Most parents know the thought of going to the local fast-food outlet and grabbing a kids’ meal (toy included!) will make their kids’ eyes light up. As it turns out, their brains light up, too. Fast-food franchises have done such a good job selling their products to children that when kids see a fast-food logo, sections of their brains (those associated with treats and rewards) grow more active. At least that’s the finding of a new study conducted by the University of Missouri in Kansas City and the University of Kansas Medical Center. “The brains of children are imprinted with food logos,” says Dr. Amanda Bruce, who led the study. “Without the necessary inhibitory processes to aid in decision-making, youth are particularly susceptible to making poor choices about what to eat.” (Los Angeles Times)