Babies on the brain

Four-month-old Matai Reid was monitored by scientists at Durham University to see how he responded to moving images on a television screen.

Matai, from Durham, was fitted with a cap with sensors attached so his brain activity could be recorded.

Dr Vincent Reid, a psychologist at Durham University, said: "We don't yet know enough about how the brains of very young babies develop and how they react to things. It is vital we know more so we can identify problems and developmental delays much earlier."

Matai's mother, Gemma Reid, said: "The babies enjoy doing the study, I think. They enjoy watching the stimuli."

Psychologists at the university are searching for more children, aged up to two years old, to take part in the study.

The children involved are not medically tested for autism.

Dr Reid added: "It is important to stress that the procedure is non-invasive, harmless and painless."