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UNIT: Genetics and Prenatal Influences on Development
The No-Baby Boom, Anne Kingston, Maclean's, 2013
As the number of childless women has increased to 47% in 2010, the focus has shifted from pity and judgment to a deeper sense of understanding of childlessness.
Making Babies, Alexis Madrigal, The Atlantic, 2014
Current and future technologies are discussed including the use of IVF mitochondrial DNA, uterus transplants and artificial gametes.
Unnatural Selection, Mara Hvistendahl, 2011
Years of prenatal sex selection in China, Korea, India, Balkans, and Caucasus countries have led to 20–30% more men and many stressors. Violence, sex trafficking, and arranged marriages for women are rising. Preimplantation genetic diagnosis has arrived in the United States. What ethics are involved in these gender choices?
The Islamic Republic of Baby-Making, Azadeh Moaveni, Foreign Policy, 2014
In Iran, the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei sanctioned sperm and egg donations in 1999. This fatwa, or legal pronouncement, led to the opening of 70 fertility clinics nationwide. Shiite and Suni clerics disagree about how the Quran applies to the bioethics of fertility clinics and the reproductive technologies that are practiced there.
Beyond the Baby Weight, Eric Reither, Utah Science, 2013
The role of prenatal care and the importance of a pregnant woman's body weight are discussed in relation to the fetus' weight in adolescence.
Maternal Obesity and the Development of Child Obesity, Lee Stadtlander, International Journal of Childbirth Education, 2014
The link between maternal obesity and the developing fetus is explored. The effects of obesity during pregnancy for both the mother and the developing fetus include; gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, congenital abnormalities and both maternal and fetal death. The impact of obesity is discussed in relation to gestational age with an increased risk later in the pregnancy. Implications and related complications throughout the child’s life are also highlighted.
UNIT: Development during Infancy and Early Childhood
Breastfeeding through the "Dog Days" of Summer, Michelle Angeletti, Leaven, 2014
Breastfeeding advice from La Leche League experts to help new mothers overcome shyness, criticism from strangers and traveling concerns especially during the summer months.
The Truth about The Measles, Annie Sparrow, The Nation, 2015
Follow the Measles history from a common childhood disease to one that was virtually irradiated in the United States. This disease has now seen a resurgence despite a vaccine that is available for this highly infectious disease.
Good News, Bad News, Tom Curry, Exceptional Parent (EP) Magazine, 2014
Suggestions for parents and students to combat intimidation and bullying in the sports arena. Proactive advice includes positive reinforcement, seeking out good leadership and verbalizing concerns.
How to Choose the Right Apps for Early Learning, Stephen Gass, T.H.E. Journal, 2013
This article explores the role of digital tools as a child builds strong educational foundations in Early Childhood. Educational gains should be based on children as active learners engaging in skill building activities using open ended play and exploration with adult interaction.
The Touch-Screen Generation, Hanna Rosin, The Atlantic, 2013
Early childhood has many "digital natives" fluent in finger-swiping technology before word recognition or reading. This article ponders the effects of kids' "apps" on brain development, cognition, intelligence, and creativity. Digital media often functions as a baby-sitter during meals, car rides, and busy times. Will swiping become addictive for toddlers?
UNIT: Development during Childhood: Cognition and Schooling
Food for Thought: Safe Brain Boosters for Kids, Michael T. Murray, Better Nutrition, 2014
Since the realization over 30 years ago that children can experience mental health issues such as depression, treatment has become a major focus. Natural alternatives including diet and herbal supplements are discussed.
Happy, Healthy Kids: Six Ways to Boost Mood, Calm ADHD, and Ease Anxiety, Lisa Turner, Better Nutrition, 2014
Eating healthily can increase brain activity in children. Certain foods can enhance attention and concentration. Deficiencies in vitamins, copper, iodine and other nutrients can adversely affect a child’s brain development. Conversely, appropriate levels of EPA, DHA and PharaGABA have been shown in research studies to enhance brain development.
Are Exams Bad for Children? Stephanie Schneider and Matt Christison, New Internationalist, 2013
The benefits and disadvantages of standardized tests are debated in this article. Two teachers discuss academic performance, student evaluation and the effects of standardized tests on children.
Ritalin Gone Wrong, L. Alan Sroufe, The New York Times, 2012
The benefits of drugs such as Ritalin or Adderall are assessed for attention deficits or hyperactivity disorders. The history and initial success of such drugs is reviewed. This initial success is clouded by a study in 2009 of approximately 600 children that questioned any long term benefits of these medications on academic performance or behavior.
Giving ADHD a Rest: with Diagnosis Rates Exploding Wildly, Is the Disorder a Mental Health Crisis—or a Cultural One? Kate Lunau, Maclean's, 2014
The rates of ADHD seem to have risen in America and other countries. This article looks to the possible causes such as increased educational pressures. The criteria for ADHD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is discussed as well as the effects of stimulants on the brain.
UNIT: Development during Childhood: Family and Culture
Do-It-(All)-Yourself Parents, Linda Perlstein, Newsweek, 2012
A popular approach called "attachment parenting" includes homeschooling. About 300,000 children and adolescents in the United States are now homeschooled. State laws vary; from no reporting to submission of plans and test scores. Advantages are flexible differentiated instruction, no bullying, family togetherness, and an enthusiastic welcome from colleges.
The Drugging of the American Boy, Ryan D’Agostino, Esquire, 2014
The prevalence of ADHD diagnosis in young boys is discussed in relation to their behavior and schooling. The DSM-5 criteria for diagnosis are discussed along with the funding for ADHD research.
Why Our Approach to Bullying Is Bad for Kids, Susan Porter, Independent School, 2013
Bullying is discussed in light of our understanding of preadolescent brain development. Porter suggests that increased rates of bullying are a result of the expansion of the term to include aggressive childhood behaviors such as name calling or unfriendliness. The perceived victims of bullying may suffer from a lack of resilience or self-esteem.
Time to Lower the Drinking Age, Mary Kate Cary, U.S. News & World Report, 2014
The author makes the case for lowering the drinking age back to 18 as it was in the Reagan era. Lowering the age, she claims, would reduce binge drinking, illegal prescription drug use and sexual assault on college campuses.
UNIT: Development during Adolescence and Young Adulthood
The Incredible Shrinking Childhood: How Early Is Too Early for Puberty? Elizabeth Weil, The New York Times Magazine, 2012
Preadolescent girls with early puberty have more emotional health risks. One theory is that early puberty affects cognition, making the brain susceptible to depression. Another theory is that changed physical status may be due to environmental estrogens. Parenting focused on exercise, nutrition, and self-esteem helps vulnerable girls.
Rolling Stone Article on Rape at University of Virginia Failed All Basics, Report Says, Ravi Somaiya, New York Times, 2015
“Jackie” falsely reported that she had been brutally gang raped at a fraternity party at the University of Virginia. This alleged attack was reported in an article in the Rolling Stone magazine. Writer Sabrina Rubin Erdely reported a gang rape at a party that never took place. The reporting errors, lack of fact checking and poor editorial scrutiny that led to this erroneous article are discussed.
Will Your Marriage Last? Brooke Lea Foster, Washingtonian, 2012
Researchers have found many correlates of lasting marriages. This article reports that education, wives with career income or assets, peer friendships with other couples, good sex, and frequent positive interactions (playing nice) are advantageous. Children decrease happiness initially, but couples rebound as they grow up and leave home.
The Retro Wife, Lisa Miller, New York Magazine, 2013
Educated adult women with three roles (mother, wife/partner, and daughter) are rethinking the fourth role (independent career authority). Many meditate upon "A man's job is to earn money; a woman's job is to care for home and family." Are gender differences (females nurture, males assert) real, or just coming back into favor?
Kids Are Not Adults, Sarah Alice Brown, Juvenile Justice Bulletin, 2013
Juvenile justice policies in the United States, such as trying adolescents as adults within the criminal justice system are discussed. Recent research on brain development suggests that before the age of 25, the decision making processes in teens differ from that in adults. Adolescents are more likely to base their behavior on short-term consequences.
High-Tech Bullies, Ingrid Sturgis, Diverse: Issues in Higher Education, 2014
Bullying was once thought to be the domain of middle and high school students but it now appears to be a pervasive problem at the college level. Sites such as "College Wall of Shame" or "Juicy Campus" provide an ideal outlet for stalking, revealing secrets, or masquerading as somebody else.
Many Professors Say Their Students Lack Professional Qualities for Future Jobs, Ann Schnoebelen, The Chronicle of Higher Education, 2013
Multitasking is blamed for students' lack of professional qualities, which include good interpersonal skills, dependability, the ability to focus and pay attention, and complete a task.
Don't Leave Me Out! Catherine Sebastian, The Psychologist, 2012
This article pinpoints rejection as a form of relational aggression or bullying during adolescence. Adolescents are particularly sensitive to peer rejection due to brain development, in particular, the prefrontal cortex. Using Internet video games and MRI scans, the brain is tracked as it develops from early adolescence into adulthood.
UNIT: Development during Middle and Late Adulthood
PICK Your PATH to Retirement, Jane Bennett Clark, Kiplinger's Personal Finance, 2015
Retirement has been redefined in the 21st Century as a result of increased life expectancy, more years in the work force, better health and higher levels of education.
The Switched-On Brain, Amy Barth, Discover, 2012
Optogenetics has stopped drug abuse in mice. It used opsins (light-sensitive microbes), inserted in mouse neurons, to control their brains with light. Creative scientists are motivated to get opsins into human cells. This technology could improve vision, heart health, and possibly neurological functioning. Will such mind control be deemed ethical?
Anxiety Nation, Sophie McBain, New Statesman, 2014
The mental illness, anxiety, is explored as a cultural concept. The relationship between anxiety and other emotions such as sadness or depression is discussed. Medications such as Prozac and Xanax are reviewed. There is a focus on the role of panic attacks, insomnia and phobias.
Is Facebook Making Us Lonely? Stephen Marche, The Atlantic, 2012
Social media has had an impact on us from a social, emotional and psychological perspective. The irony of having more “Facebook friends” but becoming lonelier is discussed in terms of social interactions and mental health.
Brutal Truths about the Aging Brain, Robert Epstein, Discover, 2012
The physical status of the aging brain affects cognition and memory. Neurons are reduced by about 10% and glial cells by 15% by age 70. Neurotransmitters (e.g., dopamine), dendritic connections, and myelin sheathing also decline. The senses lose information. Good nutrition, exercise, and education can slow the process.
Combat Age-Related Brain Atrophy, Barry Volk, Life Extension Magazine, 2015
The age related causes of brain shrinkage are outlined along with suggestions to combat brain loss including the consumption of polyphenols (found in pomegranates) and resveratrol (found in red grapes). Increased intake of B vitamins and omega 3 fatty acids also helps to combat brain shrinkage.
Age-Proof Your Brain: 10 Easy Ways to Stay Sharp Forever, Beth Howard, AARP The Magazine, 2012
Dementia is not inevitable. Elders, even those with a genetic link to Alzheimer's, can delay or prevent it. Included in the ten suggestions for keeping brain health are meditation, spirituality (a mission in life), social networking, stimulating new memory, exercise, and nutrition factors (e.g., Mediterranean diet, spices, vitamin supplements).
The Shock of Elder Abuse in Assisted Living, Lois A. Bowers, Long-Term Living, 2014
Elder abuse including sexual abuse is discussed from the perspective of the nurse aides and the executive directors at assisted living facilities. Suggestions are made to combat this abuse that includes neglect, medication errors and sexually inappropriate behavior.
Elder Abuse Identification: A Public Health Issue, Helen Sorenson, AARC Times, 2012
Aging adults seldom report family or caregiver abuse (physical, sexual, verbal, financial, or neglect), due to fear of repercussions. Health care providers for elders should ask if abuse exists. Aggression against old people is stressful and criminal. The author describes how to recognize and report abuse, either suspected or confirmed.
