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The Infancy of the Human Brain
G Dehaene-Lambertz1, E S Spelke2
1Cognitive Neuroimaging Unit, CEA DSV/I2BM, INSERM, CNRS, Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, NeuroSpin Center, 91191 Gif/Yvette, France.
Neuron
|October 9, 2015
Summary
The infant brain uniquely masters language and knowledge systems. Noninvasive imaging reveals early neural architecture continuity with adults, showing brain development parallels cognitive skills.
Area of Science:
- Developmental neuroscience
- Cognitive science
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- The human infant brain's capacity for language and knowledge acquisition is unparalleled.
- Noninvasive brain imaging techniques provide unprecedented insights into early brain development.
- Understanding infant cognitive abilities is crucial for comprehending human intelligence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe early cognitive capacities in language and number domains.
- To review neuroimaging findings on infant brain development.
- To highlight the continuity between infant and adult neural architecture.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent noninvasive brain imaging studies.
- Analysis of cognitive development in language and number.
- Examination of neural architecture, including hemispheric asymmetries and frontal lobe involvement.
Main Results:
- Strong continuity observed between infant and adult neural architecture.
- Early emergence of hemispheric asymmetries and frontal area involvement in cognitive tasks.
- Insights into the strengths and limitations of early learning processes.
Conclusions:
- Infant brain development shows significant continuity with adult neural organization.
- Early brain maturation stages are linked to cognitive achievements.
- Further research on brain dynamics and maturation promises deeper understanding of human cognition.
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