overgrowth and the severity of social and communication symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). By analyzing MRI scans and conducting experiments with brain organoids, the study found that children with the most severe ASD symptoms had significantly larger brains. This enlargement is associated with altered activity of the enzyme Ndel1, which plays a crucial role in neuron development. The findings open new avenues for understanding ASD and its varying symptom severity.

A new machine learning model, AutMedAI, can predict autism in children under two with nearly 80% accuracy, offering a promising tool for early detection and intervention. The model analyzes 28 parameters available before 24 months, such as age of first smile and eating difficulties, to identify children likely to have autism. Early diagnosis is crucial for optimal development, and further validation of the model is underway.

Researchers discovered that spontaneous brain activity during early development drives neural wiring before sensory experiences shape the brain. This spontaneous activity in neurons strengthens connections, following Hebb's rule, where "cells that fire together wire together."

Children of parents with alcohol use disorders inherit early aging symptoms, including high cholesterol, heart problems, arthritis, and early-onset dementia. This effect is worse if both parents have alcohol issues, especially in male offspring, due to mitochondrial dysfunction inherited from parents. Researchers suggest that improving mitochondrial health through exercise and vitamin intake could help delay these effects.

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 assessing children's emotions and perceived helplessness, while cognitive cues weigh more in evaluating intelligence.

New research indicates that 20% of children with an older sibling diagnosed with autism are also likely to be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with this rate increasing to 36% when there are multiple siblings with ASD. The study highlights that gender, race, and maternal education significantly affect the likelihood of autism recurrence in families. It also emphasizes the need for extra developmental monitoring and early intervention for families with autistic children. This research underscores the importance of addressing disparities in healthcare access and support for all families affected by autism.

A new study has found higher levels of bisphenol A (BPA), a common plastic chemical, in pregnant mothers who later gave birth to sons with autism. The research suggests that BPA disrupts hormone-controlled fetal brain development, particularly in males, by suppressing the aromatase enzyme.

New research highlights a significant link between neurodivergence and chronic fatigue, suggesting that increased inflammation from childhood stress may contribute. The study emphasizes the need for better screening and support for neurodivergent children to reduce chronic fatigue risks. Findings advocate for a comprehensive approach to identify contributing factors and improve quality of life. Enhanced support systems for neurodivergent children could mitigate these risks.

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. The findings stress the need for culturally responsive prevention efforts, including risk screening and lethal means safety counseling. The study also found that hanging and suffocation are the most common methods, with firearms rapidly increasing. These insights call for targeted interventions to address this alarming trend.

New research shows that severe flu in pregnancy can increase the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring due to the mother’s immune response. Using live influenza virus in mice, researchers found significant fetal brain changes only when maternal infection reached a certain severity. This study highlights the importance of flu vaccination during pregnancy to reduce risks. It also suggests a threshold of infection severity for fetal brain impact.

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 linked to increased ASD symptoms in children at six years old.

A new study suggests that a healthy prenatal diet may lower the risk of autism and social communication difficulties in children, according to researchers who analyzed data from two large cohort studies in Norway and the UK.

A new study reveals that infants use their mother's scent to enhance facial recognition. This ability to integrate sensory cues improves significantly between four and twelve months of age. Researchers found that younger infants rely heavily on their mother's scent, while older infants depend more on visual information alone. The findings highlight the importance of multisensory exposure for early cognitive development.