New research shows teen cannabis use slows development of memory and attention, with adolescent brains only 80% developed and especially vulnerable to drug effects.

https://worldbriefly.news/teen-cannabis-use-linked-to-slower-gains-in-memory-and-focus-study-finds

#CannabisHealth #TeenWellness #BrainDevelopment

The article reports that higher daily time spent on social media among young adolescents is linked to a thinner cerebral cortex, with thinning observed in multiple brain regions related to attention, memory, and emotional control. The study used MRI data from a large sample of 7,614 children aged 10 to 13 and accounted for various demographic and behavioral factors. Findings suggest a relationship between digital habits and physical aspects of brain development during a sensitive developmental period.

This topic is of interest to psychology readers because it connects everyday technology use with measurable brain structure changes, highlighting how social environments and digital behaviors may intersect with developmental processes such as executive function and attention.

Article Title: More time spent on social media is linked to a thinner cerebral cortex in young adolescents

Link to PsyPost Article: https://www.psypost dot org/more-time-spent-on-social-media-is-linked-to-a-thinner-cerebral-cortex-in-young-adolescents/

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#BrainDevelopment #Adolescence #SocialMedia #CortexThickness #Neuroimaging

The article examines how different kinds of childhood maltreatment are linked to distinct patterns of brain development, with effects varying by age and sex. It highlights that abuse and neglect relate to specific structural brain differences that emerge more clearly in young adulthood, especially among females. The study uses normative modeling and large international samples to differentiate trauma-related brain changes from normal variation.

This work is of interest to psychology readers because it sheds light on how early experiences shape neural development in ways that depend on type of adversity, sex, and developmental stage, informing theories of vulnerability and resilience.

Article Title: Different types of childhood maltreatment appear to uniquely shape human brain development

Link to PsyPost Article: https://www.psypost dot org/different-types-of-childhood-maltreatment-appear-to-uniquely-shape-human-brain-development/

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#childhoodmaltreatment #braindevelopment #trauma #normativemodeling #mentalhealthresearch

90% pregnant moms lack choline in diet affecting baby’s brain: French biochemist suggests ways to meet daily needs

Eating whole foods and exercising regularly are impo…
#dining #cooking #diet #food #Frenchdiet #braindevelopment #choline #fetalgrowth #francais #france #French #frenchdiet #howtogetcholineinfood #neurologicaldefects #pregnantmoms
https://www.diningandcooking.com/2571642/90-pregnant-moms-lack-choline-in-diet-affecting-babys-brain-french-biochemist-suggests-ways-to-meet-daily-needs/

Elevated levels of lead in childrens' blood from mining? We'd rather not know

NSW Health continues to use machine known to produce inaccurate results to test child blood lead levels >>
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/mar/09/nsw-health-children-blood-lead-levels-test-machine-inaccurate-results

Environment watchdog buried report on lead in children’s blood to placate mining companies, emails show >>
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/sep/05/
#mining #contamination #children #BrainDevelopment #lead #WillfulIgnorance #NSW #NegativeExternalities #EPA #harm