She didn’t cry. I promise.

Yesterday Amélie and I returned to the Babylab for a second time. She was a awarded a further degree for taking part in the net version of the Freeze-Frame Study.

The net on her head meaures brain activity and in this case they were particularly interested in the frontal cortex. This part of the brain develops for the longest period and is involved in some the most complex human activities like decision making and remembering things.

The task Amélie took part in was designed to pick up on early signs of these abilities and to see at what age babies can deliberately not do something. She was shown an animation designed to appeal to babies and at the same time also shown boring white squares flashing to either side. Looking at the squares is automatic and the babies have to make an effort to stay focussed on the more interesting cartoon. It is expected that the babies learn not to look at the squares during the study and that there is more activation in the frontal cortex once they have achieved this.

We look forward to our third visit in June.