Name:Maya Psaris

School/Affiliation:McMaster University

Co-Authors:Dr. Laurel Trainor

Virtual or In-person:In-person

Abstract:

Premature infants are at risk for language and social deficits¹. Premature birth occurs during a sensitive period for auditory circuitry development, and the stressful NICU environment may further hinder auditory development²⁻⁴. The precise effects of prematurity on auditory processing remain unclear. Given the established importance of rhythm processing in language and social skills, we will examine how prematurity affects rhythm processing and, in turn, language development. Additionally, emerging research has found links between gut microbiome characteristics and cognitive development, including rhythm processing and social attention⁵⁻⁶. We aim to explore how prematurity and the early microbiome mediate rhythm processing and social attention, and how these markers relate to early language and social development. We will use a longitudinal, multi-study approach, recruiting premature infants of varying gestational ages alongside full-term infants. For microbiome analysis, we will collect stool samples from all infants. We will use eye-tracking to infant-directed speech and song as a measure of social attention. Infants will also undergo EEG to measure neural tracking of auditory rhythms. Parents will complete questionnaires on musical background and early development throughout the study. We expect premature infants to show poorer neural rhythm tracking and social attention than full-term infants across the first year. We also expect beneficial gut microorganisms and associated pathways will correlate with improved neural rhythm tracking, social attention, and developmental outcomes. We expect our findings will highlight the role of rhythm in language and social development, and suggest microbiome and rhythmic interventions to improve outcomes for premature infants.