AI signals mirror how the brain listens

I-LABSPublication, Research

artificial neural network image

When we listen to spoken words, the sound enters our ears and is converted into electrical signals. Those signals then travel through the brainstem and into the auditory processing regions of the brain. Christina Zhao at I-LABS and colleagues at UC Berkeley and Johns Hopkins traced that path in the brain using EEG electrodes placed on listeners’ scalps.  Participants listened … Read More

I-LABS researchers have discovered a connection between conversational turn taking with infants, and their brain maturation related to language development

I-LABSPublication, Research

father and son play with toy dinosaurs

Have you ever wondered what exactly is going on in the brains of babies as you return their coos and chat through the millionth diaper change? Turns out, quite a lot. Researchers at I-LABS looked at how the structure of babies’ brains change in response to early language input. Their findings, published in the Journal of Neuroscience, explored the effects … Read More

Identification with ‘all humanity’ predicts willingness to contribute to health of others.

I-LABSPublication, Research

Psychology plays a considerable role in human health. New research shows that the level to which individuals identify with ‘all humanity’ is a reliable predictor of their willingness to contribute to the health of others. The COVID-19 pandemic has been one of the most pressing challenges to global society in the early 21st century. Research Scientist Dr. Rodolfo Cortes Barragan … Read More

Research Reveals How Gender Stereotypes Steer Girls Away From STEM Starting in First Grade

I-LABSMedia Coverage, News Highlights, Publication, Research

teens computers

Women are underrepresented in STEM careers. A new publication in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) reveals that gendered stereotypes about these fields may be an early childhood contributor to this underrepresentation. I-LABS researchers found that many children as young as six already believe that boys are more interested in computer science and engineering than girls. This belief … Read More

Dual-MEG set up reveals interbrain synchrony between mothers and children during verbal interaction

I-LABSPublication, Research

Dual MEG data collection

I-LABS research on mother-child ‘brain synchrony’ during turn-taking. In a world-first experiment, I-LABS, along with Taiwanese and Japanese brain scientists, conducted a study of two-person neuroscience with mothers and their 5-year-old children using two magnetoencephalography (MEG) brain-imaging devices. I-LABS scientists have shown that verbal turn-taking and imitation are essential for language learning and social development in young children, but how … Read More

I-LABS research adapted for teen readership

I-LABSNews Highlights, Publication, Research

Social Science Journal for Teens

The Science Journal for Kids and Teens has recently published I-LABS work on gender stereotypes, and how they negatively impact girls’ motivation to pursue computer science and engineering careers.  The Journal’s goal is to adapt scientific articles that have already appeared in peer-reviewed publications, but make them more accessible to middle and high school audiences. They use easy-to-understand language, and develop PDF and YouTube resources to accompany them. … Read More

Chantel Prat Describes Her Research in New Book

I-LABSPublication, Research

Chantel Prat

New book illuminates individual differences in brain function Most of us understand, on some level, that our unique ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving are related to the mechanics of our individual brains. Yet the majority of neuroscience research has focused on group averages—a way of sketching “typical” patterns of brain functioning. Professor Chantel Prat argues that this approach has moved the … Read More

New Research: Online ‘Camp’ Teaches Preschoolers the Fundamentals of Reading

I-LABSPublication, Research

Young learners at reading camp via video conference

Previous research has shown that well-structured teaching of phonological awareness, letter knowledge, and letter-to-sound mapping is crucial in building a solid foundation when learning to read. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, children worldwide did not have access to consistent and structured teaching and are, as a consequence, predicted to be behind in the development of their reading skills.  New research from … Read More

Babies act altruistically – when they know you need help

I-LABSMedia Coverage, News Highlights, Publication, Research

infant offers fruit

I-LABS researchers wanted to test whether human infants were able to act beyond self-interest, when faced with one of the most fundamental biological needs: food. Dr. Rodolfo Cortes Barragan’s work on the roots of altruism in children is featured in this article by Early Learning Nation, a magazine devoted to early learning, the science of the developing brain, and more. … Read More