Scans chart how quickly babies' brains grow'

Human brains grow most rapidly just after birth and

reach half their adult size within three months,

according to a study in JAMA Neurology.

Using advanced scanning techniques, researchers found male brains grew more quickly than those of female infants. Areas involved in movement developed at the fastest pace. Those associated with memory grew more slowly. Scientists say collating this data may help them identify early signs of developmental disorders such as autism.

Led by scientists at the University of California, researchers scanned the brains of 87 healthy babies from birth to three months. They saw the most rapid changes immediately after birth - newborn brains grew at an average rate of 1% a day. This slowed to 0.4% per day at the end of the 90-day period.

Disponível em: http://www.bbc.com. Acesso em: 12 ago

2014. (adaptado).