Researchers investigated the in Japanese children compared with 60 other typically developing peers and their association with . The researchers uncovered , finding that when compared with typically developing children. The researchers also noted that maltreated children . The results put forward the and provide a foundation for instigating and .

The study looked at 96 Japanese children , including both cohorts of maltreated and typically developing children. To , scientists used the Pediatric-Buccal-Epigenetic (PedBE) clock, a technique for in children through the collection of . The technique involves measuring DNA methylation—the process by which to . Silencing and turning on genes via is how our cells to , which in turn respond to from our environment.

The researchers also employed to measure the duration that participants concentrated on various parts of a recording, namely the eyes of human faces, to assess social attention. provided to carers were used to .

According to the findings, and made when viewing other human faces in the video recording, which is a . Increased were associated with both of these changes.

Crucially, the s seemed to , indicating that might have a on children. These results demonstrate how can have a impact on ageing in children and their .

The study provides key evidence of the detrimental impact of maltreatment at a young age and obviates the need for targeted assessments and interventions that can provide the right support to young children. It is critical research like this that looks beneath the surface and unveils the sensitive exchange between our environment and our genes, one that cannot be underestimated in the context of human social development and health.

Behavioral and emotional difficulties in maltreated children: Associations with epigenetic clock changes and visual attention to social cues. PLoS One. May, 2025. Ochiai, K.; Nishitani, S.; Yao, A.; Hiraoka, D.; Kawata, NY., et al.

National Human Genome Research Institute, Methylation