Neuro Clips January 30, 2015

January 10 – January 30, 2015

Neuro Clips:

Connection between childhood adversity, psychiatric disorders seen at cellular level

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/01/150120142817.htm

Summary: In a recent study, researchers assessed 299 healthy community adults for psychiatric disorders and childhood adversity. The study results demonstrate that participants with childhood adversity and lifetime psychopathology had alterations of the mitochondrial DNA. These findings suggest possible cellular links to psychiatric disorders and other stress-related conditions.

Students master math through movement using Kinect for Windows

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/01/150126135210.htm

Summary: Researchers incorporated the Kinect into mathematics training for third and fourth-graders. The training program engaged students in a series of tasks that required body movements in angles. The program proved to enhance learning gains for those that participated in the movement lessons versus students that did not. These results have implications for future instructional techniques.

MRIs link impaired brain activity to inability to regulate emotions in autism

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/01/150127100018.htm

Summary: A recent study explores the neural correlates of common autism symptoms such as tantrums, irritability, self-injury, depression, and anxiety using fMRI. The study findings suggest that brain activity differs in autistic individuals during processes of emotion regulation. These findings have intervention and policy implications for the classification of the core symptomology of autism. Also, these findings may have an implication on social and emotional development instructional techniques for children with autism.

Association between parental time pressure, mental health problems among children

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/01/150127100640.htm

Summary: In a recent study, researchers examined the impact of parents’ stresses and pressures on the psychological wellbeing of their children. The findings suggest that children of parents who experienced time pressure were almost twice as likely to suffer from psychological problems. Additionally, parents’ financial stress was also associated with mental health problems in children, although it was not as closely related.

Facebook not to blame for negative impact on grades, professor says

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/01/150120142553.htm

Summary: Researchers explored the impact of Facebook use on the grades of college students at Iowa State University. The researchers found that for freshmen, all Facebook use had a negative impact on grades. GPA was impacted for sophomores and juniors that used Facebook while doing their homework, and there was no relationship for seniors. Researchers propose that these findings suggest that all Facebook use is bad, but rather as students develop self-regulation skills throughout their college careers, they are better equipped to balance the distractions.

The Fundamentals of Neuropedagogy

http://brainblogger.com/2015/01/25/the-fundamentals-of-neuropedagogy/

Summary: Authors explore the fundamental principles of neuropedagogy as it relates to translating brain science into education for applications to influence child development and learning.   

Kids Sustain 240 Head Hits on Average During Football Season

http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/talking-back/2015/01/30/240-head-hits-the-average-a-10-year-old-can-sustain-in-a-football-season/

Summary: Author provides a critical analysis of recently published article in Neurology journal about the impact of concussions accumulated by players who started playing before the age of 12 and those who did not. The article’s findings present that players who began playing before age 12 suffered from greater cognitive impairment in areas of executive function, memory, and intelligence. The author, however, points out the small sample size of the study and its failure to include a comparison group of players who stopped playing after high school or college. 

Neuro Clips January 9, 2015

January 2, 2015 – January 9, 2015

Neuro Clips:

All in a good night's sleep: How quality of sleep impacts academic performance in children

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/01/150108113521.htm

Summary: In a recent study of healthy children ages 7-11 years old, researchers found “sleep efficiency” to be linked to higher academic performance. “Sleep efficiency” refers to an evaluation of the quality and quantity of sleep.

Does 'dyslexia' disable teachers?

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/01/150107204601.htm

Summary: Researchers explored the contextual impact of labels for reading difficulties in a study of teacher perceptions. Teacher survey responses revealed variation in the extent to which teachers felt they could assist students based on the usage of the terms “dyslexia” vs. “reading difficulties”. The results suggest that placing students in categories such as “dyslexic” may negatively influence the quality of the instruction that they receive.

Misfit or Miss Goody Two Shoes? Adolescent misperceptions abound

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/01/150107162328.htm

Summary: In a recent study of teen perceptions, researchers examined 235 10^th grade students. The study findings suggest that students typically engaged in higher levels of risk behaviors based on their misperceptions of what the popular students were doing.

Major study sends clear safety message to prevent brain injury in children

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/01/150107140754.htm

Summary: A recent study conducted secondary analysis of the incidence of brain trauma in children. Researchers found that the most common cause of trauma in children under the age of 12 was falls (such as from a bicycle). These findings suggest that large prevention efforts should be exerted toward promoting the use of helmets. Major causes for teens and adolescents include car accidents, assault, and sports-related injuries.

  

Do infants judge others' language proficiency? It depends on their own, research shows

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/01/150107081233.htm

Summary: Researchers explored expectations for language proficiency in a group of 20-month-old monolingual infants compared to a group of 20-month-old bilingual infants. Expectations were examined using a measure of looking time during interactions with adults. The results of the study suggested that the infants’ language proficiency was based on their own proficiency. These findings have implications for communication in general.

Human speech's surprising influence on young infants

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/01/150105141707.htm

Summary: New research promotes the importance of speaking to infants. The research findings suggest that listening to speech helps not only to reduce the “word gap” in infants, but also promotes the development of other cognitive and social capabilities important for learning. 

Neuro Clips December 5, 2014

November 17 – December 5, 2014

Neuro Clips:

Strong neighborhoods, parenting can bridge 'achievement gap'

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/12/141204090958.htm

Summary: In a recent study of urban youth aspirations, researchers examined the relationship to factors such as parental relationships and neighborhood environment. Based on youth questionnaire responses, researchers found strong correlations between future aspirations, positive parental relationships, and safe home environments. These findings may have implications for violence prevention programs and interventions that facilitate parental involvement.

Girls, boys affected differently by witnessing parental violence

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/12/141202161327.htm

Summary: Researchers explored the link between exposure to parental partner violence and behavior problems at the start of preschool as well as the beginning of kindergarten. On average, children were exposed to an average of 17 instances of partner violence ages 3-4 and an average of 13 times ages 5-7. Additionally, boys demonstrated higher likelihood to display aggression sating in preschool as well as poorer social skills. These findings may have implications for future interventions and social development instruction.

Minute movements of autistic children and their parents provide clue to severity of disorder

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/12/141201163012.htm

Summary: In a recent study of movement, researchers measured fluctuations in the speed of movements (peripheral spikes) in adults and children with autism compared to parents of children with autism and healthy adults. The results suggest that individuals with autism have more random p-spike patterns. The implications of these findings may be useful in assessing the severity of autism. 

Teens with a history of TBI are nearly 4 times more likely to have used crystal meth

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/11/141126185146.htm

Summary: An Ontario school survey examined substance in teens grades 9 – 12. The researchers discovered that teens with a self-reported history of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) were more likely to have used crystal meth in the past 12 months. They were also more likely to use a number of other drugs, including, but not limited to sedatives, ecstasy, cocaine, LSD, opioids, and non-prescribed ADHD drugs. These findings have implications for prevention and intervention programs for victims of traumatic brain injury. 

Diagnosing deafness early will help teenagers' reading development

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/11/141125205706.htm

Summary: A recent study compared reading development in deaf teenagers who were screened at an early age versus deaf teens who were not. Teenagers who were screened at birth displayed higher levels of reading development. These findings suggest the importance of early screening and have policy and practice implications for screening programs. 

How fake brain science has supported gender segregation in schools

http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/science/2014/12/single_sex_classroom_research_fake_brain_science_supports_gender_segregation.html

Summary: Author explores the ethics and implications of gender segregation in schools supported by brain-based gender differences. The author argues that this practice establishes unequal instruction for boys and girls. The author also suggests that these practices are misguided and based on pseudoscience. The author points out issues that should be considered by curriculum designer, administrators, and teachers concerned about incorporating brain-based learning into the classroom. 

What Harry Potter Can Teach Us About Neuroscience

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/12/02/what-harry-potter-can-tel_n_6248804.html

Summary: Researchers at Carnegie Mellon explore brain activity while study participants reading passages from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. The fMRI images revealed activation in the region of the brain associated with processing other people’s intentions. These findings support previous studies that have found reading fiction to be associated with increased empathy and the ability to make moral decisions. Implications of these findings may relate to literature classroom instruction or the promotion of reading fiction for leisure. 

Neuroscience Improves Early Childhood Education Quality

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ellen-galinsky/neuroscience-improves-ear_b_6171502.html

Summary: Article explores the feasibility and potential benefits of a preschool and kindergarten curriculum that targets executive function processes and skills. The Tools of the Mind curriculum is comprehensive and the initial results indicate that the program may improve academic performance. These findings potentially have implications for efforts to reduce achievement gaps. 

Neuro Clips November 14, 2014

November 9 – November 14, 2014

Neuro Clips:

Focusing on executive functions in kindergarten leads to lasting academic improvements

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/11/141112144722.htm

Summary: In a recent study of the effectiveness of a Kindergarten curriculum, Tools of the Mind, researchers found significant gains in academic achievement among participants compared to control classroom participants. In addition to gains in math, reading, and vocabulary; students showed improved executive function in areas of focus, attention, and working memory.

Learning languages is a workout for brains, both young, old

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/11/141112120208.htm

Summary: Results from a recent functional brain imaging suggest that learning a second language improves brain connections. The study examined native English speakers over a six-week while the study group learned Chinese vocabulary. The language-learning group demonstrated functional brain changes.

Self-inflation harms kids' relationships at school

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/11/141112120202.htm

Summary: In a recent study of peer relationships, researchers examined eighth graders based on measures of academic performance, self-perceptions of performance, and social popularity. The study results suggest that had unrealistic views of themselves were less liked by their peers.

Playing action video games can boost learning, study finds

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/11/141110161036.htm

Summary: A recent study examined perceptual learning relative to action video game players vs. non-action players. The action video games out-performed non-action players in building templates or models. The results of the study suggest that action video games may be useful in facilitating learning.

Statins reverse learning disabilities caused by genetic disorder

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/11/141110124235.htm

Summary: In a recent study using mice, researchers identified the underlying mechanism of Noonan syndrome as well as a potential treatment. Noonan syndrome impairs normal child development and causes developmental delays, heart defects, short stature as well as learning disabilities and other issues. Study results found that statins, a class of cholesterol drugs were effective in reversing the learning problems associated with Noonan syndrome in mice. These results suggest the potential for a new treatment methodology for learning disabilities and cognitive impairments.

Easy-to-walk communities can blunt cognitive decline, study shows

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/11/141107131832.htm

Summary: In a recent study researchers examined cognitive function in adults with mild Alzheimer’s disease compared to older adults without cognitive impairment relative to the complexity of neighborhoods. The results suggested that more complex neighborhood layouts (e.g. more turns) were associated with preserved cognitive performance over time. These results suggest a link between walkable communities and cognitive health.

Best sensory experience for learning a dance sequence

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/11/141107101755.htm

Summary: A recent study explored the effectiveness of learning dance sequences by visual observation compared to learning by listening. The results suggest that learning visually through observation better facilitates the learning process. These results have potential implications for dance instruction as well as teaching and learning generally.

Black, Hispanic kids underrepresented in autism identification

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/11/141106143825.htm

Summary: In a recent investigation of autism identification rates across all 50 states in the years 2000 and 2007, researchers found Black and Hispanic children underrepresented. These results suggest potential problems such as lack of access to care; inconsistencies in autism identification; and lack of validated methods. These results have implications for the provision of intervention and supportive services to minority children.

ADHD-air pollution link: Breathing dirty air during pregnancy raises odds of childhood ADHD-related behavior problems

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/11/141105154555.htm

Summary: A recent study followed nonsmoking pregnant women and compared their exposure level to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) to their child(ren)’s later development of behavior problems associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). PAH is a component of air pollution. Mothers who were exposed to high levels of PAH while pregnant were 5 times more likely to have a child with ADHD symptoms at age 9. Further investigation is required to understand the relationship between PAH exposure and ADHD.

Teens with earlier school start times have higher motor vehicle crash rates

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/11/141114181119.htm

Summary: In a recent study researchers examined the rate of teen car crashes in two Virginia counties compared to school start times. Researchers compared results in multiple years and found a much higher crash rate for 16-17 year olds in Chesterfield County, VA where the start-time was 7:20 a.m. compared to Henrico County, VA where the start-time was 8:45 a.m. Further research is necessary, but the initial results may have implications for school administrators and policy makers. 

Neuro Clips September 26, 2014

September 21 – September 26, 2014

Neuro Clips:

Scarring effects of primary-grade retention?

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/09/140926141136.htm

Summary: A recent study found that retaining a child during the early primary school years lends toward a reduction in the chances of completing high school. The results suggest that this reduction is as high as a 60% reduced odds of completing school. The researchers suggest that these findings implied a scarring effect of early retention. Further research is needed to examine the underlying impacts of retaining children and how they may relate to educational practice.

Conflictive animations support the development of programming skills

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/09/140926085603.htm

Summary: In a recent study of conflictive animations, researchers found that they can be useful in teaching students computer programming. “Conflictive animations” relates to animations that have errors in them intentionally. These errors increase student engagement as they challenge them cognitively. The research findings suggest the instruction benefits of conflictive animations. Further research is needed to explore the usability of these animations for other instructional domains and also to explore through which mechanisms learning is being facilitated.

ADHD: Brains not recognizing angry expressions

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/09/140925100758.htm

Summary: Researchers explored the neural basis for facial expression recognition in children with ADHD compared to typically developing children. The findings demonstrate that children with ADHD display less of a response to angry expressions. The results suggest that this impaired recognition of angry faces may lend toward how children with ADHD interact with others. This has implications for practice in terms of how to help students with ADHD foster peer relationships.

Brain scans reveal 'gray matter' differences in media multitaskers

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/09/140924144949.htm

Summary: In a recent study of the simultaneous use of mobile phones, laptops, and other media devices researchers examined the brain structures of adults to compare them based on their self-reported use of those devices. The results demonstrate that the adults that reported greater multitasking with media devices had less grey matter density in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). The ACC is the part of the brain responsible for several cognitive and emotional functions. Further research is needed to explore this link in order to understand causal relationships as well as to determine how media multitasking relates to function in domains controlled by the ACC. Although the study was conducted on adults, it could have implications for children as they are exposed to media stimulation through various devices.

Higher risk of autism found in children born at short and long interpregnancy intervals

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/09/140924085119.htm

Summary: Researchers examined national registries to compare the incidence of autism relative to the spacing of pregnancies between siblings. The study found that children conceived less than 12 months apart from their siblings were at a heightened risk for autism diagnosis. Children conceived 5-10 years apart were at a 30% greater risk and those more than 10 years apart were at a 40% greater risk. These results could be indicative of factors associated with autism risk and have implications for further research.

Infant cooing, babbling linked to hearing ability, researcher finds

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/09/140923182138.htm

Summary: In a recent study of infant vocalizations, researchers compared the amount of vocalizations of infants with hearing loss compared to hearing infants. Vocalizations include cooing and babbling. The results indicate that hearing infants expressed more vocalizations than those with hearing loss. The infants with hearing loss expressed more vocalizations following cochlear implants. These results suggest that infant vocalizations are motivated by their ability to hear themselves. These findings could have implications for future study of the language development process.

Classroom intervention helps shy kids learn

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/09/140922110147.htm

Summary: INSIGHTS is an intervention that helps match students’ individual personalities with a supportive environment. A recent study explored the utility and usefulness of this intervention to support the needs of students based on their temperament. The results demonstrated that children with shy temperament experienced greater academic gains improving their critical thinking skills and math skills. These results have implications for potential application in other classroom environments. The results are of particular significance as shy children are often difficult to engage in the classroom setting and often suffer academically as well as socially.

Brainwave test could improve autism diagnosis, classification

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/09/140922130515.htm

Summary: A recent study measured brainwave patterns to examine the speed of sensory processing in children with autism spectrum disorder. The results suggest correlations between varying speeds of processing to audio-visual signals relative to severity of autism spectrum disorder. These findings have potential implications for the utilization of EEG testing to diagnose autism and to determine anticipated level of severity. Additionally, the findings have implications for therapeutic strategies for different levels of severity. Further investigation is necessary to better understand how autism impacts these mechanisms.

Narrow focus on physical activity could be ruining kids' playtime

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/09/140921223620.htm

Summary: Researchers conducted interviews with children 7-11 years of age to better understand their perspective of “playtime”. The interviews revealed that play represents a time to have fun with no anticipated outcome. The four commons themes were: 1) play is for fun 2) play doesn’t have to be active 3) there is little free-time for play and 4) taking risks makes play better. These four components contradict public health efforts to promote exercise and physical activity for youth. These findings have implications for how to alter public health messages and for how to promote unstructured playtime for youth.