Episode 25: Genetics, brain imaging, and poor comprehenders with Nicole Landi
Jan 27, 2020
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Nicole Landi, an expert in genetics and brain imaging, discusses her research on poor comprehenders. Topics include the relationship between a gene called BDNF and reading comprehension, aggregating data to discover associations between genes and behavior, measuring emotional tolerance, the benefits of working with schools, and favorite books and reading habits.
There is a relationship between a gene called BDNF and reading comprehension and phonological memory, as individuals with the risk allele for this gene performed poorly on certain assessments and showed different patterns of brain activation.
Collecting EEG data in schools for children with language-based learning disabilities can help identify precursors to intervention response and gain insights into individualized interventions and treatment plans.
Deep dives
Genetics, brain imaging, and poor comprehenders
The podcast episode discusses the exploration of genetics, brain imaging, and poor comprehenders. The speaker talks about a specific study that found a relationship between a gene called BDNF and reading comprehension and phonological memory. They discovered that individuals with the risk allele for this gene performed poorly on certain assessments and showed different patterns of brain activation. The episode also delves into the challenges of studying comprehension problems compared to word reading problems and the importance of studying language-based learning disabilities in school settings with the use of EEG data. The speaker highlights the potential for EEG and neuroimaging data to provide insight into intervention response and to identify precursors to intervention response.
Dynamic tracking of children with language-based learning disabilities
The speaker expresses excitement about a current project that involves collecting EEG data in schools for children with language-based learning disabilities. The project aims to dynamically track these children over time as they undergo evidence-based interventions. The goal is to identify precursors to intervention response and gain a better understanding of why some children do not respond well to interventions. By combining behavioral assessments and neuroimaging measures, the project hopes to shed light on factors that contribute to intervention effectiveness and provide insights into individualized interventions and treatment plans.
The challenges of working with children in brain imaging
The speaker discusses the challenges of working with children in brain imaging studies, particularly fMRI and EEG. They mention the difficulties associated with obtaining clean data from young children, such as motion artifacts and anxiety. However, they also highlight the benefits of using EEG, including its sensitivity to timing and its ability to capture electrical activity and communication in the brain. They emphasize the use of complementary imaging techniques, such as fMRI and near-infrared spectroscopy (FNEARS), to overcome limitations and gain a more comprehensive understanding of brain functioning in children.
Gene collection through saliva and the importance of school partnerships
The podcast episode touches upon the process of collecting genetic data, which involves extracting DNA from saliva samples rather than blood to minimize discomfort and inconvenience for children. The speaker highlights the significance of partnering with schools that specialize in language-based learning disabilities to access a concentrated group of children for research purposes. They emphasize the benefits of conducting studies in school settings, such as the opportunity for students to gain knowledge about their own brains and the valuable insights into reading instruction provided by observing teaching practices.
