Pew-Thian Yap

www.nature.com Functional hierarchy of the human neocortex across the lifespan Nature - fMRI data from individuals of a wide range of ages (from a few days to 100 years old) are used to map the key organizational axes of functional connectivity in the human cortex throughout...

Hoyt Patrick Taylor @hptayloriv · Mar 25

11/ Huge thanks to all of my coauthors on this paper, especially @pt_yap @sahar_ahmad4 @khoi_hm, for making this work possible.

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James Clement Verified account @jamesclementjnc · Mar 27

Mapping the lifelong journey of the human brain

New research has established a comprehensive map of how the human brain’s functional organisation evolves across an entire century of life. By studying over 3,500 individuals from birth to 100 years of age, scientists have identified three primary 'gradients' essentially invisible axes of communication that dictate how different brain regions coordinate their activity. These findings provide a new lens through which to view human development and the natural processes of ageing.

The study reveals that a newborn's brain is primarily anchored by basic sensory systems, such as touch and sight. As a child grows into adolescence, the brain undergoes a complex process of differentiation. It begins to develop more sophisticated networks responsible for high-level thinking, planning, and social interaction. This architectural complexity peaks in early adulthood, roughly around the age of twenty, marking the height of the brain’s organisational efficiency. This period is characterised by a clear distinction between the areas of the brain that handle raw sensory input and those that manage complex, abstract thought.

However, as the human body enters later life, the brain begins a process known as 'dedifferentiation'. The once-sharp boundaries between specialised networks start to blur, leading to a more homogenous or blended organisational structure. Interestingly, the study found that the way the brain is organised can directly predict an individual’s cognitive abilities. Those whose brains more closely follow the 'ideal' adult map often perform better in tasks related to memory, attention, and reading.

The researchers also explored the biological foundations of this lifelong journey. They discovered that the physical structure of the brain and its functional activity are most closely linked early in life. As we age, these two aspects become increasingly decoupled, suggesting that the mature brain relies more on flexible patterns of activity rather than just its hard-wired physical connections. Furthermore, the study identified specific genetic programmes that scaffold this brain architecture, particularly during the first few years of life.

Ultimately, these results provide a normative chart for brain health. By understanding the typical path, the brain follows from infancy to old age, medical professionals may be better equipped to identify early signs of neurodevelopmental conditions in children or neurodegenerative disorders in the elderly. This lifelong atlas offers a foundational reference for future studies into the texture of human cognition.

#brain #neurodevelopment #autism #memory #learning #adolescent #neuroscience #research #science #brainageing #brainmapping #neurobiology #brainhealth

nature.com/articles/s4158…

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NIH Verified account @NIH · Mar 26

NIH-funded researchers have mapped how major patterns of brain organization vary from the first to the hundredth year of life.

Researchers uncovered complex developmental trajectories and found that they aligned with various biological and behavioral measures, hinting that their new brain atlas may eventually have clinical relevance. linkedin.com/pulse/research…

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