Development of the Brain’s Functional Network Architecture

A full understanding of the development of the brain’s functional network architecture requires not only an understanding of developmental changes in neural processing in individual brain regions but also an understanding of changes in inter-regional interactions. Resting state functional connectivity MRI (rs-fcMRI) is increasingly being used to study functional interactions between brain regions in both adults and children. We briefly review methods used to study functional interactions and networks with rs-fcMRI and how these methods have been used to define developmental changes in network functional connectivity. The developmental rs-fcMRI studies to date have found two general properties. First, regional interactions change from being predominately anatomically local in children to interactions spanning longer cortical distances in young adults. Second, this developmental change in functional connectivity occurs, in general, via mechanisms of segregation of local regions and integration of distant regions into disparate subnetworks.     

Life as a Pregnant Genetic Counselor

Pregnancy is a life-changing experience that many, if not most, women will experience during their lives. Though exciting, it can present challenges, both physical and psychological. Those challenges may be amplified when working in a prenatal setting. Here, one genetic counselor discusses her experiences, and the lessons she learned, as a new counselor trying to learn the ropes while simultaneously navigating the unfamiliar territory of her pregnancy.     

The performance of domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) on two versions of the object choice task

Animal Cognition - Object choice task (OCT) studies are widely used to assess the phylogenetic and ontogenetic distribution of the understanding of communicative cues, with this understanding...