Brain tests at the age of three appear to predict a child’s future chance of success in life, say researchers. Low cognitive test scores for skills like language indicate less developed brains, possibly caused by too little stimulation in early life, they say.

　　研究人员说，三岁时的大脑测试似乎预示着一个孩子未来在生活中获得成功的机会。他们说，低语言能力的认知测试分数意味着大脑不太发达，可能是由于早期生活中的刺激太少。

　　The US researchers from Duke University say the findings highlight the importance of early life experiences and interventions to support vulnerable youngsters.

　　杜克大学的美国研究人员说，这些发现突出了早期生活经验和干预措施对支持弱势青少年的重要性。

　　Although the study followed people in New Zealand, the investigators believe that the results could apply to other countries. They followed the lives of more than 1,000 children. Those who had low test scores for language, behavioural, movement and cognitive skills at three years old went on to account for more than 80% of crimes, and received 66% of social welfare payments in adulthood.

　　虽然这项研究追踪的是住在新西兰的人，但是研究人员认为结果可能也适用于其他国家。他们追踪了1000多个孩子的生活。那些在三岁时语言能力、行为能力、运动能力和认知能力的测试成绩低的人，占犯罪的80%，并且在成年后获得了66%的社会福利金。

　　It is known that disadvantaged people use a greater share of services. But poverty was not the only link with poor futures.

　　众所周知，处境不利的人使用更大的服务份额。但是贫穷并不是与贫困的未来之间唯一的联系。

　　The researchers found that a similar proportion of middle class children who scored low in tests when they were three also went on to experience difficulties when they were older.

　　研究人员发现，相当比例的中产阶级的孩子在三岁时的测试得分较低，在年龄较大时也会遇到困难。

　　The researchers stress that the outcomes are not set at the age of three. The course of their lives could potentially be changed if they receive support later in life.

　　研究人员强调，结果不是在三岁时设定的。如果他们在生命后期得到支持，他们的生活过程可能会改变。

（编辑：何莹莹）