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New study reveals changes in the brain throughout pregnancy

Researchers have created the first map of a human brain over the course of pregnancy, documenting changes in gray and white matter. These findings suggest that the adult brain is capable of undergoing extended periods of neuroplasticity, which may support behavioral adaptations tied to parenting.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeObservational study·DateSep 16, 2024

Babies born to women consuming a high fat, sugary diet at greater risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes in later life

Research found that babies born to pregnant women consuming high-fat, high-energy diets are more likely to develop heart problems and diabetes as adults due to fetal damage. Consuming a high-fat diet during pregnancy also increases the likelihood of insulin resistance in adulthood.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 12, 2024

Exposure to air pollution during pregnancy increases postpartum depression risk for at least three years, study finds

Researchers found that women exposed to higher levels of nitrogen dioxide and inhalable particulate matter during the second trimester face an almost fourfold increased risk of postpartum depression. The study also discovered a sustained effect of air pollution on symptoms of depression for up to three years after birth.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 11, 2024
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Banning friendships can backfire: moms who ‘meddle’ make bad behavior worse

A new study by Florida Atlantic University finds that maternal disapproval of children's friends damages their standing among peers, exacerbating behavior problems. Mothers who meddle in their child's friendships inadvertently worsen their behavior issues.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateSep 4, 2024

Rising temperatures in Africa may increase perinatal deaths

A study published in Nature Medicine reveals a correlation between high temperatures in the final week of pregnancy and an increased risk of stillbirth and early neonatal mortality. High temperatures were associated with a 34% higher risk of perinatal death, which doubled during the six hottest months of the year.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateSep 3, 2024

Prenatal smoking risks academic achievement of unborn babies

Research reveals that maternal prenatal smoking can limit a child's academic performance and put them behind their peers at school. The systematic review of 19 studies and 1.25 million participants found that 79% of studies reported reduced academic achievement in children exposed to maternal prenatal smoking.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalAddictive Behaviors·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 27, 2024
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

KKH study: Exclusive breastfeeding leads to greater weight loss in women with high body mass index as compared to women with normal weight

A KKH study found that exclusively breastfed women with high body mass index (BMI) lost more weight than those with a healthy BMI pre-pregnancy, with an average weight loss of 200 grammes. Women who practiced exclusive breastfeeding retained less postnatal weight compared to mixed feeding or formula feeding.

SourceSingHealth·JournalNutrients·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 26, 2024

Mother’s gut microbiome during pregnancy shapes baby’s brain development

A study in mice found that the bacteria Bifidobacterium breve supports healthy brain development in fetuses, improving nutrient transport and cell processes. This discovery suggests using probiotics during pregnancy may support fetal brain health and future treatments for growth restriction could focus on maternal gut health.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalMolecular Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 20, 2024

Probiotics during pregnancy shown to help moms and babies

A new study by Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found that probiotics can improve the immune system and behavior of both mothers and their offspring during pregnancy. Probiotics may also help counteract negative effects of prenatal stress, such as changes in brain inflammation and amino acid metabolism.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalBrain Behavior and Immunity·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 15, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

C-section antibiotics impact the infant microbiome far less than infant diet

A recent study found that C-section antibiotics have a subtle impact on the infant gut microbiome, whereas diet has a significant impact. The study analyzed data from 172 infant samples and found that feeding mode explained 12% of variation in overall infant gut microbiome composition.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 14, 2024

Parents who use humor have better relationships with their children, study finds

A new study published in PLOS One found that most people view humor as an effective parenting tool, leading to improved relationships between parents and children. The research team surveyed 312 people aged 18-45 and discovered a correlation between a parent's use of humor and the quality of their relationship with their children.

SourcePenn State·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateAug 12, 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
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Birmingham host to investigational treatment trial which could improve outcomes of pregnancies affected by severe haemolytic disease

A clinical study in Birmingham has found that nipocalimab can improve the survival rate of unborn babies with rare fetal anaemia. The majority of pregnant patients who received nipocalimab gave birth at or after 32 weeks without needing an intrauterine transfusion, resulting in a perinatal survival rate of 92%.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 7, 2024
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

How obstetric interventions affect the birthing experience

A recent study found that vaginal birth without medical intervention results in the highest level of satisfaction among mothers, while obstetric interventions lead to lower scores. The researchers emphasize the importance of support and empowerment in mitigating negative experiences during childbirth.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalBMC Pregnancy and Childbirth·TypeSurvey·DateJul 30, 2024

Maternal obesity and risk of sudden unexpected infant death

Infants born to mothers with obesity are at higher risk of SUID due to a dose-dependent association between increasing maternal BMI and SUID risk. Research suggests that maternal obesity should be added to the list of known risk factors for SUID.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJul 29, 2024

Fetal brain impacted when mom fights severe flu: New mouse study explains how

A new study using live mice and influenza virus sheds light on how maternal immune response affects fetal brain development. Researchers found that only a subset of severe infections can cause changes in the developing fetal brain, increasing the risk for neurodevelopmental disorders like schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJul 29, 2024
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Revealed: Neurons that help create infant-mother bonds in young mice

Neurons in the brain's zona incerta (ZI) are activated by maternal presence, reducing infant distress and stress hormone levels. The study suggests that these neurons integrate sensory signals to facilitate social interactions, providing a potential entry point for studying infant development.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 25, 2024

After Trump’s election, women of color had more underweight, premature babies, study finds

A new study from the University of California, Berkeley reveals a significant increase in underweight and premature births among non-white women in the US after Trump's election. Black mothers had the largest increases, with about 3,783 fewer infants born underweight if Trump hadn't been elected.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalDemography·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 25, 2024

Even in ‘care work,’ women face lower wages if they have kids

A new study has found that mothers working in traditionally 'women's work' fields experience a significant wage penalty after becoming parents. Women without children earn up to 12% more than their mother counterparts, highlighting the persistence of patriarchal biases in the workplace.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalSociological Quarterly·TypeSurvey·DateJul 22, 2024

Prenatal cannabis use and maternal pregnancy outcomes

A cohort study found that prenatal cannabis use was associated with several negative maternal health outcomes during pregnancy. The study emphasizes the need for further research on how different aspects of prenatal cannabis use may impact these associations.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJul 22, 2024

Healthy prenatal dietary pattern and offspring autism

A cohort study found that a healthy prenatal dietary pattern was linked to reduced risk of autism diagnosis and social communication difficulties in offspring. Adherence to this dietary pattern was not significantly associated with reduced restrictive and repetitive behaviors.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 18, 2024
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Baby chicks learn faster due to mother’s color

A recent study published in iScience found that newborn chicks are predisposed to learn quicker based on the colour of their mother. The research team discovered a colour-dependent bias in learning speed, with chicks exposed to a deep blue mother learning faster than those raised by mothers with other colours.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournaliScience·DateJul 8, 2024

Mothers who receive childcare support from maternal grandparents show more parental warmth, finds NTU Singapore study

The NTU Singapore-led study found that mothers whose parents help with childcare are more likely to show their children parental warmth. Mothers who received childcare support from maternal grandparents also reported engaging in more positive parenting, characterized by warmth and responsiveness.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateJul 1, 2024

Suicide mortality during the perinatal period

A recent study investigates maternal suicide mortality during the perinatal period, revealing complex factors and opportunities for further research. The findings underscore the importance of evidence-based interventions targeting mental health, substance use, and intimate partner problems to prevent maternal suicide and enhance matern...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 27, 2024

Family, friends can be more effective health role models than celebrities

A study published in Health Communication found that adults who looked to a person they knew, such as a friend or relative, for good health inspiration had greater motivation to reach their health goals. The women participants were more likely to choose a personal role model rather than a celebrity.

SourceWashington State University·JournalHealth Communication·DateJun 25, 2024
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Ochsner Health wins innovator award funds for Connected MOM

The HHS competition evaluated Ochsner Connected MOM's effectiveness in increasing blood pressure measurements among Black patients and rural populations. The program saw a statistically significant increase in blood pressure measurements, benefiting over 2,000 patients.

SourceOchsner Health System·DateJun 24, 2024

Perineal cut reduces the risk of serious birth injury

A randomized clinical study found that a lateral episiotomy reduced the risk of obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) by 53% in first-time mothers. The procedure also did not increase the risk of other complications, but may lead to wound complications.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalThe BMJ·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 18, 2024

Extended maternal care central factor to animal, human longevity

A Cornell University study suggests that a strong relationship between mother and child is key to understanding human longevity. In models, the team found that species with longer-term maternal presence tend to evolve longer lives and slower life paces.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 17, 2024

Mothers lower risk of caesarean births after COVID vaccination

A global meta-analysis of 1.8m women found COVID-19 vaccination reduces the risk of infection during pregnancy by 61% and hospitalization by 94%. Vaccination also lowers caesarean section risk by 9%, hypertensive disorders in pregnancy by 12%, and intensive care unit admission for newborns by 8%.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalBMJ Global Health·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 14, 2024
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Public acceptance of adoption and surrogacy methods currently prohibited in UK increases if one or both parents are infertile - study

A new study from the University of Birmingham and the University of Nottingham found that the UK public is more accepting of adoption and surrogacy methods when one or both parents are infertile. The research showed significant increases in support for these methods, including planned private adoption and double donor surrogacy.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalJournal of Bioethical Inquiry·TypeSurvey·DateJun 13, 2024

Study shows role of fathers in seeding the microbiota of newborns and confirms benefits of maternal fecal microbiota transplants

Researchers found that many bacterial strains present in infants at 3 weeks, months, and 12 months originated from the father, not the mother. This discovery highlights the importance of physical and social interactions between newborns and their fathers, as well as with other family members.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2024
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Unravelling the gendered undertones of narcissism

Researchers found that men exhibit grandiose narcissism, while women display vulnerable narcissism, which is associated with a greater risk of perpetrating intimate partner violence and bullying. Vulnerable narcissism in women can also lead to subtle but significant harm.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalSex Roles·TypeObservational study·DateJun 6, 2024

Mind the gap: Italian moms with 3+ kids work far fewer years than dads, while Finland shows equality

A study by Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research found that Italian mothers with 3+ children have a significantly shorter working life (7.6 years) compared to fathers (18.3 years). In contrast, Finland shows minimal differences in working life between mothers and fathers, with both working for pay for about 17.4 years.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Demographic Research·JournalEuropean Journal of Population / Revue européenne de Démographie·DateJun 5, 2024

Taking care of caregivers of children with ADHD

A new 13-week group-based parent training program, Well Parent Japan (WPJ), has been shown to be effective in reducing parenting-specific stress, improving parenting efficacy, and reducing family strain for Japanese mothers of children with ADHD. The program provides social support and encourages shared learning amongst participants.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 4, 2024

When mothers and children talk about problems, environment matters

A new study from the University of Illinois found that adolescents and their mothers preferred specific locations for discussing problems, with the house in general, bedroom, kitchen, and living room being top choices. These environments were perceived as safe spaces where conversation could flow more easily. Families also considered e...

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Early Adolescence·TypeObservational study·DateJun 4, 2024

Does it matter if your kids listen to you? When adolescents reject mom’s advice, it still helps them cope

A recent study published in ScienceDirect found that adolescents who receive cognitive reappraisal solutions from their mothers experience more adaptive coping strategies, whereas those who receive strategizing or help-seeking solutions do not. On the other hand, children who reject or respond ambiguously to their mother's cognitive re...

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Applied Developmental Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 23, 2024
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Babies in the womb exposed to two languages hear speech differently when born

Newborns of bilingual mothers exhibit greater sensitivity to a range of sound pitches compared to those from monolingual mothers. The study suggests that prenatal exposure to multiple languages may shape the fetus's auditory system, influencing its ability to process speech sounds at birth.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 22, 2024

Mothers live longer as child mortality declines

A new study published in Scientific Reports found that declining childhood mortality has added a full year to women's lives. The study used mathematical modeling based on CDC data and estimated that the reduction in maternal bereavement adds one year, or about 6%, to life expectancy.

SourceCornell University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 20, 2024

A study by UPF and BCNatal opens the door to designing therapies to improve lung development in growth-restricted fetuses

A study led by BCNatal and UPF found that growth-restricted fetuses have differences in lung vascular resistance, which can be normalized with extra oxygen. The research uses artificial intelligence techniques to analyze fetal blood flow and predicts the development of respiratory health problems later in life.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 17, 2024
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

THC lingers in breastmilk with no clear peak point

A recent study found that breastfeeding mothers who use cannabis have detectable amounts of THC in their milk, even after 12 hours of abstinence. The amount of THC detected is low, but its impact on infants is unknown.

SourceWashington State University·JournalBreastfeeding Medicine·DateMay 8, 2024

Women without children are significantly more physically active than mothers

A study from Aarhus University found that women without children engage in more moderate to vigorous physical activity compared to mothers. The researchers suggest that targeted interventions are needed to increase physical activity among mothers, who face unique barriers such as lack of time and sleep.

SourceAarhus University·JournalPublic Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 1, 2024
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Postpartum depression after adolescent stress shows a dysregulated HPA axis: a cross-species translational study

Researchers found a correlation between prolonged postdelivery elevation of corticosterone and behavioral changes in postpartum mice who experienced social isolation in adolescence. A novel treatment using a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist shows promise in blocking behavioral changes.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalNature Mental Health·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2024

Dengue fever infections have negative impacts on infant health for three years – study

Research found that babies born to mothers infected with dengue fever during pregnancy had lower birth weights and a higher risk of extremely low birth weight. Additionally, children whose mothers were infected had a increased risk of hospitalization from birth to age three, particularly in their second year of life.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalAmerican Economic Journal Applied Economics·DateApr 23, 2024

Esketamine injection just after childbirth reduces depression in new mothers

A single low dose injection of esketamine given immediately after childbirth reduces major depressive episodes in individuals with depressive symptoms during pregnancy. The results suggest that low dose esketamine should be considered in new mothers with prenatal depressive symptoms, potentially preventing one major depressive episode ...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 10, 2024

More synchrony between parents and children not always better

A new study found that mums with insecure attachment traits showed more brain-to-brain synchrony with their children, while fathers and children had stronger brain-to-brain synchrony. The research suggests that high or low synchrony can signal interaction difficulties in families.

SourceUniversity of Essex·JournalDevelopmental Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 9, 2024
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Pediatric investigation study sheds light on new assessment tool for identifying infants with tongue tie requiring frenotomy

A study developed a new referral pathway and Frenotomy Assessment Tool to identify breastfed babies with tongue tie requiring frenotomy. The tool found that 11% of breastfed babies had TT and 66% underwent frenotomy, suggesting that most infants were suffering from the condition.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalPediatric Investigation·TypeObservational study·DateApr 4, 2024

Perinatal women of Mexican descent propose solutions to pandemic-related stressors affecting Latinos

Perinatal Mexican-American women discussed challenges facing their families during the pandemic, including accessing food, medical information, and mental health treatment. The study recommended actionable policies and programs to meet the needs of Latino communities during future emergencies.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeSurvey·DateApr 4, 2024

Depression during pregnancy is tied to increased emergency department visits for infants after birth

A Rutgers Health study has found that mothers with mild and moderate to severe depressive symptoms have more emergency department visits for their infants. Infants of mothers with moderate to severe depression had 21% more visits than those without any symptoms, while those with mild symptoms had 10% more visits.

SourceRutgers University·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 3, 2024