The teenage brain

Some new thoughts on the evolutionary advantages of the developing teen brain: https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/evolutionary-advantage-teenage-brain  

How teens’ brains make it difficult to make decisions based on eventual goals (as opposed to instant gratification): http://theconversation.com/brain-scans-reveal-why-rewards-and-punishments-dont-seem-to-work-on-teenagers-88177 http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-42152392  

More evidence on the benefits of a later school day for teens: http://www.sciencealert.com/schools-around-the-us-are-finally-pushing-back-their-start-times-and-it-s-working?utm_source=ScienceAlert+-+Daily+Email+Updates&utm_campaign=434aca3999-MAILCHIMP_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_fe5632fb09-434aca3999-365490661  

A new study looks at how teens’ ability to remember is tied to their tendency to be driven by rewards: http://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/how-teenagers-learn-differently-than-adults-3075386/  

A study by Columbia University in New York suggests that teens are more prone to self-centered and selfish thinking, because the brain process that makes teenagers selfish and self-centred is also the part which boosts their ability to learn: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/10/05/teenagers-are-hard-wired-to-be-selfish-say-scientists/  

A new study published in Scientific Reports has found the expert video gamers tend to have more gray matter and better connectivity in certain subregions of the brain. http://www.nature.com/srep/2015/150402/srep09763/metrics/news http://www.iflscience.com/brain/expert-gamers-show-greater-cognitive-function-their-amateur-counterparts http://www.realclearscience.com/journal_club/2015/04/28/video_gamers_have_better_connected_brains.html

New research shows incredible cognitive potential—and vulnerability—during adolescence. http://www.macleans.ca/society/life/inside-your-teenagers-scary-brain/  http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/jan/12/the-teenage-brain-neuroscientist-survival-guide-review  http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2015/01/28/381622350/why-teens-are-impulsive-addiction-prone-and-should-protect-their-brains http://www.tampabay.com/news/health/theres-a-reason-why-teenagers-act-the-way-they-do/2229651

A study from the National Academy of Sciences suggests that action video games train teens’ brain to predict what will come next. That ability can be applied to a variety of circumstances, from anticipating and adapting in conversations and debates, to driving or even performing surgery. http://www.helpmeoutdoc.com/news/life-style/action-video-games-boost-learning-teenagers-4091.html

Samurai (or Sammy) is my dog. He has taught me a lot about life, and about working with kids in particular. This might sound strange. Certainly, in most ways, caring for a dog in no way compares to the responsibilities, rewards, and challenges of raising a child. And yet, there are certain key lessons that […]

Using marijuana at an early age could have long-term consequences on your brain and it may even lower your IQ, according to a new study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Researchers found that compared to nonusers, people who smoked marijuana starting as early as age 14 have less brain volume, or […]

In his new book, Age of Opportunity: Lessons from the New Science of Adolescence, Laurence Steinberg takes a critical look at how our society defines adolescents, and the expectations and beliefs we have of adolescents. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/parenting/redefining-teenagers-and-the-adolescent-mind/article20789085/ http://www.amazon.com/Age-Opportunity-Lessons-Science-Adolescence/dp/0544279778/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1411685829&sr=8-1&keywords=Age+of+Opportunity%3A+Lessons+from+the+New+Science+of+Adolescence%2C

A new study confirms that teenager brains are far more sensitive than adults’ to the immediate effect or reward of their behaviors, so that choices that provide instant gratification are far more rewarding that those with more long term goals: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/why-teenagers-are-more-impulsive/articleshow/42361707.cms

New research out of the Center for BrainHealth at The University of Texas at Dallas found that connections between certain brain regions are amplified in teens more prone to risk-taking behavior. They found that Antisocial or risk-seeking behavior may be associated with an imbalance in the emotional-regulation network that exists to govern emotions and influence […]