# Neuroplasticity and poverty ![](/files/-MP9QYUFQGSO5gxkTXxF) One of the more fascinating topics from the Biological Approach is neuroplasticity. The *IB Psychology Guide* states that the development of neural networks is the results of both genetic and environmental influences. The article [“The Lasting Impacts of Poverty on the Brain”](http://www.theatlanticcities.com/jobs-and-economy/2013/10/lasting-impacts-poverty-brain/7377/) provides links to two important studies: [Mani et al. (2013)](http://www.sciencemag.org/content/341/6149/976.abstract) which investigates how poverty impedes cognitive function and [Kim et al.](http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2013/10/15/1308240110.abstract) (2013) which explores the effects of childhood poverty and chronic stress on brain function. These studies argue that poverty can impose a mental burden akin to losing 13 IQ points and children raised in poverty can experience problems in regulating their emotions as adults. --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://guide.fariaedu.com/psychology-teacher-articles/biological-approach-1/brain-and-behaviour/neuroplasticity-and-poverty.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.