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Dads of daughters may be more attentive partners

Researchers found that fathers of daughters show higher levels of attachment, commitment, trust, and intimacy toward the child's mother than fathers of sons. Having a daughter appears to be protective of the primary parent relationship, altering men's psychologies in interesting ways.

SourceRutgers University·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·TypeSurvey·DateSep 21, 2026

Fathers’ microplastic exposure tied to their children’s metabolic problems

A study led by UC Riverside scientists found that a father's microplastic exposure can trigger metabolic dysfunctions in his offspring, with female offspring being more susceptible. The research used mouse models and found altered sperm small non-coding RNA profiles and increased risk of diabetes in female offspring.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of the Endocrine Society·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 23, 2025

Strong evidence supports skin-to-skin contact after birth as standard care

A new Cochrane review found that immediate skin-to-skin contact between newborns and their mothers significantly improves exclusive breastfeeding rates, optimal body temperature, breathing, and heart rate. The review suggests that skin-to-skin contact should be the global standard of care for all babies after birth.

SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 21, 2025

Improving relationships between dads and daughters... it's a walk in the park

A new study by Dr John Day of the University of Essex found that physical activity provides a common ground for fathers and daughters to develop deep emotional connections. The research discovered that societal shifts in what it means to be a dad, combined with increased focus on exercise, have led to this transformation.

SourceUniversity of Essex·JournalFamilies Relationships and Societies·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 27, 2025

Does feminism begin at home?

A study of Polish women found that their mothers' and daughters' views on feminism often converged, with pro-feminist attitudes being more prevalent among younger generations. The research suggests that family dynamics play a significant role in shaping women's worldviews on gender equality.

SourceSWPS University·JournalWomen s Studies International Forum·TypeSurvey·DateNov 21, 2024

Like father, like daughter

A new study published in the journal JCI Insight found that male mice fed high-cholesterol diets have increased cardiovascular disease risk in their female offspring. The researchers used a novel method to study sperm small RNA and discovered altered molecules that affect gene expression in early embryonic stem cells.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJCI Insight·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 2024

Women at risk of ‘digital overload’ – new research reveals

A new study by Lancaster University highlights that women are more likely than men to experience 'digital overload' and burnout due to their greater use of digital technologies in both work and family lives. The research emphasizes the need for gender-egalitarian work-from-home arrangements and policies to address this issue.

SourceLancaster University·JournalCommunity Work & Family·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 8, 2024

Mothers and children have their birthday in the same month more often than you’d think – and here’s why

Researchers found that women are more likely to have children in the same month as their own birth, a phenomenon influenced by socio-demographic characteristics. This is due to family members sharing similar backgrounds and behaviors, which can affect fertility and birth seasonality.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalPopulation Studies·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 14, 2023

Research explores why daughters in Chinese families of son preference fail to break from sustained exploitation

Research reveals Chinese families' strong son preference can lead to daughters' emotional and financial exploitation, causing severe mental health consequences. Daughters are socialized from birth to prioritize their family's needs over their own, resulting in feelings of debt and low self-esteem.

SourceLancaster University·JournalMarketing Theory·TypeContent analysis·DateSep 1, 2023

Male killer whales protected by post-menopause mothers

New research shows that post-menopause female killer whales protect their sons from fights with other whales, reducing the incidence of socially inflicted injuries. This unique behavior suggests that females prioritize helping their male offspring, who have more genetic potential for passing on their mother's genes.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 20, 2023

Assisted reproduction kids grow up just fine – but it may be better to tell them early about biological origins, twenty-year study suggests

A landmark study by University of Cambridge researchers found no difference in psychological wellbeing or quality of family relationships between children born through assisted reproduction and those born naturally. However, mothers who disclosed their child's origins early on reported more positive relationships and lower anxiety and ...

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateApr 12, 2023

Killer whale mums pay high price for raising sons

A new study found that killer whale mothers pay a high price for raising their sons, with each living son cutting their annual breeding likelihood in half. This lifelong burden on mothers has significant implications for the future viability of the southern resident killer whale population, which is critically endangered.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 8, 2023

Adult children more likely to be estranged from dad than mom

A new national study found that adult children are over four times more likely to be estranged from their fathers than mothers. The study, conducted by Ohio State University researchers, tracked child estrangement in over 8,000 mother-child and father-child relationships. Results showed that factors such as gender, race/ethnicity, and ...

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 15, 2022

Egyptian mothers’ employment early in children’s life help their daughters stay in work

Research by Lancaster University found that Egyptian mothers' employment during their daughter's adolescence has a long-lasting impact on their daughters' employment stability in adulthood. Employed mothers are more effective role models and bolsters daughters' aspirations, leading to stable public sector employment.

SourceLancaster University·JournalSex Roles·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 29, 2022

The rates of unique names increased in Japan over the 40 years from the 1980s: long-term analysis of baby names published in municipality newsletters

A new study analyzing baby names from municipality newsletters found rising trends of individualism in Japan, with unique names increasing from the 1980s to 2018. The research suggests a cultural shift towards greater uniqueness and independence.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalCurrent Research in Ecological and Social Psychology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 13, 2022

New pediatric investigation study explores how active parent participation can improve neonatal health and reduce parental stress

A new study explores how active parent participation can improve neonatal health and reduce parental stress. The study found that cultural attitudes, collaboration between medical staff and parents, and availability of equipment are key factors in enabling parent-infant closeness.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalPediatric Investigation·TypeSurvey·DateAug 18, 2022

Connection to racial identity may boost body image in Black youth

A new Penn State study found that Black youth with high BMIs reported fewer weight concerns when they had a strong sense of racial identity. Fathers also played a role in shaping their daughters' body image, particularly when involved in teaching about Black culture. The findings suggest that services promoting youth racial identity an...

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Research on Adolescence·TypeObservational study·DateJan 25, 2022

Study finds parental stress as a contributing factor linking maternal depression to child anxiety and depressive symptoms

A secondary analysis found a bi-directional relationship between mother's mental health symptoms and child's mental health symptoms, with parental stress as the mediating factor. The study suggests that lowering parental stress is vital for families where mothers and children exhibit symptoms of anxiety and depression.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 1, 2021

As dementia’s toll rises, new study shows major gaps in who gets care that could help them remain at home

A new study highlights significant disparities in dementia care availability by gender, race, ethnicity, education level, and family structure. The findings emphasize the importance of family caregivers, with those having available spouse or adult child support being less likely to move into nursing homes.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeObservational study·DateSep 8, 2021

Gender bias is real for women in family-owned businesses

A study found that women in family-owned businesses are often discouraged from developing leadership skills and pursuing entrepreneurial careers. The research revealed that 78% of sons pursued entrepreneurial careers, while only 7% of daughters gained an entrepreneurial education or started a business.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalJournal of Small Business Management·DateJun 7, 2021

Baboon matriarchs enjoy less stress

A Duke University-led study found that alpha female baboons have significantly lower levels of glucocorticoids, hormones produced in response to stress. The researchers discovered that higher-ranking females get preferential treatment, leading to faster-growing babies and increased survival rates.

SourceDuke University·JournalHormones and Behavior·DateSep 9, 2020

Discrimination may erase 'birthweight advantage' of black US immigrants in one generation

A recent study published by Princeton University researchers reveals that the 'healthy immigrant' effect experienced by foreign-born black women is lost within a single generation due to discrimination and inequality. In contrast, foreign-born Hispanic women maintain a modest advantage in birthweight across generations.

Scientists unwind mystery behind DNA replication

Researchers found that intrinsic mechanical properties of chromatin determine how fibers entwine during DNA replication, preventing tangles and ensuring proper segregation. The study highlights the importance of physical principles in biological processes and provides new insights into chromatin behavior.

SourceCornell University·JournalCell·DateOct 17, 2019

Early life stress alters helping behavior of meerkat offspring

A University of Michigan study found that stressed Kalahari meerkat mothers alter the growth and behavior of their daughters, leading them to redirect energy towards helping future offspring, thereby benefiting their mothers. This phenomenon highlights a unique example of maternal effects on offspring in nonhuman animals.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateFeb 25, 2019

NIH study of WWII evacuees suggests mental illness may be passed to offspring

A recent NIH study found that the children of female WWII evacuees were more likely to experience mental health disorders, including depression and bipolar disorder. The research suggests that a mother's childhood traumatic exposure may have long-lasting health consequences for her daughters.

A walk at the mall or the park? New study shows, for moms and daughters, a walk in the park is best

A new study from the University of Illinois found that taking a 20-minute walk in nature with moms and daughters can improve their interactions and reduce mental fatigue. The research supports the attention restoration theory, which suggests that interaction with natural environments can restore attentional functioning.