New research from Trinity College Dublin reveals that two-month-old infants have more developed brains than previously believed, capable of distinguishing between live and inanimate objects. The study, published in Nature Neuroscience, involved fMRI scans of over 130 babies and indicates significant cognitive development in infancy. Lead author Cliona O’Doherty highlights that infants process their environment in complex ways, challenging previous assumptions about their cognitive abilities. The findings may also inform understanding of mental health conditions later in life.