New research from the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (RUB) in Germany has found that certain physical characteristics of babies can predict their intelligence quotient (IQ) and neurological development later in life. This discovery could lead to early intervention and improved educational outcomes and health for children. The study, published in the AJOG Global Reports journal, involved 5,301 infants, including 571 premature babies, who underwent ultrasound screenings of their skulls five to eight days after birth. The babies were then tested at the age of four to assess their neurological development and IQ. The researchers found that the ratio of body weight to head circumference was a key predictor of future intelligence and neurological development. Low birth weight and fetal growth restriction were also factors that could predict poor mental development in babies.
According to Professor Arne Jensen, the lead researcher on the study, these findings could help parents and healthcare professionals identify babies who may need early intervention to support their development. “These results enable early intervention and support strategies to promote academic achievement and educational success later in life,” he said. Early intervention could also help to identify and treat mental health conditions such as attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, depression, and anxiety disorders that may arise in childhood and adolescence.
The study’s findings could have significant implications for parents and healthcare professionals, who may be able to use physical characteristics to identify babies who may need additional support. By intervening early, children may be able to achieve better educational outcomes and improved health. The study also highlights the importance of ongoing research into the factors that influence childhood development and the potential benefits of early intervention.
