November 9 – November 14, 2014
Neuro Clips:
Focusing on executive functions in kindergarten leads to lasting academic improvements
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
