Research on mothers' health, family life, and parenting. Covers maternal wellbeing, vaccination questions, marriage and relationships, and breastfeeding.
Researchers at OIST have adapted a parent-training program for ADHD to support Japanese families, resulting in reduced child symptoms and improved parent-child relationships. The study suggests that the new program could become an effective mainstream treatment for ADHD in Japan.
A new species of satiny-white winged moth was discovered in the White Sands National Monument and named delindae in honor of Steve Mix's supportive mother Delinda Mix. The moth was identified by Eric H. Metzler after a decade of studying the local fauna.
A new study by Northeastern University psychologist Lisa Feldman Barrett found that the neurotransmitter dopamine plays a crucial role in human bonding. The research, which used a novel technology to scan mothers' brains while interacting with their infants, showed that strong social relationships can improve outcomes for individuals w...
Research from UM Frost School of Music found that infant-directed singing fosters a strong bond between mothers and infants. Engaging infants through song stimulates their attention, while also benefiting the mother by providing a distraction from negative emotions and thoughts associated with postpartum depression.
A new study found that pregnant women who were supported to quit smoking through the 'BabyClear' programme had heavier, healthier babies. The programme, which screens all pregnant women for smoking using carbon monoxide monitoring, led to a doubling of the number of women who quit smoking during pregnancy.
A new study published in Diabetologia found that babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes have a higher risk of preterm birth, Caesarean section, and cardiac malformations. The study also revealed an increased risk of death for newborns born to mothers with insulin-treated gestational diabetes.
Researchers found that preeclampsia in pregnant rats led to less severe retinopathy and normal retinal vascular development in offspring. The combination of preeclampsia and oxygen fluctuations reduced features of ROP. Growth factors needed for retina development came from the pups, not the mothers.
A 250 million-year-old fossil from China shows an embryo inside its mother, revealing the first evidence of live birth in a group previously thought to lay eggs exclusively. The discovery, made by an international team of scientists, pushes back the evidence of reproductive biology in this group by 50 million years.
A limited subset of HIV strains can be transmitted from mothers to children, but these viruses are generally shorter and have fewer sugars attached, making them less likely to be neutralized by the immune system. This study highlights the need for different strategies to prevent transmission during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
A remarkable 250 million-year-old fossil found in China shows an embryo inside the mother, providing clear evidence for live birth. The discovery rewrites the understanding of reproductive evolution in a wide group containing birds, crocodilians, dinosaurs, and pterosaurs.
A series of innovative studies tracks effects of common chemicals on human health and environment, examining mercury's impact on blood pressure in pregnant women. The research also provides first evidence linking parabens and triclocarban to measurable adverse health effects in newborns.
Women born with complex congenital heart disease can now have successful pregnancies thanks to new guidance. The American Heart Association journal Circulation published a road map for healthcare providers, emphasizing the need for close monitoring and expert care.
A recent study published in International Journal of Epidemiology found that immigration raids can have a negative impact on the health of Latino newborns. Infants born to US-born and immigrant Latina mothers had a 24% greater risk of low birth weight compared to the previous year.
Research finds that African immigrant mothers tend to focus on factual information about sex and reproduction, rather than cultural teachings or myths, when educating their daughters. This shift is attributed to increased exposure to liberal American culture and the desire for more accurate education.
Researchers have created a human stem-cell based system to find drugs for mitochondrial disease. They extracted skin cells from patients with faulty mitochondria and used them to identify a promising potential drug called avanafil. This breakthrough gives the potential for truly personalized treatments for rare diseases.
New research suggests postpartum depression and anxiety have distinct neural activity patterns compared to major depression. Women with PPD often experience less amygdala activation, while postpartum anxiety is estimated to be just as prevalent but receives less attention.
A University of Michigan study reveals that immigration fears among Latino mothers can lead to lower birth weights and preterm births. The research found a 24% increased risk of low birth weight among Latina babies born after the historic Postville immigration raid in 2008.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health finds that all NYC toddlers studied had flame retardants on their hands, with mothers having lower levels. The researchers detected a higher concentration of flame retardants in toddler hand wipes compared to their mothers.
A new study by Ohio State University found that the number of US women taking maternity leave has remained unchanged over the past 22 years, with fewer than half receiving paid time off. The research showed a significant increase in fathers' paternity leave, but at much lower rates than women's
Mothers of socially anxious children exhibit overinvolvement, leading to limited self-efficacy and constant fear; this behavior restricts coping strategies and opportunities for new situations
A study published in mSystems found identical bacterial strains in infants and their mothers, indicating vertical transmission of microbes. The researchers used novel computational techniques to track the transmission of microbes, revealing that mothers are sources of important microorganisms for infant gut development.
A new study published in Lancet Global Health found that maternal micronutrient supplements during pregnancy significantly boost child development and cognitive ability. The research also highlights the importance of a strong nurturing environment, home conditions, and parental education in shaping a child's intellectual abilities.
A study published in Current Biology found that killer whales are one of only three known species to go through menopause due to reproductive conflict with their daughters. Older mothers suffer higher costs competing to reproduce alongside their daughters, leading to a mortality rate 1.7 times higher for younger mothers' offspring.
Researchers found that rudeness from a patient's family member negatively impacts medical team performance, leading to reduced diagnostic accuracy and communication. Interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral training, may help mitigate these effects, suggesting teaching medical professionals how to handle rudeness is crucial.
A study by University of Adelaide researchers found that adding thiamin to fish sauce improves blood markers of thiamin status, making it a potential means of preventing thiamin deficiency in Cambodia. Thiamin deficiency can lead to serious health issues, including beriberi, which is often fatal in infants if left untreated.
A new study by the University of Exeter found that climate change improves breeding chances for migratory geese in the Arctic, but increases the death rate among mothers. This is because warmer conditions require extra energy for laying eggs and make them more vulnerable to predators.
A study at Southern Methodist University found that parents and nonparents alike rate spanking as more common, acceptable, and effective than corporal punishment. Researchers suggest changing semantics of discipline to reduce violence and prevent harm to children.
A study found that maternal depression in early childhood increases children's susceptibility to psychopathology and social-emotional problems. Mother-child interaction patterns also play a crucial role in this effect. Improving mother-child interactions may help reduce the effects of maternal depression on children's development.
Children of obese mothers are more likely to fail tests of fine motor skill and social competence, while those born to extremely obese couples also show signs of problem-solving ability delays. The study's findings suggest that paternal obesity also has a significant impact on child development.
Over a third of scientific reports are published in languages other than English, leading to biases in our understanding. The researchers call for basic summaries to be published in multiple languages and translations to be included in 'outreach' evaluation criteria.
Children whose mothers smoked during pregnancy are more likely to show signs of kidney damage. Maternal smoking is linked to an increased risk of childhood proteinuria, a sign of reduced kidney function that can lead to chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease in adulthood.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research found that German men have fewer children than women and have them later in life. Eastern Germany's male birthrate is particularly low due to a surplus of men in reproductive age.
A Danish study found that mothers of infants with major congenital anomalies were at a higher risk of death from cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and other causes. The study also found an increased risk during the first decade after the child's birth.
A study funded by Grand Challenges Canada reveals that premature babies who received Kangaroo Mother Care in infancy exhibit reduced aggressive behavior, higher brain size, and increased financial success as adults. These benefits persist even 20 years later.
Research found that blood flow in fetuses of diabetic mothers is redirected to the placenta, diverting away from the brain. The study used foetal Doppler echocardiography and a computerized model to analyze blood circulation.
A team of researchers suggests that the lifelong immunity to toxoplasmosis, once thought to be absolute, may not be as robust as previously believed. Studies have shown that even expectant mothers infected with Toxoplasma gondii at birth can still test positive for antibodies, challenging the long-held dogma.
A combination of the prostaglandin-like drug misoprostol and a balloon catheter could reduce delivery room time by several hours, potentially saving thousands of days of labor per year. The study found no significant differences in cesarean deliveries or medical complications between the methods.
A new study found that high-quality coparenting can intensify the negative effects of coercive parenting on children's behavior. Mothers' perceptions of high-quality coparenting were associated with increased children's disruptive behavior when combined with highly coercive parenting.
Mothers with repetitive and self-focused negative thoughts have poorer-quality relationships with their babies. Researchers found that rumination reduces maternal sensitivity to infants, regardless of depressive symptoms. This study suggests strategies can help manage rumination and improve parenting.
A recent study by Paula England found that highly skilled women with high wages lose an average of 10% in their wage per child, while those with lower skills and wages experience a smaller penalty. The penalties for black women are lower than for white women, but do not vary significantly by skill or wage level.
A new ASU study suggests that parents should focus on promoting kindness and decency in their children, rather than just academic achievement. Children who perceived their parents as valuing kindness equally or more highly performed better academically and had fewer psychological issues.
A large study of over 196,000 children found no association between a mother having an influenza infection during pregnancy and an increased risk of autism spectrum disorders. While there was a suggestion of increased risk with maternal vaccination in the first trimester, this finding was not statistically significant after adjusting f...
A longitudinal study found that young children whose mothers supported their early math learning through labeling object quantities had better math achievement at ages 4-5. This early support may provide a foundation for developing complex number skills and having lasting connections to math achievement through first grade.
A recent study found that childhood cancer significantly reduces parents' income from employment, particularly affecting mothers' earnings and employment status. Mothers are more likely to experience reduced income and employment, even six years post-diagnosis, whereas fathers' employment remains unaffected.
Researchers found that chimpanzees copy their mothers' grooming styles, including high-arm grooming, which is not closely associated with group identity or social relationships. The study suggests a strong maternal influence on chimp behavior, with young chimps learning the behavior from their mothers and continuing it into adulthood.
Scientists at University of Oxford discovered that ducklings have two separate memory banks for visual information, which can cause internal conflicts. The findings shed light on how birds' brains work, highlighting the differences between avian and mammalian brains.
A study published in Neurology shows a link between mothers with rheumatoid arthritis and children with epilepsy. Children born to mothers with rheumatoid arthritis were up to 90% more likely to develop epilepsy than those without RA. The study suggests changes in the environment for the fetus may play a role in developing epilepsy.
Researchers used magnetoencephalography to discover that brain activity in both the child and mother is low during gazing, but increases with parental responses. This study provides new insights into social interactions and child development for children with autism spectrum disorder.
Children born via Cesarean section may be more likely to become overweight or obese, with a 40% greater odds of this outcome compared to those born vaginally. The association is strongest among mothers who are already obese, suggesting that vaginal delivery may help mitigate the risk.
A University of Toronto study found that infant handling and natal attraction had a significant impact on the weaning process in female chimpanzees. Infants who were held and carried more by babysitters nursed less often and drank less milk, becoming nutritionally independent sooner.
Despite extensive research supporting mother's own milk as most effective option for low birthweight infants, numerous barriers persist in NICUs. Common issues include ineffective breast pumps, inadequate freezer space, and lack of investment in evidence-based practices to optimize milk volume.
A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that mothers who participated in family therapy with their children recovered faster from substance use issues. Family therapy was more effective than individual therapy in reducing alcohol and marijuana use among mothers, while opioids use showed similar decreases in both groups.
Researchers at Cornell University have confirmed a genetic link between mitochondrial DNA and autism spectrum disorder in children. The study found that autistic children had more than twice as many harmful mtDNA mutations compared to their non-autistic siblings. This finding may lead to better diagnosis and treatment of children with ...
A University at Buffalo sociologist found that celebrity news coverage contributed to changing family norms, making non-marital births more accepted. The study analyzed People magazine covers and showed a shift from presenting unmarried pregnancies as problems to happy, morally unproblematic events.
A Duke University study finds that underfed worm mothers buffer their babies from early starvation's effects, consistent with the thrifty phenotype hypothesis. Baby worms reared in lean conditions thrive despite prenatal malnutrition.
New research suggests that early-life stress can impair learning and memory in later life, but improving nutrition may help prevent these effects. Early micronutrient supplementation has been shown to improve cognitive function in adult offspring of stressed mice.
A large-scale program combining interpersonal counseling, mass media, and community mobilization significantly improved breastfeeding practices in Bangladesh and Viet Nam. Breastfeeding rates rose from 18.9% to 57.8% in Viet Nam and from 48.5% to 87.6% in Bangladesh, with positive impacts on early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding.
A new study from the University of Missouri suggests that co-parenting concerns differ by gender, impacting parents' ability to work together. The study found that fathers' parenting behaviors are most affected by financial and legal concerns, while mothers' co-parenting is influenced by concerns about their ex-spouse's mental instabil...
PFASs found in hooded seal mothers' plasma and milk, with concentrations higher than those in other species. This exposure can lead to reduced birth weight and developmental effects, threatening the survival of young seals.
Researchers examine how second person pronouns in Spanish are used to communicate shifts in various social identities, highlighting the dynamic nature of identity negotiation. The study confirms that aspects of our identities are often fleeting, invoked for a purpose and then negotiated as conversations progress.