Human brain development is influenced by early-life experiences, particularly during sensitive periods, with impact on cognitive and emotional outcomes. Understanding how the timing and nature of such experiences (including adversity, trauma, and enrichment) govern their influence on brain organization is crucial for harnessing key environmental factors early in life to enhance brain development. Here we synthesize findings from human and animal studies focusing on sensitive periods and their regional and circuit specificity and highlight the challenge and power of such cross-species approaches in informing the 'next steps' to optimize cognitive and emotional health in developing children. We propose designs for neurodevelopmental optimization research programs utilizing randomized enhancement trials in early childhood to inform public health strategies on prevention and early intervention.

中文翻译：

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早年逆境后的神经发育优化：跨物种研究阐明敏感期和大脑机制，为早期干预提供信息


人类大脑的发育受到早期生活经历的影响，特别是在敏感时期，会对认知和情绪结果产生影响。了解这些经历（包括逆境、创伤和充实）的时间和性质如何控制它们对大脑组织的影响，对于利用生命早期的关键环境因素来促进大脑发育至关重要。在这里，我们综合了人类和动物研究的结果，重点关注敏感期及其区域和回路特异性，并强调了这种跨物种方法在告知“下一步”以优化发育中儿童的认知和情感健康方面的挑战和力量。我们提出利用幼儿期随机增强试验的神经发育优化研究项目的设计，为预防和早期干预的公共卫生策略提供信息。