In this eye-opening episode, we're privileged to have Dr. Watanabe, an esteemed neuroscientist, explore the fascinating mechanics of how children learn. Although it's widely believed that children learn more efficiently than adults, the reasons behind this phenomenon remain less understood. One hypothesis proposes that children rapidly stabilize learning to prevent interference from subsequent learning, but does the evidence back this up?

Dr. Watanabe brings the role of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) into the spotlight. Although GABA plays a critical part in learning stabilization, GABAergic inhibitory processing is reportedly less mature in children compared to adults. This leads us to an intriguing question: Is the superior learning efficiency in children not due to faster stabilization?

Drawing on his recent research, Dr. Watanabe shares findings from measuring GABA concentrations in early visual cortical areas of both children and adults during visual perceptual learning (VPL). The study revealed a rapid boost of GABA in children during visual training that persisted post-training, a phenomenon absent in adults. Additionally, behavioral experiments suggested that children develop resilience to retrograde interference quicker than adults, implying faster stabilization of VPL in children.

These intriguing insights collectively suggest that children's brains exhibit more dynamic inhibitory processing that adapts swiftly to stabilize learning, thus contributing to more efficient learning in children compared to adults. Tune in for a deep dive into the captivating neurology of learning.

Dr. Watanabe, Learning Efficiency, Children vs. Adults, GABA, Learning Stabilization, Visual Perceptual Learning, Neurology, Brain Development, Cognitive Science, Early Visual Cortical Areas, Functional MRS, Retrograde Interference.

Watanabe T. et al. Efficient learning in children with rapid GABA boosting during and after training. Curr Biol. 2022 doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.10.021. Epub 2022 Nov 15. PMID: 36384138.