Obesity -- like father, like son
A study found that a sugary diet before mating triggers obesity in offspring, while certain gene networks predict susceptibility to weight gain. The researchers also identified similar mechanisms in humans and mice.
Fathers
Articles tagged with Fathers
Sons' intelligence linked to fathers' criminal history
Research reveals that sons of fathers with criminal records have lower cognitive abilities, but the link is explained by genetic factors shared between father and son. The study suggests that having a father with antisocial behavior may not directly affect a child's cognitive development.
Fathers' engagement with baby depends on mother
Researchers found that fathers' positive engagement increased as their intuitive parenting increased, but only when mothers had shown lower levels of intuitive parenting. The study involved highly educated, dual-earner couples and few in which the mother would be staying at home full-time.
Moms more likely than dads to check for sugars on nutrition labels
A recent survey conducted by C.S. Mott Children's Hospital found that mothers are more likely than fathers to read nutrition labels when considering food and drink purchases. Nearly half of mothers report checking the labels always or very often for added/total sugars.
Father's smoking prior to conception could increase asthma risk for baby
A study of over 13,000 men found that non-allergic asthma was significantly more common in children whose fathers smoked before conception. The risk of asthma increased with the duration and age of paternal smoking.
'Super-parent' cultural pressures can spur mental health conditions in new moms and dads
A new study reveals that cultural expectations of parenting and social pressures on new parents, particularly fathers, can contribute to mental health issues such as anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. The research highlights the need for improved screening and social policies to address these challenges.
Dress for success: Research examines male influences on 'looking' middle class
A University of Cincinnati study explores how adult men perceive the relationship between appearance, identity, and culture through dressing. The research finds that many men were socialized into respectable and professional dress norms by their fathers, with some linking less formal dress to blue-collar status.
Parents part of problem in distracted teen driving, study finds
Distracted teen driving is a significant concern, with parents playing a direct role in the problem. According to a new study, more than half of teens talk on cellphones with their parents while driving, despite warnings about the hazards of distracted driving.
Women's professional self-identity impacts on childcare balance, but not men's
A study found that women who identify with their profession work more hours and spend less time with children, but have a more balanced childcare split. In contrast, men's paternal identity has no impact on childcare time or duties taken by mothers.
Father's age influences rate of evolution
A study published in Science found that father's age has a stronger impact on mutation rates in chimpanzees compared to humans, with 90% of new mutations originating from fathers.
Argument with dad? Find friendly ears to talk it out, study shows
A recent study by San Francisco State University's Jeff Cookston found that adolescents receiving a reason for their father's behavior or a better understanding of who is at fault feel better about themselves and dad. This, in turn, is linked to a lower risk of depression for youth.
Dads who do chores bolster daughters' aspirations
A new study suggests that fathers' involvement in household chores plays a significant role in shaping their daughters' career goals. Girls growing up in households where domestic duties are shared more equitably are more likely to have broader career ambitions.
Major breakthrough in understanding Prader-Willi Syndrome, a parental imprinting disorder
Scientists at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have reported a major breakthrough in understanding the molecular basis for Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), a disease that involves defects in parental imprinting. The researchers created a model for PWS by reprogramming skin cells from patients into embryonic-like cells, showing that pater...
Military dads have to re-learn parenting after deployment
A study reveals that military fathers returning from combat deployment struggle to reconnect with their young children, who may not remember them. The researchers emphasize the need for support and resources to help these families rebuild their relationships.
Parents are not more likely to split up if mothers earn more than fathers
Researchers found that mothers earning more than fathers do not increase the risk of relationship break-up, even in cases where they are the sole earners. In fact, in some instances, couples with higher-earning mothers were more stable, particularly during early childcare years.
Incarceration has no effect on nonresident fathers' parenting
A recent study by University of California, Irvine sociologist Kristin Turney and Yale University's Christopher Wildeman found that the incarceration of nonresident fathers does not have a detrimental effect on their parenting. When fathers were not living with their children prior to incarceration, their time behind bars had no signif...
You are what your father eats
A McGill study suggests that a father's diet before conception plays a crucial role in the health of their offspring. The research found that paternal folate levels may be as important as those of the mother, with potential consequences for birth defects and long-term development.
Death of an adult son increases depressive symptoms in mothers, but not fathers
A recent study found that the death of an adult son significantly increased depressive symptoms in mothers, but not fathers. Mothers who relied heavily on their sons for support experienced greater declines in overall health and wellbeing. In contrast, the loss of a daughter had no impact on parental wellbeing.
Dads: How important are they?
A study published in Cerebral Cortex found that mice raised without a father exhibited impaired social behavior, increased aggression, and altered brain anatomy. The findings suggest that paternal presence during critical growth periods is essential for healthy child development.
New algorithm finds you, even in untagged photos
A new algorithm, relational social image search, can find individuals in untagged photos by quantifying relationships between people based on tag locations. The algorithm achieves high reliability without using computationally intensive software and is more efficient than standard approaches.
Study of young parents highlights links among stress, poverty and ethnicity
A comprehensive study reveals that poor mothers and fathers from ethnic minority groups experience high levels of chronic stress, affecting their mental and physical health. The research also found that certain ethnic groups, such as recent immigrants, tend to have lower stress levels despite facing similar socioeconomic challenges.
Babies named for fathers but not mothers reflect US cultural ideologies
Research reveals that family naming trends in the US follow regional patterns, with people in states emphasizing honor more likely to use patronyms. Matronymns are rare and do not predict any statewide variables. The study highlights gender differences in naming traditions.
In dual-career couples, mothers still do the most child care
A study of 182 dual-earner couples found that mothers spent nearly 70% of their time on child care when their children were 9 months old. Despite having similar work constraints, the researchers discovered that mothers still invest significantly more time into parenting.
Stepfamilies add to caregiver burden
A University of Michigan study explores how divorce and remarriage impact caregivers, finding that adult stepchildren can be a source of stress. The research highlights the need for tailored interventions to address the unique needs of re-partnered older adults in complex family situations.
Research shows negative effects of half-siblings
Research shows that adolescents with half-siblings from a different father are at a higher risk of using drugs and having sex by age 15. The study, which examined data from the National Longitudinal Study of Youth, found that these children are about 65% more likely to use drugs and 2.5 times more likely to have sex by their 15th birthday
Thinking about family matters linked to stress for working moms, not dads
A new study finds that working mothers engage in mental labor related to family matters for approximately 29 hours per week, while fathers engage in about 24 hours. Mothers experience increased stress due to societal expectations and the pressure to balance work and family responsibilities.
First probable person to person transmission of new bird flu virus in China
Researchers report a family cluster of two patients with H7N9 infection, suggesting direct transmission from father to daughter. However, the authors stress that the ability to transmit itself is limited and non-sustainable.
Overnights away from home affect children's attachments, U.Va. study shows
A new national study by University of Virginia researchers found that infants spending at least one night per week away from their mothers had more insecure attachments compared to those with fewer overnights or staying with fathers during the day. This raises concerns about the impact of parental separation on children's emotional con...
Dad's obesity could be inherited by multiple generations
New research suggests that a father's obesity can lead to obesity and diabetes-like symptoms in his children and grandchildren. The study found molecular signals in the sperm of obese fathers can program embryos for obesity or metabolic disease later in life.
Obese dads pass on predisposition to obesity and metabolic disorders to their kids
Research in mice suggests that obese fathers' changes to microRNAs increase the risk of daughters being overweight/obese and both sons and daughters developing diabetes-like diseases. Fathers' diet and body composition at conception may affect future child's health.
Gene mutations caused by a father's lifestyle can be inherited by multiple generations
A study published in The FASEB Journal found that moderate paternal exposures, such as cigarette smoking, increase the number of mutations transmitted to children and potentially future generations. DNA mutations were more frequent in families with low-income fathers who smoked cigarettes.
Divorce early in childhood affects parental relationships in adulthood
A new study found that children whose parents divorce early in life tend to have more insecure relationships with their parents as adults. The researchers also discovered that paternal relationships are more likely to be affected by divorce, possibly due to mothers being more likely to receive primary custody.
Fraternal singing in zebra finches
Young zebra finches can learn their fathers' songs via their brothers, and this learning process is similar to human speech acquisition. The study found that juvenile siblings with no father exposure learned the same song as those exposed to a brother's song for a short period.
Study says fathers should ask kids: 'Am I the dad you need me to be?'
A new study suggests that fathers should ask their children for feedback on their parenting to improve the relationship. Researchers found that girls tend to believe in a father's enduring aspects, while boys think dads do good depending on the situation. Fatherhood expert Jeff Cookston offers five tips to improve dad-child relationships.
Marriages benefit when fathers share household, parenting responsibilities, MU researcher says
A University of Missouri researcher found that couples who share household and child-rearing responsibilities are happier. Doing chores together and having mutual divisions of labor benefitted both spouses, while father-child bonds also contributed to better marital satisfaction.
Telling tales can be a good thing
A recent study found that mothers tend to elaborate more and use more emotional terms when reminiscing with their children than fathers. This increased interaction helps mothers communicate the importance of their child's feelings and experiences, leading to better emotional well-being.
Parents should do chores together, study says
A recent study by Brigham Young University found that couples who do housework together and spend quality time with their children are more satisfied with the division of labor. The researchers also discovered that fathers' involvement in childcare significantly contributes to a better marriage relationship.
Scientists identify why some fathers are left holding the baby
Researchers found that role reversal was caused by an imbalance in the numbers of males relative to females. In sex-reversed species like seahorses, males take on traditional female roles, such as caring for offspring and competing with each other for mates.
Can plants be altruistic? You bet, says new CU-Boulder-led study
A new CU-Boulder-led study reveals that plants can exhibit altruistic behavior, prioritizing the growth and well-being of their closely related offspring. The research found that endosperm in seeds sharing the same mother and father grew more heavily than those with genetically different parents.
Gay African-American youth face unique challenges coming out to families
Gay black males struggle to cope with racism, homophobia, and sexism, carrying a special stigma that affects their self-image. Targeted interventions involving biological fathers or father figures can help families navigate this unexpected reality.
Father's death affects early adolescents' futures in developing world
A father's death can have long-term effects on a child's later success in life, particularly for late childhood and early adolescence. Research suggests that bereaved children may experience lower adult living standards, earlier marriage, and smaller incomes due to the loss of a father's earning power.
How do stay-at-home dads seek greater social acceptance?
Stay-at-home fathers are mobilizing to build greater legitimacy for their marginalized gender identity by aggressively pursuing recognition from mainstream institutions. They attempt to avoid feminizing associations by masculinizing domesticity, instead enacting a rebel dad persona and portraying themselves as a gender vanguard.
How infidelity helps nieces and nephews
A University of Utah study supports the theory that men help their sisters' children because they are more likely to carry genes from their mother. The new mathematical model relaxes assumptions previously made, showing that men are more likely to share genes with their sister's kids than under the old theory.
Fear of the dentist is passed on to children by their parents
A new study reveals that parents' dental fear can transmit to their children, with fathers acting as a major mediator in this process. The research analyzed 183 children and found that the father's emotional reactions significantly impact the child's perception of dentist anxiety.
Twitter principles of social networking increase family success in nesting birds
A study published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B found that cooperative family interactions and differing parental feeding patterns are crucial to a family's success. Small to medium-sized broods did best when mothers provided most food, while larger broods thrived with fathers as main feeders.
Welfare allowance may hit women's careers
Research shows that Norwegian mothers who received a childcare benefit to stay at home with small children often don't return to full-time work until their child is six. However, educated mothers can safeguard their careers by working part-time, maintaining job expertise and networks.
UCLA biologists reveal potential 'fatal flaw' in iconic sexual selection study
A classic study on male and female promiscuity has been called into question after UCLA biologists repeated the experiment using the same methods as the original. The team found that Bateman's conclusions about the relationship between mate number and offspring fitness were likely flawed due to a bias in his methodology.
Parents' work-life stress hinders healthy eating
A study by Temple University found that parents' work-life stress hinders healthy eating in families, particularly among urban fathers who face higher rates of unemployment. Fathers and mothers experience different challenges in preparing meals, with mothers spending more time on food preparation but reporting fewer family meals.
Dad's brains mean more to his son's success than his money: Study
A recent study published in the Journal of Political Economy found that human capital endowments passed from father to son play a crucial role in determining a son's success. The researchers used detailed government data on Swedish fathers and sons to isolate differences in income due to factors other than human capital.
Many new mothers spend more time on Facebook after giving birth
A study by Ohio State University found that 44% of new mothers increased their Facebook use after giving birth, while 31% of fathers did. This was attributed to the need for social support and feedback during a stressful time. Mothers who reported greater satisfaction with their parenting role had closer ties on Facebook.
Viewers' family background affects how they react to MTV shows 16 and Pregnant, Teen Mom
A new study suggests that MTV shows '16 and Pregnant' and 'Teen Mom' send mixed messages about teenage pregnancy. The study found that frequent viewers whose fathers communicated openly with them about sex were less likely to have recently had sex, while those whose fathers rarely did so were more likely.
Young children of unmarried parents fare worse when a father's support is court-ordered
A Rutgers University study found that young children of unmarried parents who receive court-mandated financial support from their fathers exhibit more aggressive behavior. In contrast, children whose fathers provide informal support without court orders have increased cognitive skills and verbal abilities. Researchers suggest that pate...
Spontaneous gene glitches linked to autism risk with older dads
Fathers are four times more likely than mothers to transmit spontaneous mutations to their children with autism, increasing the child's risk five to 20 fold. Researchers found that these tiny genetic glitches play a significant role in ASDs and may provide clues to new treatments.
Characteristics of fathers with depressive symptoms
A study found that fathers with depressive symptoms are associated with an increased risk of emotional or behavioral problems in children. The research identified factors such as poverty, unemployment, living with a child with special health care needs, and maternal depression as predictors of paternal depressive symptoms.
Fit females make more daughters, mighty males get grandsons
Research shows that high-quality females, which produce more offspring, are more likely to have daughters. Conversely, weaker females, with their grandfather's qualities, produce more sons. This study found that females can manipulate the sex of their offspring to compensate for genetic limitations.
Study: Working moms multitask more and have worse time doing so than dads
A new study reveals that working mothers spend more time multitasking (48.3 hours/week) compared to working fathers (38.9 hours/week). However, the quality of their multitasking experience is significantly different, with working mothers reporting negative emotions and stress when multitasking at home or in public.
Seeking to be the 'perfect parent' not always good for new moms and dads
A study found that new mothers and fathers who believe society expects them to be 'perfect' parents show poorer adjustment. However, self-imposed pressure can have benefits for fathers, particularly in terms of parenting satisfaction and stress levels.
Low-income dads support breastfeeding
Researchers found that low-income fathers have a positive view of breastfeeding but lack specific knowledge about its benefits. They also reported feeling limited in their ability to influence their partner's decision to breastfeed.
Lower income dads active in their kids' health
A study from Northwestern University found that lower-income urban dads are involved in their children's health and encourage exercise and healthy eating, but also face challenges in handling emergency medical care. Fathers reported modeling behavior for their kids, such as exercising and playing, to promote healthy habits.
Women with PCOS have family heart disease link
A new study from the University of Adelaide reveals a strong link between cardiovascular disease in both parents and the risk of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in their daughters. Mothers with PCOS are more likely to have high blood pressure, while fathers are at a higher risk for heart disease and stroke.