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
Dr. Kuhl Goes to Washington (Olympia, Washington that is)
Dr. Patricia Kuhl, co-Director of I-LABS, was invited to speak to the Human Services, Youth, & Early Learning Committee of the Washington State House of Representatives. On January 10, 2023, she briefed the committee on the latest research showing how early learning changes the brain, and how brain changes in infancy predict a child’s future learning. She concluded with recommendations … 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.
Pat Kuhl leads Yidan Foundation panel of education luminaries
The Yidan Foundation awards an annual Education Prize worth nearly $4M US dollars. Co-Director Patricia Kuhl is a member of the Yidan Foundation Council of Luminaries, which includes leaders in fields influencing education worldwide. On Thursday Sept 28, the Yidan Foundation funded a conference at Stanford University and Dr. Kuhl was moderator of the panel on Early Childhood Learning and … Read More
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
People of UW: I-LABS Chantel Prat
I-LABS faculty member Chantel Prat is featured in this People of UW story. Prat is not only a Professor in the Department of Psychology, but a lauded mentor, published author, fiercely proud parent, menagerie owner, and more, which you can read about here.
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
From Understanding Eyes to Understanding Minds – Tracing the Building Blocks of Social Cognition
In the first few years of life, children begin to piece together an awareness of the thoughts, feelings and desires of the people around them, gradually building skills to help them succeed in our social world. While many studies have examined development in toddlers and preschoolers, few have looked at infants to see which early social skills are linked to … Read More
Chantel Prat Describes Her Research in New Book
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