Socioeconomic factors are becoming 'biologically embedded' in children's brains
A study published in Science suggests that socioeconomic factors in a child's neighborhood are strongly linked to brain development patterns. Researchers found that environmental variables like household income and social support are more influential than IQ or mental health in shaping brain structure.
Why it matters
These findings suggest that public policy and neighborhood investment could have direct, measurable impacts on the biological development of children.
A new study finds that the socioeconomics of a preteen's neighborhood can leave a distinctive pattern in their brains. / Getty Images The most powerful factors affecting a child's brain development involve socioeconomic opportunities, according to a study in the journal Science .
The article reports on scientific research findings and includes quotes from multiple experts.
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