Scientists found that monkeys fed a diet high in omega-3s had better connections in certain brain networks, Newsmax Health. They noted these connections are similar to those found in people, including networks involved in thinking and attention. The study authors said their findings offer more evidence that omega-3 fatty acids are important for healthy brain development.

Experts note, however, that research with animals often fails to provide similar results in humans.

"The data shows in detail how similar the networks in a monkey brain are to networks in a human brain, but only in the context of a diet rich in omega-3-fatty acids," study senior author Damien Fair, an assistant professor of behavioral neuroscience and an assistant professor of psychiatry at Oregon University, said in a university news release.

Omega-3 fatty acids are nutrients the body needs that are found in specific foods, such as salmon, tuna, mackerel and other fatty fish. The study authors focused on one omega-3 fatty acid, known as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which has already been shown to be important for infant eye development.

Looking ahead, the researchers plan to investigate if monkeys with problems in certain brain networks have behavioral patterns that are similar to those of people with certain disorders, such as autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). They also hope to study how various diets affect the animals over the course of their lifetimes.