Study Maps Brain Growth in First Three Months of Life

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and the University of Hawaii demonstrated a new approach to measuring early brain development of infants, resulting in more accurate whole-brain growth charts. The new approach provides the first estimates for growth trajectories of subcortical areas of the brain during the first three months after birth. Assessing the size, asymmetry and rate of growth of different brain regions could be key in detecting and treating the earliest signs of neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism or perinatal brain injury. For the first time, researchers used MRI technology of the newborn brain to calculate the volume of multiple brain regions and to map out regional growth trajectories; the study followed the brain growth of full term and premature babies with no neurological or major health issues. To read more about this study, click here.