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.

Neuro Clips September 20, 2014

September 7 – September 20, 2014

Neuro Clips:

Word 'edges' are important for language acquisition

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/09/140908083348.htm

Summary: In a recent study, researchers found that infants about 7 months old were able to accurately encode the sound and position of the first and last syllable of words. These findings have implications for further study of the mechanisms associated with language learning.

Video games could dramatically streamline educational research

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/09/140918210138.htm

Summary: Researchers propose that video games could provide a new strategy for educational research. The use of “computational modeling” could streamline educational research to improve the process of development, allow for multiple testing models, and drastically reduce costs.

Sibling bullying linked to later depression, self-harm

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/09/140919100258.htm

Summary: In a recent longitudinal study researchers found that children who reported being bullied by their siblings were at greater risk for clinical depression and self-harming behaviors. These children completed questionnaires at age 12 and again at age 18. These results have implications for clinical practice as well as assessment protocols.

Children who go to preschool achieve higher grades at high school graduation, British study shows

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/09/140919104452.htm

Summary: A recent study compared children involved in an early-childhood pre-school to students with minimal of no exposure. The longitudinal study reassessed the students at ages 6, 7, 10, 11, 14, 16, 18, and 21. The results suggest that preschool instruction helps students later perform better on general certificate of secondary education (GCSE) in the UK. 

Your paper brain and your Kindle brain aren't the same thing

http://www.pri.org/stories/2014-09-18/your-paper-brain-and-your-kindle-brain-arent-same-thing

Summary: The article reports from an interview with a researcher investigating the neural impacts of reading on a screen. Research findings suggest that our brains have adapted to reading on a screen, which has translated to our eyes jumping around the screen to skim for information as opposed to "deep reading." These findings have implications for instruction and structure that may require an intentional engagement with print material to ensure that children are fully understanding information. 

Neuroscience is redefining Early Childhood Development

http://blogs.unicef.org/2014/09/20/neuroscience-is-redefining-early-childhood-development/

Summary: The article examines the impact that neuroscience findings have had on our understanding of early childhood development as a critical developmental period. 

Neuro Clips September 6, 2014

August 23 – September 6, 2014

Neuro Clips:

Home sweet home: Does where you live impact student success?

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/08/140825095843.htm

Summary: In a recent study of the income-achievement gap, researchers examined socioeconomic status and cognitive skills. The study measured cognitive skills in kindergarten students and again two years later and found that cognitive skills were more of an indicator of academic success than socioeconomic status.

Students report greater learning gains in in-class science courses vs. online courses

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/09/140904094802.htm

Summary: A recent study evaluated the effectiveness of online learning opportunities, primarily for African American students. Based on self-reports, the students in traditional in-person courses indicated greater learning gains than students in comparable online courses. These results can inform curriculum and instruction for distance learning opportunities to create a learning environment that more closely resembles the traditional setting and maximizes the potential for incorporated technology.

Fast-paced TV shows don't harm preschoolers' concentration

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/09/140905090421.htm

Summary: Researchers examined the impact of fast-paced television on behavior compared to slow-paced programming in three and four year old children. Following the television programs, children completed block-building tasks and test of program comprehension. The results indicated that fast-paced television programming received greater attention and that children performed better on the tasks that followed fast-paced television.

Early school testing no indication of later success

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/09/140905090424.htm

Summary: In a recent study of early child development, researchers found that performance on early tests of cognitive skills are not a necessary indication of later achievement. The results demonstrate the influence of external factors that contribute to successes and failures throughout life.

Study: Music Education Could Help Close The Achievement Gap Between Poor And Affluent Students

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/09/02/harmony-project-music-study_n_5755448.html

Summary: A recent study measured neural impact of music education after-school programming on disadvantaged and affluent students. Study results indicate that the programming has the potential to improve reading and language skills. These results suggest the possible benefits of music programming in reducing the achievement gap.

Brainwave Testing Can Help Diagnose Dyslexia Before Kids Learn

http://motherboard.vice.com/read/brain-wave-testing-can-diagnose-dyslexia-in-kids-before-they-learn-to-read

Summary: Researchers examined brain waves in a longitudinal study to explore the underlying waves associated with the later development of dyslexia. The study proposes the potential to use EEG as an early evaluation and diagnostic tool to determine a child’s risk or presentation of dyslexia prior to difficulty in the classroom. This could have important implications for clinical practice as well as for educators.

The Mindful Classroom

http://www.chronogram.com/hudsonvalley/the-mindful-classroom/Content?oid=2268571

Summary: Article demonstrates some examples of how educators and administrators are incorporating the principles of mindfulness into the classrooms. The article argues that the incorporation of mindfulness in the classroom has the potential benefits of improved academic performance and reduced student disruptions.

Could a later start to the school day be the most useful educational reform of all?

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/schools/could-a-later-start-to-the-school-day-be-the-most-useful-educational-reform-of-all-9695407.html

Summary: The article argues that due to the change in circadian rhythms for teenagers, a delayed school start time would improve student attendance; student performance; and reduce the negative health effects of sleep deprivation.

Hopeful Teaching and Learning: The One Who Makes a Difference

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/eric-cooper/hopeful-teaching-and-lear_b_5714995.html

Summary: Author challenges educators to reconnect with what led them to their initial calling into the classroom. The author acknowledges the importance of genuine teaching and learning and encourages educators to be the “one” teacher that made a difference in a child’s life.

iPads improve language skills in autistic kids

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/ipads-improve-language-skills-in-autistic-kids/

Summary: In a recent study of “minimally verbal” autistic children, researchers examined the communication abilities of those who received an iPad compared to those who did not. All children in the study received speech therapy, however, those with an iPad demonstrated greater gains in vocabulary. The study results suggest the benefit of incorporating visually stimulating aids to promote verbal responses.