Brain Boost: Toddler Cognition at 16 Months
July 2024
University of Bristol

Introduction
Ever wondered how toddlers' brains work? A groundbreaking study by the University of Bristol reveals that by 16 months, toddlers' brains show significant growth in cognitive skills. Led by researchers from Bristol and Oxford, this study, published in Imaging Neuroscience, uncovers the fascinating brain development happening in toddlers around 16 months.
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Brainy Discoveries in Toddlerhood
Children, pay attention to this fascinating study conducted by the Universities of Bristol and Oxford! Did you know that around 16 months of age, toddlers like you are engaging various parts of their brains to develop essential cognitive skills? These skills help you follow simple instructions and control your impulses. Imagine your brain working hard behind the scenes to help you learn and grow every day. This study sheds light on the critical period of brain development in toddlers like you, showing how important these early years are for shaping your cognitive abilities.
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fNIRS (functional near•infrared spectroscopy)
A child•friendly brain imaging technique used to study brain activity by measuring changes in blood oxygen levels.

Inhibitory Control
The ability to stop oneself from acting impulsively, resisting temptations or habits.

Executive Functions
Cognitive skills responsible for organizing thoughts, actions, and behaviors for daily life.

Prefrontal Cortex
The front part of the brain involved in decision•making and impulse control.

Parietal Cortex
The brain region responsible for sensory perception and spatial reasoning.

Neural Correlates
Brain activity patterns that correspond to specific cognitive functions.
Independent Research Ideas

The Impact of Early Intervention on Inhibitory Control Skills
Explore how early educational programs can enhance inhibitory control in toddlers.

Brain Plasticity in Toddlers
Investigate how the brain's structure and function change during the critical period of toddlerhood.

Cross•Cultural Variances in Cognitive Development
Compare how different cultural practices influence cognitive skills development in toddlers.

Longitudinal Studies on Executive Functions
Conduct research on how executive functions evolve from infancy to adulthood using advanced brain imaging techniques.

Genetic Influences on Brain Development
Study how genetic factors play a role in shaping cognitive abilities during early childhood.
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