|
Brainy
News
News On
Enhancing Your Child's Intelligence
Baby Brain Development News
Why first-born children have higher IQs
Times Online UK Apr 11, 2008
Does your older brother think he's cleverer than you? Well, he's
probably right. According to new research due to be published this
week in the journal Intelligence, the oldest children in families
are likely to have the highest IQs, and the youngest the lowest. The
research is based on more than 1,000 children whose IQ was tested
through childhood and adolescence up to the age of 18. The Dutch
study shows a birth-order effect on intelligence in each of the
tests. Overall, the IQ of the first-born child was higher than the
second-born, which, in turn, was greater than that of children who
had two or more older siblings.
Research: Diet Change Could Improve Child's IQ
Koco.com Apr 23, 2008
Research shows DHA, a fatty acid, plays an important part in brain
function, memory, thought processes and vision development. Cook’s
report will explain the importance for all children to receive DHA,
share information about foods that contain it and how parents can
also find it in supplement form at local stores.
Omega-3s linked to infant brain development
Bounty Apr 11, 2008
Intake of Omega-3 during the final trimester of pregnancy boosts the cognitive and sensory development of the infant, new studies suggest.
A study published in the latest edition of The Journal of Pediatrics found that exposure to Omega-3 fatty acids in the last months of
pregnancy can be linked to visual acuity, cognitive and motor development in infants
been six and eleven months.
Is music the key to academic gains?
BBC News Mar 29, 2008
We have heard of brain training computer games giving young minds a
cerebral workout with impressive results, improving their maths and
concentration skills in the classroom. But what about encouraging
your child to learn a musical instrument to help stimulate their
creative processes and possibly boost their school performance?
In Pictures: How to Tell If Your Child is Gifted Slide Show
Forbes Mar 22, 2008
Gifted children are unique and special in their own way. More often, it is quite difficult to detect and identify gifted children because
of various reasons. This wonderful slide show provide invaluable clues and ideas on how you can if your child is gifted or not. These slides
provide a number of clues and ideas that are so special to gifted children. We hope that this slide show assist you in helping your child to
nurture his or her gifts and talents to their best.
Prenatal Exposure To Drugs, Alcohol And Tobacco Affect The Brain Into Early Adolescence, Scans Show
ScienceDaily Apr 8, 2008
Now, a new study using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scans,
led by Children's Hospital Boston neurologist Michael Rivkin, MD,
suggests that prenatal exposure to cocaine, alcohol, marijuana or
tobacco (alone or in combination) may have effects on brain
structure that persist into early adolescence.
Children gain skills during imaginative play
The Observer Mar 22, 2008
My mother was born during the great depression, the eight of 10 children, but when she recounts her childhood
she does not describe the grinding poverty and backbreaking labor that must have consumed her parents. Instead,
she remembers being a quite child who played endless games of "house" by herself, her only props the one she could
make. She especially prized the round tin top from a can of Hershey's powdered cocoa- it served admirably as a pan
for the mud cakes she made for her imaginary family.
Encourage Your Kids to Imagine
Daily Star Mar 15, 2008
We got an amazing new toy last week. It is about 21/2 feet tall and 3 feet deep. It doesn't make noise or require batteries.
It has no microchips or paint or small moving parts. It is not associated with a Disney character. Yet, the box our new washer
came in is one of the most valuable and versatile toys my 4 year old daughter, Allie, has ever had.
Raising Your Gifted Child
St Catherine Standard Mar 24, 2008
Raising a gifted child is a real challenge for parents. If you fail to keep his active mind occupied, he may come up with activities
on his own which you will find neither interesting nor amusing. The goal, then is to keep him busy and
involved on projects and programs
which appeal to his particular areas of interest. With these children idle hands can be really be the workshop of you-know-who.
Whiz Kid
Egypt Today Mar 17, 2008
Meet Moody, Egypt's and possibly the world's youngest mathematical genius! What is '132 times 142?" Can you write down the numbers for me on
the paper? the small boy asked with hesitation. "I won't use a pen. I just have to see the numbers on the papers," he said, hinting at the method
behind his mathematical genius. After reading the numbers on the back of the paper, he began to mutter quick additions in English under his breath.
Pat came the correct answer!
Good Parenting Raises Kid's Mental Skills
CBS News Feb 19, 2008
Growing up poor has insidious effects on kid's mental abilities,
beginning when they are very young. But, there is new
evidence that parents living in poverty can improve their children's chances for a better life by changing how they
relate to them at home. Researchers at the University of Oregon, studied a unique counseling strategy in a small group
of poor families enrolled in a Federal Head Start program in Oregon. They looked at measures of thinking skills in young
children before and after parents had special counseling.
Poor Working Memory Tied to Low School Scores
Yahoo News Mar 03, 2008
Poor working memory, rather than low intelligence, could be the reason why some children are underachievers
at school, says a British study. Working memory is the ability to retain and manipulate information. An example
would be doing math without the aid of pen and paper or a calculator. Students need working memory for a variety
of school related tasks, such as following teacher' instructions, or
remembering sentences they have been asked
to write down. Using a new tool developed, a team at Durham University surveyed more than 3000 children of different
ages and found that 10 percent of them suffered from poor working memory which seriously impairs the ability to learn.
Pesticides may be hidden danger to child IQ
ABC Mar 5, 2008
Household pesticides may cause some of the intellectual development
problems in children previously associated with lead, an Australian
toxicologist says. In a commentary available online in the journal
Science of the Total Environment, Professor Brian Gulson says there
is no question lead has a detrimental effect on children's
intellectual development.
Typical North American Diet Is Deficient In Omega-3 Fatty Acids
ScienceDaily Mar 11, 2008
New research from the Child & Family Research Institute shows the typical North American diet of eating lots of
meat and not much fish is deficient in omega-3 fatty acids and this may pose a risk to infant neurological development.
Omega-3 fatty acids are unsaturated fats found in some fish such as salmon and herring and in smaller amounts in eggs
and chicken.
Infant feeding 'may affect brain'
BBC News Feb 20, 2008
London researchers found preterm babies fed enriched formula milk in
their first weeks consistently outperformed other premature babies
in IQ tests. Their latest study, published in Pediatric Research,
shows the benefits continue into the teenage years. It also found a
particular part of the brain is better developed in those given the
enriched milk.
Smart Kids: High Protein Adds Points to Your Child's IQ
WDDTY Feb 21, 2008
A nutritious diet can make your baby smarter, a new study has discovered. Babies who are given a high protein diet
in their first four weeks have higher IQ's by the time they reach their adolescence. Researchers have discovered the
special diet also changes the structure of the bring. It increases the size of caudate nucleus that is associated
with higher intelligence. The caudate nucleus has its main growth spurt during the first four weeks following birth.
Playing, talking, reading stimulates baby's brain
ContraCostaTimes Feb 20, 2008
An infant's brain is primed for action. It is more active than an
adult brain, and it uses more energy. Soon after birth, billions of
brain cells -- called neurons -- begin to connect with each other to
create faster and more-efficient pathways within the nervous system.
Each individual neuron can make as many as 15,000 new connections.
The process kicks into high gear as soon as infants begin to
interact with their environment.
Parenting Class Improves Children's IQ
School Library Journal Feb 21, 2008
Children whose parents took an eight-week class in communication and child rearing techniques showed
a notable improvement in their cognitive abilities, says preliminary result of brain research by
University of Oregon scientists. Twenty eight low income preschool children ages three to five took brain scans
and standardized IQ tests and language exams. All fourteen of those whose parents had attended meetings
devoted parenting training showed an average of a six point improvement in their IQ scores, while 14
control group children whose parents received no training showed no significant changes.
Study shows stress affects brain growth
The Sydney Morning Herald Feb 18, 2008
CHILDREN who suffer deprivation in early life show altered patterns
of brain growth by the time they are teenagers, according to
research that documents for the first time measurable physical
effects of poor parenting and unstimulating home lives.
Breathing dirty air may lower kids’ IQ
Daily Times Feb 18, 2008
Kids who live in neighborhoods with heavy traffic pollution have
lower IQs and score worse on other tests of intelligence and memory
than children who breathe cleaner air, a new study shows.
Brain-building Strategies
Imperial Valley News Feb 09, 2008
For sheer learning potential, the brain of a child surpasses an man-made super computer. Researchers and
Child Development experts agree there are a number of ways parents can help children make the most of
their natural brainpower. Mental and physical exercises as well as brain enhancing nutrition can aid parents
in nurturing their children's natural abilities. Parents should keep some important things in mind when
choosing activities and foods to help build children's brainpower.
High IQ & High E-IQ
UTNE Feb 14, 2008
You've got the intellectual credentials: You did pretty well in
school, maybe have a college diploma or even an advanced degree. You
got high scores on your SATs and GREs, or even on that holy grail of
the intellect, the IQ test. You may even be in Mensa, the select
high-IQ club. That's fine when it comes to intelligence of the
academic variety. But how bright are you outside the classroom, when
it comes to life's stickier moments? There you need other kinds of
resourcefulness -- most especially emotional intelligence, a
different way of being smart.
IQ is dead!
ThoughtLeader Feb 6, 2008
Recently, psychologists have said that our IQs are not exactly what
they are hyped up to be. They are not the most accurate known
measurements of human intelligence. Apparently my IQ gives a very
limited and rather skewed idea of my human capabilities. I am not
very chuffed with the fact that recent studies by renowned
psychologists (most of them in Europe and the US, unfortunately for
us) suggest that it is emotional intelligence (EI or EQ) that
matters the most in how one turns out in life.
How to Nurture Creativity in Children
AmericanChronicle Feb 8, 2008
In this new-age awareness is unlimited, exposure to the hazards of
science and misuse of technology is rampant. When you recognize the
creativity in your child, nurture it.
Do you have a Gifted Child?
Forbes Jan 23, 2008
On what point can all experts in gifted education agree? A gifted child can be talented across
so many different areas that often you need to look hard to find him or her. But one thing is
clear- each is a truly extraordinary individual. But, there is a scale that psychologists and
schools can use to screen students for entrance into gifted programs. Called the Scales for Rating
the Behavioral Characteristics of Superior Students, this tool lists dozens of characteristics of
gifted children under categories that range from leadership and communication to math to art and
music.
Genius in the Making
The Times Jan 31, 2008
Sophia is eight years old. She is obviously a bright little spark-everyone who meets her can't help
but notice how clever she is. Whenever a parent volunteers to read with her class at her South London
Primary School, he or she remarks on her ability. Sophia is a gifted child-at fourteen months she knew
the alphabet, by the age 13, she mastered Hebrew and at 5 added Spanish to her collection of languages.
In the past year, as a "hobby", she has taught herself how to use sign language.
Chess engages as it challenges
Daily Herald Jan 27, 2008
It might be just a game, but many scientific studies on chess suggest it has positive benefits for
brain development in children. Peter Dauvergne, an associate dean at the University of British Columbia
and a Canadian chess master conducted a study in 2000, about how chess can be used to develop children's
minds. The game fosters critical, creative and original thinking. Chess is a fun, interactive and engaging
way for children to do those things. Like taking an exam in school, playing chess forces one to make good
decisions under pressure.
For little ones, it's anything but brain food
smh.com.au Jan 07, 2008
Small children who eat more than one serving a fortnight of certain
types of fish are at risk of developing severe learning and
behavioural difficulties that could lead to autism, doctors warned
yesterday.
A study has found that children under the age of six who regularly
eat large, predatory fish, such as shark (which is sold as flake),
catfish, snapper or barramundi often have mercury levels up to seven
times the safe maximum, which can lead to aggressive and regressive
behaviour.
Soot from traffic exhaust lowers IQ
ITWire Jan 11, 2008
They found that the intelligence quotient (IQ) of children living in
areas with more traffic fumes level had IQs, or intelligence levels,
which were three points below that of children living in areas with
less exhaust fumes. The children were given two intelligence tests:
The Wide Range Assessment of Memory and Learning and the Kaufman
Brief Intelligence Test.
Gaming makes young kids dumber
iTWire - Australia Jan 14, 2008
According to this report from www.news.com.au a special think tank
summit was held to discuss the effect on young brains by exposure to
electronic games and gadgets. The "Technology industry experts" who
gathered to discuss the issue arrived at the conclusion that kids
should not be exposed to such devices and games until they are at
least seven.
They're No Baby Einstein's
News Week Jan 14, 2008
Now that your children are back in school, there is something you should know.
I'm afraid your kid isn't a genius! Chances are he or she isn't even gifted. Don't feel
bad. By the most generous definition, only about 5% of kids can be considered gifted
according to educators. Even fewer rate as actual geniuses; those sticklers at MENSA
accept only those people whose IQ puts them in the top 2 percentage of population.
So, let us face the truth: 95% of our kids are not gifted.
Clever and cleverer
Guardian Unlimited Jan 6, 2008
Are people smarter than they used to be? In the sense that we are
more capable of handling the logic of hypotheticals, yes.
First Two Years of Child Crucial for IQ Development
NI Wire Dec 26, 2007
A recent study published in the journal Science says that a child's IQ depends on
the quality of family environment he gets in the first two years of life being the
most crucial. The team of researchers includes health professionals and child
specialists
from leading and famous institutions of the world. In many cases, the quality of parenting
provided by the parents also influence the way in which a child grows and behaves in
the later stages of life. Children raised in a cordial and helpful
atmosphere are known to
perform better both in academics as well as social behavior.
Can you boost your kid's IQ?
Blogspot Mar 15, 2007
The popular press likes to promote the idea of the pushy, hovering parent doing
everything possible to get a child into Harvard from birth--see all the talk of
Hothouse Kids and the like over past year. This is a misleading stereotype; most
parents are focused on simply getting through the day without major crises,
and have not developed a philosophy on why Baby Einstein is better than a Barbie.
Little geniuses need care too
Times News Services Dec 16, 2007
Academically and mentally challenged children are not the only ones that need much
more support than is being provided in India. And while small moves are being made
to nurture the giftedly enabled, another group of kids continues to suffer silently.
Yes, Most of us don't even think that gifted children need special attention too.
But the few people who are working in the field, say that gifted children form yet
another group that the society continues to treat unfairly.
The Secret to Raising Smart Kids
Scientific American Nov 28, 2007
Raising smart and intelligent kids is a tough and challenging job to all
parents. Though intelligence and IQ of a child depends entirely on the genes,
it is still possible to make your child smart and intelligent, by teaching
a number of skills and techniques.
The Best and the Brightest-Does Nursing Really Affect Your Kid's IQ?
Slate Nov 8, 2007
Nursing is cozy and nurturing, not to mention remarkably efficient healing
effects it provides to your baby. Now there is a new evidence about the gold
ring of breast-feeding benefits- extra IQ points. It is a finding with a new
twist. The researchers report that breast feeding babies get an average IQ advantage
of 6.8 points- a nice step up- but only if they carry a certain genetic variant.
Brainy Babies
Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science Oct 23, 2007
Every mother's dream is to give birth to a healthy baby...who just so happens
to off-the-charts intelligent. Studies show that there are actually things you can
do while pregnant that will boost your baby's brain activity before birth.
IQ's Rise, but are children really Smarter?
LA Times, Oct 27, 2007
James R.Flynn a Professor of Political Science at the University of Otaga in
New Zealand, discovered two decades ago, that IQ test scores were steadily rising
in the developed world, despite failing schools and stagnant standardized test scores.
Autumn Leaf-Pile Jumping Makes Kids Smarter
New West, Oct 21, 2007
According to the research done by Children and Nature Network and dozens of other
organizations- "Children are smarter, cooperative, happier and
healthier when they have
frequent and varied opportunities for free and unstructured play in the out-of-doors"
Boosting Baby IQ: Experts Weigh In With Prenatal Advice
ABC7 Oct 9, 2007
Classical music, books, and now brainy baby toys -- we want our kids
to be smart. But what really works? Studies show up to 20 percent of
a child's IQ is influenced by prenatal experience. Experts weigh in
on what you can really do to boost intelligence before your child is
born.
Is Intelligence inherited?
DailyNews-TSN Oct 14, 2007
The role of hereditary in intelligence is much argued, but there is
no doubt that intelligence is inherited in a manner similar to
height. Environment also plays a major part, as does physical health
and personality. Intelligent parents tend to have intelligent
children, but even within one family, some children may be brighter
than others.
Head Size and IQ: Is There a Link?
Discovery Channel September 24, 2007
Big-headed people could be brainier too, according to a new analysis of a 1939 study comparing head size and
intelligence in a group of male prisoners.
Coordination Determines IQ
The Times of India September 14, 2007
Many areas in the human brain work together to determine a person's intelligence according to a latest research.
In fact it is how efficiently information travels through the brain that determines how smart you are rather than the sheer size of your brain.
Bringing Up Brainy Baby
The Denver Post September 13, 2007
Boulder-based Infoture is selling a device to measure how much parents talk with young children. A small study
correlated such speech with the level of later IQ.
Professor Makes Case for Musical Mind
The Daily Sentinel September 18, 2007
Don’t forget to thank mom and dad for those piano lessons when you were a kid. Chances are, whether you liked it or
not, the hours spent practicing scales and sonatinas probably made you a little bit smarter, Mesa State College
biology professor Gary McCallister says.
IQ at Five Foretells Earning Potential
The Sydney Morning Herald August 31, 2007
WORKING mothers need no longer feel guilty, according to new research which has found that children who
attend preschool have the best chance at a prosperous working life.
Top Brains Vying for World Memory Title
Gulf Daily News August 31, 2007
TODAY will see the start of a gruelling three-day competition in which some of the brightest minds
in the world will be vying for the title of champion.
Pushy Parents and Baby Genuises
Times Online August 12, 2007
The "gifted child" has never been a popular child - at least not with members of the pedagogic establishment,
teachers in the classroom, kids in the playground, egalitarian crusaders and most of all, the parents of
children who wished their kids were gifted too.
Let's Not Cower From The Hard Truth About Race And IQ
The Times Online August 16, 2007
The debate over racial differences in IQ represents perhaps the greatest scientific controversy of the past half-century.
The facts are not in serious dispute: blacks score, on average, significantly lower than whites in IQ tests in the
United States, Britain and beyond.
Brainy Baby Genuises May Not Be So Smart After All
North Jersey August 16, 2007
THE HUGE baby video industry was shaken last week by news of a study questioning the videos'
effectiveness. This shouldn't come as a surprise. Did anyone really believe that watching a
Baby Mozart video would produce a musical prodigy?
Smart parenting
sunstar July 28, 2007
"As a psychologist-educator, I am often faced with the problem of
student mediocrity and underachievement. I try my best to motivate
them by using creative and innovative teaching styles, but learning
is not the sole responsibility of the teacher. The family
environment is even more crucial, especially in forming good habits
early on", shares Queena in the book's preface.
Is your child normal?
Yorkshire Post July 11, 2007
Is your child developing normally? Every kid is different, of
course, but research shows that there are things you could and
should be doing to appropriately stimulate and engage your toddler.
There is increasing evidence that experience-based brain development
in the early years of life sets neurological and biological pathways
that affect lifelong health, learning and behaviour.
Researchers explore links between short-term memory, IQ
CBC News July 12, 2007
Psychologists at the University of Oregon researched short-term
memory capacity and a possible underlying link to general
intelligence. They found individual short-term memory capacity
varied from person to person, but that capacity was a strong
indicator of IQ and scholastic aptitude. They also found people with
high IQs could think about more things simultaneously.
Inside the mystery of genius
Yorkshire Post July 6, 2007
A genius is easier to recognise than to define. A new television
series attempts to find out if they are born or made. Exploring the
inner workings of the human brain, a compelling three-part
documentary series on Five, looks at a group of remarkable people
and poses questions about the origins of genius. Are these
extraordinary abilities genetic, developed or acquired by accident?
Study of Kids' Brains Hopes to Answer: What Is Normal?
Wall Street Journal July 6, 2007
Not only is every new brain different from any other, but the
variations within each one as it adapts, swells and contracts
confound analysis. "A developing brain looks weird," said pediatric
neurologist Katrina Gwinn at the National Institute of Neurological
Disorders and Stroke, who directs the NIH project. "Something that
might be normal in an adult might look abnormal in a child.".
Blossoming young brains need fertile ground for their talents to flourish
Campbell River Mirror July 4, 2007
We touched on unstructured play, simple games, books, music and
songs, healthy nutrition, and everyday positive routines as examples
of key factors for fostering early brain development .... and then
settled into discussing the importance of supporting young
children’s emerging sense of self.
New Book Raises Questions About IQ Test
NRP July 3, 2007
Despite its critics, the IQ test remains a widely used tool for
assessing intelligence. Stephen Murdoch, author of a new book "
IQ: A Smart History of a Failed Idea" about
the IQ test, argues that IQ scores are a flawed measurement of intellectual ability.
High IQ: Not as good for you as you thought
CognitiveDaily July 7, 2007
IQ has been the subject of hundreds, if not thousands of research
studies. Scholars have studied the link between IQ and race, gender,
socioeconomic status, even music. Discussions about the relationship
between IQ and race and the heritability of IQ (perhaps most notably
Steven Jay Gould's Mismeasure of Man) often rise to a fever pitch.
Yet for all the interest in the study of IQ, there has been
comparatively little research on other influences on performance in school.
Curriculum Focused on Cognitive Skills May Improve Child Behavior
huliq June 29, 2007
Children who were taught a curriculum that focused on self-control
and awareness of their own and others’ emotions were found to
exhibit greater social competence and fewer behavioral and emotional problems.
Ways to Boost Your Child's IQ (Imagination Quotient)
parents June 15, 2007
"Nurturing creativity is one of the most important things you can do
for your child," says Wendy Masi, PhD, dean of the Mailman Segal
Institute of Childhood Studies at Nova Southeastern University, in
Fort Lauderdale, and author of Toddler Play. New research indicates
that a child's imagination quotient (aka "the other IQ") may be a
bigger factor in predicting academic success than the more
traditional measure of aptitude, her intelligence quotient.
Controversial Study Suggests Eldest Children Have an IQ Edge
ABCNews June 21, 2007
The study, published in the current issue of the journal Science,
involved more than 240,000 Norwegian men who took IQ tests when they
entered the military. In most families, the scores of the firstborn
were three points higher than the second child, and four points
higher than a third.
As for the reasons behind the apparent intelligence gap, Kristensen
and other researchers insist it is not due to nature but nurture,
with the firstborn enjoying the fruits of undivided attention early
in life.
Yes, bigger brains mean higher IQ, on average
PakTribune June 23, 2007
People with bigger brains tend to score higher on standardized tests
of intelligence, according to new study findings. However, study
author Dr. Michael A. McDaniel of the Virginia Commonwealth
University in Richmond emphasized that these findings represent a
general trend, and people with small heads should not automatically
believe they are less intelligent.
Emotional maturity beats IQ for success
Jamaica-Gleaner June 22, 2007
A new study has found a significant correlation between the grade
point average (GPA) of students and their level of emotional-social
intelligence (ESI), especially in relation to adaptability and
stress management.
This suggests that students who are more emotionally and socially
intelligent - or aware of themselves and others - are better able to
adapt to circumstances and to manage stress, and as a result, these
students have a higher level of academic achievement.
A First Glimpse At Healthy Brain And Behavioral Development
ScienceDaily May 19, 2007
Yes, there are gender differences in cognitive function, but they're
more limited than previously thought. And yes, income does affect
cognitive performance -- but less than expected when only healthy
children are considered. And while basic cognitive skills steadily
improve in middle childhood, they then seem to level off --
questioning the idea of a burst of brain development in adolescence.
Finger length key to child's success: study
National Post May 24, 2007
Parents may be able to predict how well kids will do in math and
reading by measuring their fingers, British scientists claim. The
hormones in the womb that create good math skills also make a
child's ring finger longer than the index, or pointing finger, say
University of Bath researchers.
Academics debate role of 'play' in education
National Post May 29, 2007
To understand the competing pressures on children's education,
consider the two very different approaches advocated in the titles
of these academic papers delivered this week to the Canadian Society
for the Study of Education: "Where Did All the Toys go? Play and
Learning in the Early Primary Classroom," and "From Educational
Neuroscience to Neuropedagogy.".
Stress in pregnancy may affect the unborn child
Innovations-Report May 31, 2007
Stress experienced by a woman during pregnancy may have an effect on
her unborn child, most likely mediated by the transfer of stress
hormones across the placenta.
Prenatal Health and Nutrition Omega-3 Breakthrough
BusinessWire June 4, 2007
For years, health advocates have promoted the importance of folic
acid for prenatal healthcare. Now, the latest in prenatal research
recognizes another crucial prenatal nutrient, DHA (docosahexaenoic
acid), an omega-3 fatty acid, that many women lack in their everyday
diet and supplements.
Footy crunch brain damage risk
AdelaideNow June 2, 2007
He said new science was showing brains were not fully developed
until post-adolescence - meaning repeated brain injuries could leave
lasting damage and teens and young adults should avoid high-impact
sports. "When you sustain a frontal head injury you potentially
damage the developing frontal brain and the memory and emotional
parts of it during their critical phase of development," Professor
Hickie said.
Too many kids under 2 watching TV, could harm brain development: study
Canada.com May 7, 2007
The best available evidence to date suggests that certainly watching
a lot of TV before the age of two is in fact harmful, harmful in
terms of children's attentional abilities later in life, harmful in
terms of their cognitive development, both of those measured at
school entry.
Why spring babies could do worse at school?
DailyMail May 8, 2007
Babies born in the spring could be less intelligent because of the
effect of pesticides, doctors warn. A study of more than 1.5 million
children clearly showed that those conceived in the summer - when
pesticide use is at its highest - are less clever than other youngsters.
SMART class looks a lot like recess
StarTribune May 8, 2007
SMART stands for "Stimulating Maturity through Accelerated Readiness
Training." It's a program made up of physical activities that
stimulate brain growth in children.
Iodine to be added to bread to boost IQ
smh.com.au May 18, 2007
Iodised salt will be added to bread under a proposal designed to
make Australians smarter. The food regulator, Food Standards
Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), is pushing ahead with mandatory plans
that force bakers to fortify bread with iodine. The essential
mineral is vital for producing thyroid hormones for brain
development, especially in unborn babies and young children.
Testing times
SundayLife May 6, 2007
Research shows nutrition plays a critical role in concentration and
brain development, so ensuring your child eats a well-balanced diet
in the run-up to their exams is essential.
What a brain!
The Star Apr 29, 2007
It goes without saying that maintaining good
health in the mother can only be good for the baby. Pregnant mothers
should have a well-balanced and nutritious diet supplemented with
vitamins. A special mention should be made of folate, one of the B
vitamins. This should be taken before and during pregnancy to
prevent maldevelopment of the brain and spinal cord in the
developing baby.
What's our EQ?
The Daily Star Apr 23, 2007
Two factors identify a successful personality - IQ (intelligence
quotient) and EQ (emotional quotient). IQ is constant, and there is
not much we can do about it. However, EQ can be manipulated, and
depends a lot on the environment in which the children are brought
up, on what their parents teach them about life, and so on.
Schools to teach emotional IQ
All About You May 2, 2007
Emotional intelligence will be taught to the UK's teenagers from
September in a bid to improve the behaviour of the country's youths.
The Social and Emotional Aspects of Leaning (Seal) classes will aim
to improve classroom behaviour through teaching conflict-resolution
skills, anger management, respect and fair play.
Human Intelligence: Going Beyond Mere IQ
AmericanChronicle Apr 18, 2007
Successful school learning depends on many personal characteristics
other than intelligence, such as persistence, interest in school,
and willingness to study. In other words, an individual can be
intelligent and still do poorly in school if he is bored or does not apply himself.
Early IQ tests good predictor of things to come
MSNBC Apr 17, 2007
Scores on elementary school achievement tests have a lot to do with
IQ and where kids end up later in life, a new study shows.
Researchers administered IQ tests to 219 adults in their mid-40s and
compared each person’s IQ score to how well he or she had performed
on elementary school achievement tests. They found that 41 percent
of their IQ scores could be accounted for by the school achievement
tests, a very strong correlation.
Boosting brain power: Can you make yourself smarter?
Petoskey News Apr 11, 2007
Nutritional supplements, word games, online IQ tests and fitness
regimens can all feed the brain the oxygen and nutrients it needs to
function optimally. You can, in fact, make yourself smarter.
The Best Way to Develop Your Child's Genius
AmericanChronicle Apr 18, 2007
Every parent wants a child whom they can be very proud of. It pays
to be able to raise a child who can contribute a lot to the
community. Thus, if you think that you want your child to be a
gifted one, then it is best to learn how to develop the child’s
genius.
Beyond IQ: Youngsters Who Can Focus on the Task at Hand Do Better in Math
Scientific America Mar 26, 2007
Turns out that sheer intelligence is not enough to become a young
math whiz. It also takes a good attention span and training your
mind to "self regulate" or focus on the task at hand.
The measure for academic success for decades has been a person's
intelligence quotient, or IQ. But new research published in the
journal Child Development says that a thought process called
"executive functioning," which governs the ability to reason and
mentally focus, also plays a critical role in learning, especially
when it comes to math skills.
Self-regulation plays major role in early child achievement
News-Medical.net Apr 3, 2007
The researchers found that all aspects of children's self-regulation
are uniquely related to their academic abilities, over and above
their intelligence. They also found that one particular aspect of
self-regulation, termed the inhibitory control aspect of brain
function used in planning, problem solving, and goal-directed
activity, is predictive of all academic outcomes but was
particularly associated with early ability in math.
Ways to make your kids smarter
Nigeria Tribune Mar 29, 2007
Intelligence, an inherited gift can both be nurtured and enhanced by
the right environment. While intelligence clearly has a genetic
component, scientific research is beginning to show that certain
approaches boost learning and mental development in young minds.
Find the proven strategies for building your child's brainpower
scientists have outlined here.
Parent to Parent: Baby brains
WHDH-TV Mar 26, 2007
"Just having a conversation, even though it's a one-sided
conversation, increases their vocabulary connections and language
connections." Another baby step is showing them how much you love
them. Bridget Martel, brain researcher:"Touching and snuggling
and cuddling and smooching and kissing their cheeks are all really
fun to do, but we've found it really has a big impact on the brain
with the connections they make. That power of touch is incredibly
important with neurological connections.".
Diet pill 'made children smart'
Guardian UK Mar 12, 2007
Four children whose brains and mental abilities were suddenly
transformed after they took a simple dietary supplement have
astonished scientists. Scans showed their brains underwent three
years' of development in just three months. At the same time they
displayed remarkable improvements in tests of reading,
concentration, problem-solving and memory.
Is a baby sling the secret of good mental health?
Scotsman.com Mar 25, 2007
Parents should carry their babies in slings and give them massages
to prevent mental illness later in life, according to controversial
advice from the Scottish Executive. Amid growing concern that
a lack of parental bonding is adding to a mental health crisis, the
government's panel of psychiatrists and child health experts say it
is vital that a sense of wellbeing and security is encouraged in
children.
Choosing The Best Room Colors For Baby Development
KSDK Mar 21, 2007
While most parents opt for pastel shades to both dress their baby
and decorate their rooms, a new study in the US has suggested
brighter colors could help develop babies' eyes and brain.
Sleep disorders in children may hurt IQ
EarthTimes March 15, 2007
Sleep disorders in children may contribute to intellectual
impairment, say University of Virginia Health System researchers.
Dr. Paul M. Suratt, a pulmonologist and director of the university's
Sleep Laboratory, said vocabulary differences associated with
nightly snoring are the same as IQ dissimilarities attributed to
lead exposure.
'Brain-building' toys get taken down a peg
Boston.com March 5, 2007
The Academy of Pediatrics is not going so far as to tell parents
what toys to buy young children, but it would approve. "We like
simple toys that encourage imagination. That's when learning
occurs," says Kenneth Ginsburg , a pediatrician at Children's
Hospital in Philadelphia and lead author of the AAP statement on the
importance of free play.
Spending time supports child's brain development
Scoop Feb 23, 2007
Leading paediatricians say giving children time is especially
important for growth and development in the first three years of
life. New Zealand Brainwave Trust's medical spokesperson Dr Simon
Rowley, says research suggests children who are nurtured, given
every opportunity to explore the world and enjoy a variety of
positive experiences, become flexible, empathetic and intelligent
members of society in later life.
Performance IQ and gene link confirmed
Record Mar 8, 2007
If you're particularly good with puzzles or chess, the reason may be
in your genes. A team of scientists led by School of Medicine
psychiatric geneticists has gathered the most extensive evidence to
date that a gene that activates signaling pathways in the brain
influences one kind of intelligence. The researchers confirmed a
link between the gene CHRM2 and performance IQ, which involves a
person's ability to organize things logically.
Your brain on music
NTimes Colonist Feb 25, 2007
Subsequent studies on the effects of playing music have shown it
also helps to develop linguistic, logical, mathematical and
co-ordination skills in children. Some of the leading research in
this area is taking place in Canada.
Link Between Morbid Obesity in Toddlers and Low IQ
Associated Content Mar 5, 2007
It is a well-known fact that obesity leads to health problems such
as diabetes, hypertension and elevated cholesterol. Recent research
suggests that there may be intellectual and cognitive effects as
well. Researchers at the University of Florida have discovered a
link between morbid obesity in toddlers and lower IQ scores,
cognitive delays and brain lesions similar to those seen in
Alzheimer's disease patients.
ALPHA bets gifted can be identified at kindergarten
FortWayne.com Mar 5, 2007
I can tell you that any child who can read going into kindergarten
is going to have a problem in kindergarten. They're going to be
bored out of their mind.
8 ways to make your kids smarter
KFVS12.com Feb 22, 2007
Parents have a hard job, one that doesn't come with a hand book. So
it may be helpful to hear some tips that can help make your child a
whiz later on in life. Here are nine tips that could help do the
trick.
Bilingualism may increase brain power
UE Crescent Feb 16, 2007
Bilinguals get far more practice than monolinguals in using the part
of the brain that focuses our attention, helping us sort through
conflicting information and ignore distractions. Using two languages
seems to bolster rapid decision-making, multitasking and perhaps memory.
Smart Strategy: Think of the Brain as a Muscle
LiveScience.com Feb 8, 2007
Students who are told they can get smarter if they train their
brains to be stronger, like a muscle, do better in school, a new
psychology study shows. Many people have various theories about the
nature of intelligence. Some view it as a fixed trait, while others
see intelligence as a quality that can develop and expand.
Study finds music good for children's minds
ABC News Feb 7, 2007
Many kids take music lessons as a hobby. But, a new study confirms
what many people have long suspected: that these lessons are
actually good for a child's mental development.
Parents spend more time watching TV than talking to their children
Daily Mail Feb 9, 2007
The findings sparked warnings that busy parents are failing to
realise the importance of conversation in the home. Scientific
studies have shown that talking to children, especially under-fives,
is crucial for brain development.
Relationship Problems May Affect Baby's IQ
ABC7News Jan 30, 2007
A new study claims that children born to mothers who experience
relationship problems during their pregnancies have lower than
average intelligence and are more prone to anxiety, scientists said.
The study done at Imperial College London found that women who
reported high stress levels in the months before birth had babies
who scored lower in mental development tests than mothers with
calmer pregnancies, according to the Telegraph.
Low-level toxicants can harm brain
NewsDay.com Feb 6, 2007
Low levels of mercury and lead exposure can damage developing brain
cells - a finding that might help explain how these toxicants can
lead to a host of mental and medical problems, a new study said.
Mother's rows in pregnancy 'affects IQ of baby'
Telegraph.co.uk Jan 27, 2007
Children born to mothers who had relationship problems during their
pregnancies have lower than average intelligence and are more prone
to anxiety, scientists say.
Women who reported high stress levels in the months before giving
birth had babies who scored lower in mental development tests than
those whose mothers had calmer pregnancies.
Helping Baby's Brain Develop
KFYR-TV Jan 23, 2007
You may think kids do most of their learning once they start school,
or even preschool. But the truth is, learning starts much earlier
than that. They're learning even as babies. In fact, recent research
show the first three years of life are critical to your child's
brain development.
Music on the brain
Oregon News Jan 26, 2007
Pakulak is excited about brain research, but he cautions people
about assumptions. For instance, children who study music tend to
have higher verbal skills, visuo-spatial skills, numeracy skills and
IQs. But music may not be the cause. It could be that children with
stronger cognitive skills are more likely to study music and stick
with it, he said.
Super Kids: 8 Ways to Boost Your Baby's Brain Power
ABC30.com Dec 24, 2006
Yes, genes and environment both play an important role in
determining your child's intelligence. But science is proving there
are other ways you can boost your child's brain power, and they
start early.
Toys beat food as IQ boosters
IndiaTimes Jan 6, 2007
Giving pre-school children toys to play with boosts their mental
development even if they suffer from malnutrition, a UK medical
report said on Friday.
Food for Brain News
Eating for brain health
Williams Lake Tribune Mar 28, 2008
Want a smart kid? Nutrition is one of the most important things to
consider, along with brain stimulation. Food - good food - is the
building material your child’s brain needs to grow and run properly.
It needs carbohydrates for energy, and proteins and healthy fats to
build connective pathways between the brain cells. Vitamins,
minerals and other essential nutrients help create the
neurotransmitters that relay signals between these brain cells.
Six Nutrients for Success
Silver Lake News Apr 10, 2008
The kinds of nutrients your children get have a major influence on
how the brain develops and functions. When taking stock on all your
child’s school necessities, also take note of their diet. What your
children do and don’t eat both play a major role on their school
success.
Mom's fish intake may boost child's brain power
Reuters UK Apr 1, 2008
Preschoolers whose mothers regularly ate low-mercury fish during
pregnancy may have sharper minds than their peers, a study suggests.
Researchers found that among 341 3-year-olds, those whose mothers
ate more than two servings of fish per week during pregnancy
generally performed better on tests of verbal, visual and motor
development.
Food for thought
citizen.co.za Oct 6, 2007
Every parent wants the best for their child, and feeding them the
optimum nutrition that contains brain-building foods can improve and
expand their mind, helping them reach their full potential. Food
plays a major part in our overall health, but latest research has
found that introducing certain brain-boosting foods into a child’s
diet right from conception could affect his/her brain development,
memory, concentration and IQ.
Breast milk boosts preemies' IQ scores
Canada.com Oct 1, 2007
Even the tiniest premature babies should get breast milk while they
are in a hospital's intensive care unit because it appears to boost
their mental development, a study says today. A second study on
breast feeding found that it does not raise the risk that children
will develop tooth decay later in life, as some earlier research had
suggested.
Eat fish while pregnant, U.S. experts recommend
Reuters Oct 4, 2007
Pregnant and breast-feeding women should eat at least 12 ounces (340
grams) of fish and other seafood a week because the benefits for
infant brain development outweigh any worries about mercury
contamination, a group of U.S. experts said on Thursday.
Thumbs up for breast milk
ChannelNewsAsia July 31, 2007
Here's a good reason why junior should be breastfed: A Harvard
School of Public Health's Nurses Study has found that a mother's
milk is beneficial for her baby's weight, as breastfed infants are
less likely to grow into obese children.
Eat right during pregnancy for a better baby
Nashua Telegraph Aug 1, 2007
Choline is a nutrient needed in larger amounts during pregnancy for
normal brain function and memory. Studies report offspring with
“supercharged” brains and superior memory when moms consumed more of
this nutrient in pregnancy. Infants exposed to adequate levels of
omega-3 while in the womb showed advanced attention spans and
greater visual acuity than non-exposed children.
Maternal fish consumption aids infants in problem-solving
physorg July 18, 2007
Pregnant and nursing women should consume fish or take supplements
with the omega-3 fatty acid DHA, as a new study found that just a
moderate amount of DHA significantly improves fetal and infant
development of problem-solving abilities, according to Carol Lammi-Keefe,
who is now an LSU professor.
Nutrition expert says: "Eat more seafood"
Scoop Apr 27, 2007
Addressing delegates at "Aquaculture Today 2007" in Edinburgh last
week, Dr Crawford said marine fats played a key role in brain
development in evolutionary terms. "The brain still depends on the
same marine nutrients today for growth and development," Dr Crawford
said. "The marine food chain is by far the richest source of these
nutrients.".
Moms who eat more fish have brainier babies
YobServer Feb 27, 2007
pregnant women who limit their fish and seafood consumption or eat
no more than three portions a week may be doing their unborn babies
more harm than good, increasing the risk of their children
developing poor verbal and social skills, according to a study from
the National Institutes of Health, in the USA.
Eating Fish During Pregnancy Provides 'Brain Food' for Child
MedPageToday Feb 16, 2007
Women who eat seafood while pregnant may be boosting their
children's IQ in the process, according to new research published
Friday in The Lancet.
Breastfeeding 'aids class status'
BBC News Feb 14, 2007
Those who were breastfed were 41% more likely to move up in class
than those who were bottle-fed. Experts said the Archives of
Disease in Childhood study supported the idea that breastfeeding led
to better long-term outcomes for children.
Vitamins During Pregnancy Decrease Childhood Cancer Risk
Cancer News Feb 21, 2007
According to an early online publication in the journal Clinical
Pharmacology and Therapeutics, children of mothers who take vitamins
during pregnancy have a decreased risk of pediatric brain tumors,
neuroblastoma, and leukemia. It is generally recommended that
pregnant women receive vitamin supplementation during pregnancy to
assure normal growth and development of the fetus.
Nordic Naturals Introduces Prenatal DHA(TM) -- An Omega 3 Fatty Acid Supplement for Pregnant Women
NPI Center Jan 8, 2007
Nordic Naturals, a leading supplier of omega-3 fish oils and EFA
blends in the natural products industry, introduces Prenatal DHA,
developed especially for pregnant women to ensure adequate DHA levels.
Early Child Development News
Why Can't My Child Succeed in School?
American Chronicle Mar 12, 2008
Children struggle in school for many reasons, but parents, teachers,
and other adults tend to focus not on the causes, but on the
effects. The result? The struggling student frequently comes across
as being lazy, uncaring, and/or having an attitude problem. But when
we focus on these issues, we may be taking the easy way out, and not
dealing with the actual causes.
Babies Learn to Read with Signing Time
Yahoo News Mar 11, 2008
17-moth-old reading phenomenon featured on Today Show further proof that there is more to
Signing Time than sign language.
Yesterday morning viewers of NBC'S Today Show watched in awe as 17 month old Elizabeth Barret read to them. Her parents
attributed her early reading in part to Signing Time, the television and DVD series that teaches young children to communicate
using American Sign Language (ALS).
Too much TV= Attention Deficits?
opinion250 Feb 10, 2008
A growing number of children are being challenged with attention
problems and too much TV may be to blame. This association was the
topic of a study out of New Zealand. Researchers followed 1,037
individuals and obtained estimates of television watching at ages 5,
7, 9, and 11. They found "those who watched greater than 2 hours,
and particularly those who watched greater than 3 hours, of
television per day during childhood had above-average symptoms of
attention problems in adolescence".
Child-rearing tips that work
Nassau Guardian Jan 27, 2008
Raising children requires such vital and varied skills that parents and families need all the help
and support they can get Dr. Ruth Peters, a clinical psychologist and an expert on parenting has come up
with five parenting tips that work. She is not suggesting that parenting methods used in the past have been
either right or wrong, but she is advising parents to think about and assess what has worked well with
their child and what has not.
Proactive Parenting: Build the skills your children need for good behavior
The Patriot Ledger, Oct 13, 2007
Griffin, author of the new book "Negotiation Generation: Take Back
Your Parental Authority Without Punishment," doesn't believe in
spanking, yelling, negotiating - or even giving children time outs.
Griffin doesn't think any of these punishments work.
Talk Enough? Interaction Crucial to Child's Development
Los Angeles ABC September 28, 2007
All kinds of videos and computer programs promise to help prepare your toddler for school.
But educators say the best preparation is talk from a parent or caregiver. But how much talk do you need?
Bilingual Babies Language Learning Mechanism Differs From Monolingual Tots
New Kerala September 29, 2007
Babies brought up in bilingual homes learn languages by devoting their attention to the general associations
between words and objects for a longer period, whereas infants infants raised by monolingual families learn new
words by focusing on detailed sound information, researchers have found.
Breakthrough Education
The Manila Bulletin Online September 20, 2007
The effective use of the hands by doodling, highlighting or taking notes to understand and retain new and difficult information
is a learning preference of tactile learners. You will often catch them moving their fingers, twirling their pencils, doing
any manner of sketches on any available piece of paper.
Lack of Love Could Impair A Baby's Development
CBS4 September 12, 2007
On any given day, blood curdling screams of abused and neglected children being separated from their parents,
caretakers and siblings can be heard ricocheting through the halls of Miami-Dade juvenile court.
Theories Abound on Boys' Slow Reading
Pittsburgh Post Gazzette August 30, 2007
In recent years, boys have been making headlines for all the wrong reasons. A Newsweek cover story focuses
on "The Boy Crisis." Business Week writes about "The New Gender Gap." First lady Laura Bush leads a campaign
to help boys do better in school.
Making Music Helps Make the Grade
Health News Digest August 15, 2007
Piano Wizard Methodology is revolutionizing today's child by incorporating age old music lessons with hi-tech
entertaining and easy to play video games.
Extreme Parenting
The Atlantic August, 2007
Common wisdom holds that it is wholesome and American to give children the best chance for success:
to fill their rooms with lush playthings, to adorn their walls with bright alphabet letters and their
plates with mercury-free salmon.
Professor pans 'learning style' teaching method
Telegraph July 30, 2007
The approach, first introduced in the United States following
research on brain development, is being adopted by an increasing
number of schools, colleges and local authorities and forms a key
part of the Government's drive for "personalised learning". In
effect, it dismisses so-called "chalk and talk" teaching as
inadequate.
At child development center, play is work and work is fun
VenturaCountyStar July 28, 2007
"You have to use play as the medium for children to learn, because
that's what they do," said Robin Millar, the center's administrative
director. "Those are their tools.".
Sleep Is The Right Ingredient For Academic Success
ScienceDaily Aug 2, 2007
"A student's performance in the classroom is dictated by the amount
of sleep he or she gets the night before," says Dr. Kohler. "A child
or teen who regularly gets enough sleep will have improved academic
performance, a positive attitude towards their education, and be
able to better interact socially with their peers and teachers.
Students can also remember better what they learned if they get a
good night's sleep after learning the task.".
Fathers play important role in their child's development
Pocono Record June 20, 2007
Fathers are critically important to the cognitive development of
their children. Interestingly, it appears that mothers may be more
genetically important to the overall cognitive function for their
children. However, though the genetic impact on cognitive function
from the father does not seem as important as that of the mother,
the action of the father is very important.
Getting Kids Back to Nature
healthnewsdigest June 17, 2007
The outdoors is the best place for young children to practice and
master emerging physical skills and to experience the pure joy of
movement. It’s also the place where they’re likely to burn the most
calories, which is absolutely necessary in the fight against
obesity. Additionally, the outside light stimulates the pineal
gland, which is the part of the brain that helps regulate the
biological clock, is vital to the immune system, and simply makes us
feel happier.
The positive and negative power of praise
YourHub Apr 2, 2007
When we praise our child for his intelligence, we may
unintentionally encourage him not to risk making a mistake. It seems
that students who tend to think that innate intelligence is the key
to success begin to discount the importance of effort. I am smart,
the kids' reasoning goes; I don't need to put out effort. Or I'm
dumb in this area, why put forth the effort.
Largest US Child Study Finds Early Child Care Linked to Aggression and Disobedience
LifeSite Mar 26, 2007
Analysis of the largest, longest running, and most comprehensive
study of child care in the United States has found that the more
time children spent in center-based care before kindergarten, the
more likely their teachers were to report such problem behaviors as
"gets in many fights," "disobedient at school," and "argues a lot.".
Young child's brain is wired to learn new languages
InsideBayArea Mar 25, 2007
A child's brain is primed to learn languages - at least for the
first 10 to 12 years of life. After that, many researchers believe
language acquisition is more difficult as we progress through
adolescence and adulthood.
Toddlers benefit from tumbling
argus Observer Mar 25, 2007
One way children’s brains develop hand manipulation and body
awareness is through tumbling or gymnastics, Becky Wolery, All Star
Gymnastics and Cheerleading, said. "People don’t realize how
important it is," she said. "Motor skills are very important for the
brain.".
Children's TV 'is linked to cancer, autism, dementia'
Scotsman.com Feb 19, 2007
It has long been blamed for creating a nation of couch potatoes. But
a new report today claims that Britain's love affair with television
is causing far more damage - both physically and psychologically -
than previously thought .... Watching television has been found by
neuroscientists to be a "non-intellectually stimulating activity"
for brain development. This was not found to be the case for reading.
Children's Sleep Problems Can Lead To School Problems
ScienceDaily.com Feb 8, 2007
The study offers one of the first demonstrations that the
relationship between children's performance and sleep may differ
among children of different backgrounds. Conducted by researchers at
Auburn University and Notre Dame University, it is published in the
January/February 2007 issue of the journal Child Development.
Babies excessive crying may signal later problems
Daily Times Jan 18, 2007
Healthy infants older than three months who cry incessantly for no
apparent reason may be at risk for lower IQ and behaviour problems
in their childhood years, new study findings suggest.
Please Note: Each Brainy News article is the property of the
indicated Content Provider.
Don't forget to subscribe to our ezine to stay on top of the
latest news on child brain development and
early child development
|
