Philosophy for teens

At the time of reward, nearly one-third of adolescent neurons became excited (shown in red) though the level of inhibition (in blue) changed marginally. Adult neurons registered much higher inhibitory activity and less excitation.

The extreme difference in brain activity provides a possible physiological explanation as to why teenagers are more prone than adults to rash behaviour, addiction, and mental diseases

The type of erratic activity in the cortex that she and Sturman observed could aggravate these conditions at a time when the maturing brain is vulnerable.

"This could intensify the effect of reward on decision making and answer several questions regarding adolescent behaviour,