High daily screen time linked to cognitive and behavioral problems in preterm children
Previous research has demonstrated that preterm birth and increased screen time are independently associated with a risk of adverse child development and behavioral outcomes. However, the combined association between high screen time in early school age and adverse cognitive, executive function, language, and behavior outcomes in extremely preterm children is not highly documented. A study sponsored by the NICHD aims to answer this question.
Variable mental health of college students during the COVID-19 pandemic
What is the best strategy for coping with life during the pandemic for young adults in college? A study partly supported by the NIMH aims to address this question. To examine the correlates to positive mental health outcomes, this mixed-method study examined the experiences of college students during the COVID- 19 pandemic through surveys and experience sampling data collected over two academic quarters [n1= 253 (Spring 2019); n2 = 147 (Spring 2020)]. Researchers also collected data through semi-structured interviews with 27 undergraduate students.
Gut bacteria are associated with how infants experience fear
In one-year-old infants, the gut microbiome is associated with fear behavior according to a recent study supported by the NINDS, NIGMS, NIDDK, NIMH, and the National Science Foundation. The first year of life is a crucial period for the establishment of the gut microbiome, as well as for brain development and the development of fear behavior. Previous research has linked the variation in the infant gut microbiome to cognitive development. However, the gut microbiome’s relationship with the development of fear behavior is unknown.