Using MRI to Map Brain Development in Early Childhood

Researchers led by the University of North Carolina have employed advanced functional MRI (fMRI) techniques to create detailed charts tracking brain network maturation from birth to age six. These brain connectivity maps reveal critical developmental transitions in how different regions of the brain interact, providing insights into typical and atypical neural development. The study analyzed over 1,000 resting-state fMRI scans from 501 children across five cohorts, harmonizing data gathered during sleep and wakefulness using machine learning and statistical methods such as elastic net regression and the ComBat technique to account for variability.

The findings highlight significant changes in the strength and interaction of key neural networks, including visual, somatomotor, limbic, default, attention, and control networks. For example, visual and somatomotor connectivity peak early in infancy and decrease as children grow, while networks associated with higher cognitive functions like the default mode and control networks gradually increase, reaching a plateau around 4 to 6 years.

Importantly, deviations from these typical developmental trajectories were linked to differences in cognitive abilities, including language, motor skills, and visual reception. This suggests that brain growth charts could serve as early indicators for identifying children at risk for developmental delays.

The study demonstrates the potential of resting-state fMRI as a tool for monitoring brain development in early childhood, offering a new approach to identify and intervene in atypical cognitive development sooner. Future research aims to refine these charts further by including more awake-state imaging, improving early detection and intervention strategies.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-mri-brain-growth-early-childhood.html