The often-polarizing debate about neurological differences between genders has been enlightened by a just-released study of the human brain prior to birth. For the first time, researchers were able to do MRI scans of dozens of fetal brains within the uterus. They found dramatic differences between female and male fetuses, particularly with regard to connectivity between subcortical and cortical structures in the brain.
Researchers found some dramatic female/male differences in the brain prior to birth.
For example, the image above shows differences in female connections between the left cerebellum (CB) and the left superior frontal gyrus (SFG), and between the left temporal pole and the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) compared with males. In other brain areas, the study conducted by M.D. Wheelock et al and published in the April edition of Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience did not find such striking differences.
Now in its second year, the Boy Brains & Engagement Conference will help educators understand and support the unique the unique needs or learning preferences of boys – whether those differences are neurological, cultural or environmental. The goal of the event is to help educators decrease dropouts, improve academic outcomes and encourage a post-secondary educational mindset among all boys.