Sarah Kuta in Smithsonian Magazine:
For the study, scientists combined nine previously collected datasets to look at the brain scans of almost 4,000 “neurotypical” individuals, from newborns to 90-year-olds. Specifically, they looked at diffusion MRI scans, which measure the microscopic movements of water molecules inside the brain. These scans show how the organ’s tissues are structured and can also be used to detect subtle changes, allowing the researchers to see how average brain architecture evolves over a lifetime.
The scientists measured brain wiring changes using 12 different metrics, including the efficiency of connections between regions and the extent of compartmentalization. This analysis revealed the five epochs, each with its own pattern of brain architecture trends.
The first phase occurs from birth to age 9, during which connections between different regions of the brain are relatively inefficient. During this period, the brain also begins consolidating and pruning those connections.
The second era takes place from ages 9 to 32.
More here.
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