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Being bilingual is good for the brain—especially as you age

Speaking two or more languages can enhance cognitive reserve, promoting healthier aging.

Feature of the week

Being bilingual is good for the brain—especially as you age

Speaking multiple languages is an advantage not just for those in their youth, but also for those in their twilight years. According to researchers from Singapore, the benefits of bilingualism, such as enhanced mental flexibility, attention control, and social cognition, may last among older adults.

The researchers found that learning a second language early in life and having better social cognitive skills were linked to changes in brain structure, including increased gray matter volume and cortical thickness in young and old adults. Learning a second language earlier appeared to have led to these brain changes, which could help protect social and cognitive abilities as people age.

📣 Application to join the EcosySTEM Asia Summit for Leaders in STEM is now open!


Back by popular demand, the leadership summit—co-organized by EcosySTEM Asia and The Elsevier Foundation, and supported by the James Dyson Foundation, American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), and Asian Scientist Magazine—is returning for its third edition this June 2024.

This year’s theme is Diversity and Inclusion: What does a diverse and inclusive STEM community look like and what does it take?

STEM professionals passionate about DE&I are invited to apply. Please note that submitting an application is not an automatic registration to the summit. Due to the limited slots, each applicant will be assessed based on the selection criteria in the application form.

Submit your application to join us for exciting keynotes, panel sessions, workshops and plenty of networking opportunities over two days! Application is open until 31 May 2024.

Editorial highlights

IN THE LAB

A study from Japan shows that involving older people while developing care robots for them will help alleviate their concerns about using such technology.

HEALTH

A new study from South Korea suggests that the “RESISTIN” molecule associated with diabetes and other chronic inflammatory conditions can be targeted to treat gum disease patients and reduce diabetes risk.

ENVIRONMENT

Sika deer ate away the understorey vegetation of Kyushu’s Beech forest, leading to soil erosion and exposed roots in the area.

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Meet the Asian Scientist 100 Community

Central Drug Research Institute | India 🇮🇳 | Biomedical Sciences

Trivedi won the National Tech Excellence Award for Women 2022 for her research on metabolic bone disorders, specifically post-menopausal osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Her work has led to a pipeline of potential products including REUNION® which helps in rapid fracture healing.

Transcultural Psychosocial Organization | Cambodia 🇰🇭 | Psychiatry

Sotheara is a recipient of the 2022 Ramon Magsaysay Award for his work in mental health. Having witnessed first-hand the effects of civil war in Cambodia, Sotheara has continued to drive community-based, psychosocial, capability-building and integrative mental health support since becoming the executive director of Cambodia’s Transcultural Psychosocial Organization in 2002.