Overview

• Using NODDI imaging on 95 infants and their caregivers, researchers identified microstructural markers in the forceps minor and left cingulum bundle at three months.
• Elevated neurite dispersion in the forceps minor was associated with greater increases in negative emotionality between three and nine months.
• More complex microstructure in the left cingulum bundle correlated with enhanced positive emotions and stronger self-soothing ability.
• An independent cohort of 44 infants confirmed these brain–behavior links, reinforcing the predictive value of the identified markers.
• Investigators say early detection of these neural signatures could enable targeted interventions during critical windows of emotional development.