Brain Development

[Appleblossom]

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11-26/brain-develops-through-5-stages-new-study/106054488 

Wondering what people think about this.

[tyme]

I've always been interested in neuroplasticity @Appleblossom . 

I feel environmental factors can have powerful effects on brain development. Yes, while there may be 'turning points', there are so many other contributing factors.

I'm also a firm believer that we can 'train' our own brains @Appleblossom 

[AlwaysMyself]

Interesting, thanks @Appleblossom . I find neuroscience, neuropsychology and plasticity interesting also.

I am not surprised by the implications of it for neuroplasticity - it aligns with what I have observed in different ages. 

I wonder though how trauma might affect the "normal" patterns of neurodevelopment?

Whilst things may feel harder to learn and slower to grasp or respond in cognition in the aging stages, it doesn't mean people cannot learn new things at that age.

[Till23]

Interesting article, thanks for sharing @Appleblossom will be interesting to see what happens with further studies, when more nuanced data is gathered.

There has been talk about adolescence being longer than the historical boundaries for some time now.

As @tyme and @AlwaysMyself have mentioned what are the effects of external factors. Would be interesting to know more detailed information about the participants, in a quick reading of the Nature Communications article, I couldn't find any selection criteria.

I follow the research of Professor Ruth Lanius (Canada) who studies neurobiology of trauma and has recently published in Nature Mental Health some of her functional MRI studies of trauma survivors and has some emerging treatments.

I find it all very interesting as I find neuroscience and psychology and their interface very fascinating. I have thought of studying it formally in my retirement. Unfortunately it would be quite costly.

[Appleblossom]

As a teacher  from 5 to 75 years of age for decades, I have seen a lot nuance around training, learning and physically being able to put learning into practice etc etc among different age groups.

When I did my counselling certification they did stress, that we can only change about 30%.  

Neuroplasticity is a rich field, and I am curious and watching, but too excessive a cognitive focus on "train the brain" might be problematic and yield unfair judgments.  Mostly I try and understand ...

Yes, I had conversation with a psychologist about 20 years ago regarding adolescence and the real maturity and frontal cortex development being set a but too young than was being seen in brain studies. He also said that he didn't think they would change the age of majority for all sorts of legalistic reasons.  Hmmm. Debates currently being had, with the rise in youth crime etc.  I dont have strong opinions, beyond, Authorities please get best information before you impose legislation and serious consequences. Please take into consideration circumstances. Eg., When is it reasonable to understand ... such and such ... given personal history.

Yeah I am a big believer in life long learning ... but we have to take into consideration ... realities...

I am looking at Ruth Lanias now @Till23 Thanks for the tip. Trauma has a massive impact.

Thanks for talking...

@AlwaysMyself @tyme 

[tyme]

I guess I embrace neuroplasticity as a way to tell myself I can always learn and improve @Appleblossom  Of course there are many factors related to this. 

It's certainly very interesting.

[Till23]

Hi @Appleblossom @tyme yes I find it all fascinating 

I met a lady today who's in her 60s and is studying Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and Sociology, so I thought maybe my study idea is not too far fetched.

As technology improves some things are becoming better elucidated, which is good for it's own sake, but also if the knowledge can be translated to better diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

I will continue to watch with interest

[Appleblossom]

Jeez I wish I could support @Till23  and @tyme 

Yes, I will keep watching too.