Welcome to the October 2023 Learning Brain News.

For you this month: How fatty food impact memory, social media use & teen anxiety, new ADHD research, the brain science of making & listening to music. Plus there is more below…

Kind regards,
The Learning Brain News Team

Latest Research

Debunking the Social Media & Teen Anxiety Myth

A six-year study of 800 children from age 10 to 16, revealed that use of social media like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok does not lead to higher rates of anxiety and depression. Contrary to popular belief the study found that symptoms of mental health issues remained stable irrespective of social media habits.

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What's New?

People with Substance Use Disorder Have Common Brain Network Features

A new study by researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital suggests a common brain network exists among people with substance use disorder.

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Technology

Machine Learning Uncovers Neural Pathways of Narcissistic Traits

Researchers have used machine learning techniques to predict individual differences in narcissistic personality traits. The study represents the first-ever attempt to harness machine learning for deciphering the neural underpinnings of narcissism.

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Memory

Fatty Foods Influence Memory Formation

New research hints at a few ways fatty foods affect cells in the brain, a finding that could help explain the link between a high-fat diet and impaired memory – especially as we age.

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ADHD

Promising Future for ADHD Research

Despite substantial research of the causes of ADHD and advances in its treatment, many questions remain unanswered.

Three research areas are especially promising for improving our understanding of ADHD: neuroimaging, genetic research, and non-pharmacologic interventions such as transcranial magnetic stimulation and attention training.

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The Learning Success Blog

How to Improve your Child’s Social Skills

Are you concerned your child's social skills may not be up to scratch?

This Blog will show you strategies, tips and activities to help your children improve their social skills. You will also learn where to look for online programs and professional help. And if you want to dive deeper into the topic, there are some links to resources from around the world.

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Free Download

How the Adolescent Brain Learns

Recent evidence shows that adolescence is the second period of brain plasticity and cognitive development, making those years a critical time for students and educators.

So what should secondary school educators know about their students' brain development to maximise achievement?

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Video of the Month

Why the Octopus Brain is So Extraordinary

Octopuses have the ability to solve puzzles, learn through observation, and even use tools – just like humans. But what makes octopus intelligence so amazing is that it comes from a biological structure completely different from ours. Take a look inside the amazing octopus brain.

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Book of the Month

Every Brain Needs Music: The Neuroscience of Making and Listening to Music

Larry S. Sherman, a neuroscientist and lifelong musician, and Dennis Plies, a professional musician and teacher, collaborate to show how our brains and music work in harmony.

Written for both musical and nonmusical people, including newcomers to brain science, this book is a lively and easy-to-read exploration of the neuroscience of music and its significance in our lives.

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Something Interesting

12 Ways To Help Students Identify Their Emotions