New article unpacks how children experience and develop racial biases In a special issue of Daedalus, leading scholars, scientists, and policymakers examine the science behind implicit bias—stereotyped associations that we are not consciously aware of but that reinforce inequality in the world. “Understanding Implicit Bias: Insights & Innovations” features research and perspectives from a range of areas, including antidiscrimination law, early education, … Read More
Neva Corrigan interviewed for New Scientist magazine
New Scientist interview on study showing adolescent brains changed in unexpected ways during Covid-19 lockdown Dr. Neva Corrigan was the lead author on new research about the structural changes in adolescent brains pre- and post-pandemic. As reported in the popular science magazine New Scientist (Jan. 2024), the data showed that cortical thickness in teenagers, following the pandemic, was abnormally reduced across widespread areas … Read More
New research supported by the Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences reveals differences in how white and Black parents talk to their children about race.
In the United States, Black and white parents have different conversations with their children about race. In a multi-university study spanning 11 cities across the United States, Dr. Onnie Rogers and a group of researchers at Northwestern University, teamed up with Dr. Katharine Scott, Wake Forest University, Dr. Andrew Meltzoff, University of Washington, and Dr. David Chae, Tulane University, to … Read More
AI signals mirror how the brain listens
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
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.
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
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
Early Learning Nation Interview on Dual MEG Research
11/29/22 – Early Learning Nation Interview I-LABS co-Director Patricia Kuhl on Dual MEG Research.First-Ever Study Provides High-Tech Window on Mother-Child Brain Synchrony. I-LABS Collaborates with Japanese and Taiwanese Brain Scientists. Read the article here.
Dual-MEG set up reveals interbrain synchrony between mothers and children during verbal interaction
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
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