Playing with dolls could help the social development of children - including those with neurodiverse conditions such as autism, according to a study. The research, from Cardiff University, found children exhibiting higher levels of autism traits showed increased brain activity in a key region associated with social processing when engaging in conversations with individuals during doll play. The new findings suggested that broader social engagement with others while engaging in doll play was a unique pathway to social development for these children. This was in contrast to what was observed in neurotypical children, who were more likely to discuss the dolls’ thoughts and emotions. However, researchers said that despite this difference, it showed that both groups may be able to benefit from doll play by using it as a tool for practising social scenarios and developing social skills, such as empathy. The findings are the latest release from a multi-year study by the Centre for Human Developmental Science at the university’s School of Psychology. Previous years have focused on neurotypical children and found wide-ranging social and developmental benefits of playing with dolls. Now, in its third year, the research team has replicated those results with a more diverse range of participants, including children aged between four and eight displaying both high and low levels of traits associated with autism. Lead researcher Dr Sarah Gerson said: “Our study shows that doll play can encourage social processing in children, regardless of their neurodevelopmental profile. “The findings show that all children, even those who display neurodivergent traits commonly associated with autism, may use doll play as a tool for practicing social scenarios and developing social skills, such as empathy.” State-of-the-art functional, near-infrared spectroscopy equipment was used to explore brain activation while children played with dolls and on tablets, both by themselves and with another person, replicating conditions from the first year of the study. While observing children, researchers saw increased brain activity in the posterior superior temporal sulcus (pSTS) region - which is heavily involved in social and emotional processing such as empathy - when playing with dolls, for both play with a social partner and during solo doll play, but less so during solo tablet play. The study’s results suggest that doll play could support social processing, regardless of a child’s neurodevelopmental profile, but through different pathways. For children displaying fewer autistic traits in the research, talking about the mental states and emotions of the dolls they were playing with was associated with increased pSTS activity. In contrast, for those displaying more autistic traits, talking with others during doll play, even when playing by themselves, led to more social processing on a neural level. Other research has shown that social processing and empathy skills are important determinants in children’s future emotional, academic, and social success. The study was a collaboration with the Wales Autism Research Centre. ‘Create a more inclusive and supportive environment for their development’ Its director Dr Catherine Jones said: “The study reinforces how it is important that that we acknowledge and value neurodiversity. “This means recognising and valuing the diverse ways in which children’s brains work and approaching social development in a way that is inclusive and accommodating for all children, regardless of their neurodivergence. “By embracing all ways that children choose to play, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for their development.” Since the landmark publication of Piaget’s theory of cognitive development, the effects of play have been thought to be positive for kids’ social skills and creativity, but this has never been scientifically evidenced at the brain level. The multi-year long-term study, commissioned by Barbie, is the first time key Piaget theories on play have been scientifically evidenced via brain imaging and the first to use neuroimaging evidence with natural doll play, meaning there was no prescribed storyline to show how the brain is activated during doll play. Michael Swaisland, head EMEA of insight and analytics, Mattel, said: “We are proud to know that when children, regardless of their neurodevelopmental profile, play with Barbie, their playtime may benefit their development. “As Barbie continues to inspire the limitless potential in every child, we are delighted to know, through neuroscience, that playing with dolls may encourage the development of social skills such as empathy in children, including those who display neurodivergent traits commonly associated with autism. “We look forward to uncovering even more benefits of doll play through our long-term partnership with Cardiff University as we look to shine a light on the benefits the play pattern has towards development, that parents might not have been aware of.” Parents and caregivers can visit here to learn more about the research and access resources. Read More Toys children play with can have an effect on their success in adulthood The best exclusive discount codes this payday Many parents of under 5s on less than £50k ‘quit work due to childcare costs’ – survey

Even though there was nothing unusual about the Duggar family guidelines, fans believe that there is a hidden message in each one

A monthslong investigation into a series of Navy suicides last year found the service failed to provide a basic quality of life for sailors, housing them in unacceptable living conditions and failing to provide adequate mental health resources.

A pro-Russian former politician in Ukraine is fighting for his life after being shot in his Crimea home, an official has said. Oleg Tsaryov, who was reportedly being lined to lead a puppet administration in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv after Russia’s invasion, is in intensive care in hospital, Vladimir Rogov, a Russian-installed official in southern Ukraine, said. He was reportedly shot twice at around midnight at his home in Crimea. “Oleg’s condition is very serious. He is currently in intensive care," Mr Rogov wrote on the Telegram messaging app. Sources told Reuters last year that Russia had been lining up Mr Tsaryov to head a puppet government in Kyiv after Moscow’s forces invaded on 24 February. Mr Tsaryov himself dismissed that possibility when The Financial Times reported it, citing US intelligence, ahead of the invasion. He told the paper at the time that the idea was "pretty funny" because he was just running a wellness business in Crimea and was "not important enough". Previously, Mr Tsaryov had been a member of the Ukrainian parliament and then speaker of the parliament of "Novorossiya", an entity formed after Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine broke away in 2014 and began fighting Ukrainian forces. News of the shooting comes amid continued fighting on the frontline where Russian troops have been executed for retreating from key battles. US intelligence said Russian soldiers had been fleeing the frontline in the Kremlin’s offensive in the eastern city of Avdiivka, Donetsk. “We have information that the Russian military has been actually executing soldiers who refuse to follow orders,” White House spokesperson John Kirby told a media briefing on Thursday. Ukrainian forces have been repelling the Russian onslaught on the frontline in Donetsk for several weeks since mid-October. Meanwhile, the alternative Black Sea export corridor will continue to function despite all threats, Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky said on Friday morning. The presidential office reported that Mr Zelensky discussed the operation of the route as well as vessel insurance during a phone call with British prime minister Rishi Sunak. On Thursday, the Kyiv-based Barva Invest consultancy, British security firm Ambrey and a specialised outlet, Ukrainian Ports, reported that Ukraine had suspended use of the corridor due to a possible threat from Russian warplanes and sea mines. Additional reporting by agencies Read More War-weary mothers, wives and children of Ukrainian soldiers demand a cap on military service time Russia-Ukraine war: Putin’s troops ‘executed for retreating’ Abortion restrictions in Russia spark outrage as the country takes a conservative turn As the Turkish Republic turns 100, here's a look at its achievements and challenges ahead Russia is executing its own retreating soldiers as Ukraine offensive fails, says US White House says Russia is executing its own soldiers for not following orders

The project was no small feat, especially adding a second story to the house, but they nailed it in true '70s style

For two days after Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin called off his abortive mutiny, Russian President Vladimir Putin said nothing in public. Having faced the greatest challenge to his authority in 23 years, and almost witnessed his country tip into civil war, many expected the president to respond with sound and fury.

More elevator riders in North Carolina soon won't see the eyes of the state labor commissioner staring back at them

Mason Marchment scored the tiebreaking goal in the third period following a successful coach’s challenge as the Dallas Stars rallied from two-goal deficit and beat the surging New York Rangers 6-3

Anyone who has been on Twitter/X this week will perhaps have noticed that Cilla Black has been trending on the platform as people remember her funniest moments. The late singer and TV presenter entertained audiences with a career spanning over five decades, with sixties hits such as "Anyone Who Had a Heart" and "You're My World" before hosting her own BBC variety show, Cilla from 1968 to 1976. She continued to be a permanent fixture on our screens as the host of Blind Date (1985-2003) Surprise Surprise (1984-2001), and The Moment of Truth (1998-2001) The year 2013 marked a significant milestone for Cilla, having worked 50 years in the entertainment industry. In 2015, she passed away aged 72 following a fall and suffering from a stroke at her holiday villa in Spain. Tributes poured in for the Liverpudlian and at her funeral including from fellow singer-turned-TV presenter and close friend Paul O’Grady (who later passed away earlier this year). "If I had to sum Cilla up in one word it would be ‘laughter’. Because that’s all we did. We got up to a lot of trouble but we laughed while we were doing it," he said. We're all a bit clueless as to how this trend began but nevertheless, the memories have been entertaining to read and watch - here are some of Cilla's best and funniest moments: When she quit Blind Date - while live on air Her favourite snack was an Oxo cube rubbed into an orange "All Night Long" (Cilla's Version) Performing 'Eye of the Tiger' down at a local leisure centre She called out an uncover journalist on Blind Date Her rendition of You're So Vain Cilla Black played the grandmother of Girls Aloud's Nicola Roberts in a sketch How to join the indy100's free WhatsApp channel Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.

Michael Beale insists fans will see a new Rangers side next season – but insists this current version was not broken despite a trophyless campaign. The Light Blues concluded their cinch Premiership season with a comfortable 3-0 win over St Mirren in Paisley, thanks to a double from Fashion Sakala and a third from substitute Antonio Colak. Rangers were already consigned to second place behind treble-chasing Celtic and after 38 fixtures, ended with 92 points, seven behind the Hoops. Since sporting director Ross Wilson left the Ibrox club in April, the former Gers assistant coach, who took over from Giovanni Van Bronckhorst in November, has been more involved in recruitment with Norwich midfielder Kieran Dowell’s pre-contract signing the first of several to come, while the departures of Allan McGregor, Ryan Kent, Alfredo Morelos, Scott Arfield and Filip Helander have been confirmed. “Probably the last five or six weeks have been the busiest I’ve ever been,” said Beale. “I’m not shocked by anything in the job or demands. “I was used to it here before but the added responsibility and added time off the pitch, managing other areas and doing recruitment, it’s been busy. “I’m glad the end of season is here if I am honest. But we’re really in a good place. We’re waiting for one or two things to be signed off then we’ll start seeing a new Rangers team come together. “Albeit, we’ve got over 90 points this season which, someone will tell me, but I don’t think we have done that too often in the last 15 or 20 years. When we have, we generally have won the league.” There appeared to be more than a hint of sarcasm in Beale’s voice when he added: “Again, everything is broken at Rangers so I’m looking forward to mending it. That’s the perception, I’m not sure if that’s quite true. “Celtic deserved to win the league this year, they were the outstanding team but our record was a strong one and I believe we’ll be adding to a very good team.” Buddies boss Stephen Robinson, who claimed a “clinical” Rangers side punished St Mirren for “three mistakes”, admitted that it was unlikely that out-of-contract striker Curtis Main would be staying at the Paisley club. The Northern Irishman said: “Curtis is very unlikely to stay. “When you are getting double and triple your money offers in England’s League One and Two then you need to just admit that you are not going to get there. “Curtis has been absolutely excellent for me, he’s been terrific every time he has played and he’s earned the right for possibly one big move. “Even today he was playing with an injection in his foot and he’s given absolutely everything so that’s the kind of quality people we have inside this building and I wish him nothing but the best if he moves on.”

If the thought of summer coming to an end brings a tear to your eye, we get it. Which is why we’re here to remind you that, with the start of the cold-weather season, come fall-friendly outfits to cheer you up, what with all the fall boots, the blanket scarves, and the layers upon layers of pumpkin-spiced plaid. With school back in session and the imminent return to work after a digital nomad summer, autumn also often calls for a new handbag, and the trendiest picks this year are especially difficult to resist.

The U.S. Supreme Court says it will not stop Mississippi from removing voting rights from people convicted of certain felonies — a practice that originated in the Jim Crow era with the intent of stopping Black men from influencing elections