The secrets of fossil teeth revealed by the synchrotron: A long childhood is the prelude to the evolution of a large brain Could social bonds be the key to human big brains? A study of the fossil teeth of early Homo from Georgia dating back 1.77 million years reveals a prolonged childhood despite a small brain and an adulthood comparable to that of the great apes. This discovery suggests that an extended childhood, combined with cultural transmission in three-generation social groups, may have triggered the evolution of a large brain like that of modern humans, rather than the reverse.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/r....eleases/2024/11/2411

Depression rates in LGBTQIA+ students are three times higher than their peers, new research suggests New findings uncover an alarming rise in depression rates among all higher education students in the United States, but especially among sexual and gender minorities.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/r....eleases/2024/11/2411

Time alone heightens 'threat alert' in teenagers -- even when connecting on social media Scientists detect a heightened 'threat vigilance' reaction in adolescents after a few hours of isolation, which socializing online doesn't appear to ameliorate. They say the findings might shed light on the link between loneliness and mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders, which are on the rise in young people.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/r....eleases/2024/11/2411

How to reduce social media stress by leaning in instead of logging off Young people's mental health may depend on how they use social media, rather than how much time they spend using it. Psychology researchers tried an experiment with three groups. They asked one group to stay off social media. They taught another group how to use it more constructively. The third group stuck with their usual routine. The group that stayed away, AND the group that used it differently, both reported improvements in their mental health.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/r....eleases/2024/11/2411

Debunked: Children aren't quicker at picking up new motor skills than adults Contrary to popular belief, children aren't better at learning new skills than adults. Indeed, young adults seem to learn faster than kids -- but also tend to forget more quickly. Here, better sleep seems to advantage children.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/r....eleases/2024/11/2411