Brain Fitness & Youth

Research Links Poverty to Impaired Brain Activity in Early Childhood

A recent study of the brain function of young children in rural India suggests that childhood poverty can adversely affect working memory by weakening brain activity and increasing distractibility. Researchers from the University of East Anglia in Britain found that children from impoverished backgrounds demonstrated low brain activity as well as increased le...

How Exposure to Childhood Adversity Can Reduce Cognitive Control and Alter Key Brain Networks

Exposure to childhood adversity is associated with reduced cognitive control and alterations in key brain networks, according to a study in the Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience journal. Researchers believe that the findings could help explain the link between childhood adversity and depression as well as help healthcare providers offer higher level...

Neuroscience-based opportunities to improve academic performance of low-income students

The early years of a child’s life are crucial for building the brain’s foundation for future learning, health and success. Healthy brain development depends on several factors, including: proper nutrition starting in pregnancy; limiting exposure to toxins or infections; and the child’s experiences with other people and the world around them. In many cas...

How Social and Emotional Learning Can Prepare Children and Transform Schools

As more and more students are plagued with chronic stress, learning how to manage and understand emotions are essential to promoting student success in school and future employment. Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), also called whole child education, is an evidence-based approach that teaches children how to manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, fee...