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Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University

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Three Core Concepts in Early Development

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This video series depicts how advances in neuroscience, molecular biology, and genomics give us a better understanding of how early experiences are built into our bodies and brains.

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Os bebês podem ser afetados adversamente com o stress tóxico

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Os bebês podem ser afetados adversamente com o stress tóxico

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O desenvolvimento é um processo interativo

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O desenvolvimento é um processo interativo

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Os desfechos não são determinados somente pelos genes.

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A criança pode se relacionar com outros cuidadores - cuidado responsivo

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A criança pode se relacionar com outros cuidadores - cuidado responsivo

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A principal fase de formação da estrutura/ arcabouço cerebral ocorre na primeira infância

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A principal fase de formação da estrutura/ arcabouço cerebral ocorre na primeira infância

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Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University

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Serve and return interactions shape brain architecture. When caregivers are responsive to children's signals, they help them build critical skills.

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A negligência pode acarretar danos importantes

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A negligência pode acarretar danos importantes

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Estresse/ violência podem repercutir gravemente

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Estresse/ violência podem repercutir gravemente

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A criança tem momentos críticos/ períodos sensíveis para o desenvolvimento

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A criança tem momentos críticos/ períodos sensíveis para o desenvolvimento

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Epigenética é um conceito fundamental em PDC

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Epigenética é um conceito fundamental em PDC

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Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University

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Inside the nucleus of each cell in our bodies, we have chromosomes, which contain the code for characteristics that pass to the next generation. Within these chromosomes, specific segments of genetic code, known as genes, make up long, double-helix strands of DNA.

Children inherit approximately 23,000 genes from their parents, but not every gene does what it was designed to do. Experiences leave a chemical "signature" on genes that determines whether and how the genes are expressed. Collectively, those signatures are called the epigenome.

The brain is particularly responsive to experiences and environments during early development. External experiences spark signals between neurons, which respond by producing proteins. These gene regulatory proteins head to the nucleus of the neural cell, where they either attract or repel enzymes that can attach them to the genes. Positive experiences, such as exposure to rich learning opportunities, and negative influences, such as malnutrition or environmental toxins, can change the chemistry that encodes genes in brain cells - a change that can be temporary or permanent. This process is called epigenetic modification.

More Information on Epigenetics

Infographic: What is Epigenetics? And How Does it Relate to Child Development?
This infographic shows how a child's environment can change the chemistry of their genes-both negatively and positively.

Adverse Early Experiences Can Have Lifelong Consequences

Epigenetic "markers" control where and how much protein is made by a gene, effectively turning the gene "on" or "off." Such epigenetic modification typically occurs in cells that comprise organ systems, thereby influencing how these structures develop and function. Therefore, experiences that change the epigenome early in life, when the specialized cells of organs such as the brain, heart, or kidneys are first developing, can have a powerful impact on physical and mental health for a lifetime.

The fact that genes are vulnerable to modification in response to toxic stress, nutritional problems, and other negative influences underscores the importance of providing supportive and nurturing experiences for young children in the earliest years, when brain development is most rapid. From a policy perspective, it is in society's interest to strengthen the foundations of healthy brain architecture in all young children to maximize the return on future investments in education, health, and workforce development.

For more information: Early Experiences Can Alter Gene Expression and Affect Long-Term Development: Working Paper No. 10.

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Despite the misconception that genes are "set in stone," research shows that early experiences can determine how genes are turned on and off -- and even whether some are expressed at all.

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A ciência do Desenvolvimento Infantil na Primeira Infância

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A ciência do Desenvolvimento Infantil na Primeira Infância

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Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University

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InBrief: The Science of Early Childhood Development

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Apurando o olhar para a vigilância do desenvolvimento infantil