Researchers Observe Brain Development in Utero

A research group at the Computational Imaging Research Lab from MedUni Vienna recently used functional magnetic resonance tomography (fMRT) to offer insights into fetal brain development in order to uncover the different stages. The research group observed that parts of the brain that are later responsible for insight are already active in utero. During the study, the researchers observed 32 fetuses from the 21st to the 38th week of pregnancy because the architecture of the brain is developed particularly during the middle trimester of pregnancy. Using fMRT it was possible to measure activity and gain information about the most important cortical and sub-cortical structures of the developing brain. Results of the study showed that during the 26th through 29th week of pregnancy in particular, short-range neuronal connections developed especially actively. In contrast, long-range nerve connections exhibited more linear growth during pregnancy. “It became apparent that the areas responsible for sensory perception are developed first and only then, around four weeks later, do the areas responsible for more complex, cognitive skills come along,” said the study’s lead author. To read more about this study, click here.