Articles tagged with Mothers
A new study by University of Bristol biologists found that mother foxes determine which cubs stay and which leave their family groups, with dominant females playing a crucial role in dispersal strategy. This unique discovery sheds light on the evolution of social behavior in mammals.
A randomized trial found that manual breast milk expression was more effective in improving breastfeeding rates than using a breast pump, especially in the first two months. Manual expression also led to higher comfort levels and more frequent breastfeeding among mothers.
A study by USC Marshall professors Scott Wiltermuth and Vanessa K. Bohns found that adopting dominant postures decreases sensitivity to pain and increases feelings of power and control.
Researchers found a rare case of non-parental infanticide in the black-billed magpie, where an adult bird attacked and killed nestlings. The suspected perpetrator was a female parent from a neighboring nest, due to aggressive interactions and territorial expansion.
A University of Missouri researcher found that certain protective factors foster resilience in women who witnessed domestic violence as children. Mothers who work full-time model a strong work ethic, independence, and competence, increasing their daughters' recovery from abuse. The study also identified risk factors for PTSD, including...
A recent study has found that quitting smoking during pregnancy can have a positive effect on birth outcomes. Women who gave up smoking in the periconceptional period had babies with significantly higher birthweight, similar to those born to non-smoking mothers. Stopping smoking before conception may also improve fertility outcomes.
A new University of Melbourne study reveals that mother Eastern Grey Kangaroos double their food intake and significantly reduce resting time to meet the nutritional needs of their baby. This altered behavior increases their risk of parasite infection, which may be a significant additional cost for reproducing females.
A study found a modest increase in autism spectrum disorders among children whose mothers took selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors during pregnancy. The risk was higher for those exposed to SSRIs during the first trimester.
Researchers analyzed data from BC MS Clinics' database and BC Perinatal Database Registry to compare pregnancy outcomes in women with MS to those without the disease. Babies born to mothers with MS did not have significantly different gestational age or birth weight, but mothers with greater disability had slightly elevated risk of adv...
A new study found that infants born to mothers who received the influenza vaccine during pregnancy are 45-48% less likely to be hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed influenza. The researchers analyzed data from seven flu seasons between 2002 and 2009, involving 1,510 babies hospitalized within the first six months of life.
A study of 37 families found that mothers who recorded their interactions with their young children revealed chaotic and often ineffective corporal punishment practices. The audio recordings, captured over six days, showed a wide range of reactions from children, including crying, tantrums, and whimpering.
A Baylor University study found that flexible schedules play a crucial role in retaining working mothers, with job security and adaptability also contributing to reduced turnover and work-related stress. The research surveyed 179 full-time working mothers, highlighting the importance of supporting their mental and physical health.
Researchers found that smoking during pregnancy is associated with lower levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in children. The study suggests that this could predispose them to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease later in life. Children born to mothers who smoked during pregnancy had lower HDL cholesterol levels, wh...
A recent study published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology found that urinary incontinence after giving birth doubles a woman's risk of developing postpartum depression. The study, which evaluated nearly 1,900 new mothers, identified five key predictors of postpartum depression, including urinary incontinence.
A recent study published in the Journal of Labor Economics found that informal daycare can significantly reduce a child's test scores by up to 2.6 percent per year compared to staying with their mother. In contrast, formal preschool programs or licensed daycare centers have little to no negative effect on cognitive development.
Research in baboon primates shows that even moderate nutrient deficiencies during critical periods of development can damage the pancreas and predispose to type 2 diabetes. The study found that young baboons whose mothers were undernourished were more likely to develop prediabetes before adolescence.
A new Texas AgriLife Research study reveals that fathers' role in childhood obesity is more significant than previously thought. Lenient dads are more likely to allow their kids frequent fast-food restaurant visits, which have been linked to obesity. Fathers need education on nutritional content and taking a responsible parenting role.
Scientists at Tufts University found that mice born to mothers fed a B vitamin-rich diet had fewer intestinal tumors, while those from deficient diets showed more aggressive tumors. The study suggests epigenetic effects of maternal B vitamin intake may protect against colorectal cancer in offspring.
In a study of moustached tamarins, researchers found that 75% of infants survive with male help, but only 41.7% without. Female infanticide occurs when mothers kill their own offspring due to social competition and high levels of prenatal stress.
A new study by researchers at Northern Illinois University found that family members' negative attitudes can hinder the recovery of mentally ill relatives. The study, which examined 129 mothers of adult children with schizophrenia, revealed that stigmatizing views can lead to increased symptoms and lower self-confidence.
A new animal study suggests that fetal programming of disease risk to the next generation depends on parental gender. The study found that exposure to stress hormones in the womb can program potential health effects, but the effects differ between mothers and fathers.
A new US study found that single mothers who had their first child outside of marriage reported poorer health at age 40 compared to other moms. The study suggests that later marriage does not generally help reverse the negative health consequences of having a first birth out of wedlock.
A nationwide study found that unwed mothers face poorer health at midlife than women who have children after marriage. The study suggests that single motherhood has long-term negative health consequences, and government efforts to promote marriage may not address these issues.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found an association between maternal influenza vaccination and reduced likelihood of prematurity. Babies born to vaccinated mothers were less likely to be premature compared to unvaccinated mothers, with an adjusted odds ratio of 0.60.
In flowering plants, maternal gene activity dominates early embryogenesis, silencing paternal genes. This finding may be crucial for maintaining species boundaries and could aid in developing novel crop varieties.
Researchers found a 95% chance of an unaffected child when mutant mtDNA levels are below 18%, enabling PGD as a viable option. This discovery gives genetic counselling and the chance to have a healthy baby to women at risk, affecting 146,000 European families.
New research reveals that Indian families are selectively aborting girls if their first child is also a girl, leading to a widening imbalance in the child sex ratio. The study estimates that millions of selective abortions have occurred over the past few decades, contributing to the problem.
Women who took daily prenatal vitamins before and during pregnancy were less likely to have children with autism, especially those with high-risk genetic makeups. Folate and B vitamins in prenatal supplements may protect against early fetal brain development deficits.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a new technique to detect both genetic diseases and chromosomal abnormalities in IVF embryos. This method allows for the simultaneous detection of single-gene mutations and aneuploidy, enabling couples to choose healthy embryos for implantation.
The study found a significant rise in US home births between 2004 and 2008, driven primarily by an increase in non-Hispanic white women's choices. Home birth rates for other groups remained low or showed little change.
Research suggests maternal smoking during pregnancy may alter DNA methylation levels in the AXL gene, associated with increased asthma risk in children. The study found a stronger association between maternal smoking and DNA methylation in girls than boys.
Research published in BMC Public Health reveals a shift in cesarean section trends with advantaged mothers more likely to have their babies via Caesarean section. The study found equalized rates for emergency sections but higher rates of elective surgery in more affluent areas.
New research from Queen Mary University of London has found that mother and kid goats can recognize each other's calls shortly after birth, a finding that suggests robust mechanisms of memorization and recognition in goats. This study's results have implications for understanding animal communication and behavior.
A new study from the University of Utah found that mothers of twins tend to be healthier and live longer than singleton mothers, with stronger women being more likely to naturally conceive twins. The research analyzed data from over 58,000 Utah women born between 1807 and 1899, revealing a link between twin birth and longevity.
Children whose mothers are successfully treated for depression show progressive improvement in their own behaviors even a year after treatment discontinuation. The faster mothers get better, the faster and greater their children's improvements are.
Despite significant improvements in child survival interventions and education, Brazil still faces challenges in reducing maternal mortality rates and increasing access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas.
Researchers found that employees initially assigned to powerful supervisors had a better experience when participating in work-family programs. This
Research suggests that obese pregnant women have impaired immune function, leading to fewer cells and proteins that help fight infections. This could have serious consequences for both the mother and newborn.
Research finds that high maternal viral load and HIV co-infection are risk factors for HCV transmission to child, while a genetic variation in the IL28B gene is associated with spontaneous HCV clearance. The study analyzed 145 mothers infected with HCV and found that 61% of those with a certain IL28B variant were HCV-RNA positive.
A new study from Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found that breastfeeding mothers respond more emotionally to their infants' cries, with greater activity in caregiving brain regions. This is the first paper to examine neurobiological mechanisms linked to breastfeeding and maternal behaviors.
Toddlers with insecure attachment patterns have a 30% higher odds for obesity by age 4 ½, according to new research. Securely attached children are more likely to explore their environments freely and adapt to new people, reducing the risk of obesity.
A mother's nutrition during pregnancy can alter her child's DNA, leading to a higher risk of obesity later in life. The study found that epigenetic changes caused by the mother's diet at birth strongly predicted the degree of obesity at age six or nine.
A recent study found that breastfeeding mothers are perceived as less competent than non-breasting mothers, with biases detected among both men and women. This prejudice may deter some women from breastfeeding, highlighting the need for greater support to overcome negative experiences.
Stillbirths occur at an alarming rate of 3 million annually worldwide. Families affected often struggle with grief and lack recognition, leading to feelings of isolation. The Lancet's commentary emphasizes the need for increased awareness and support for those experiencing stillbirth.
Researchers created a durable coating using polydopamine inspired by mussel adhesive to protect yeast cells from cell-digesting chemicals and slow down division. The coating could have applications in creating tiny chemical probes, single-cell factories, and cancer therapy armor.
A national study found that 28% of US women with two or more children have children by more than one man. This prevalence is common among minority women, those living without a partner, and those with low income and education. Multiple partner fertility is tied to marriage and divorce rather than single parenthood.
A Michigan State University researcher has been awarded a $3.3 million grant to develop an intervention program for low-income mothers who are overweight or obese. The program aims to promote healthy eating, physical activity and stress management through interactive DVDs and peer support.
Mothers who experienced childhood abuse are at increased risk of giving birth to low-birth-weight babies. Childhood poverty and substance use also contribute to this risk, which can lead to infant mortality and chronic health problems later in life.
A study found that obese mothers and their pre-adolescent children significantly underestimated their actual body weights. This underestimation poses a significant risk for the development of heart disease and diabetes.
A gene variation passed on by mothers to their sons makes them vulnerable to fetal alcohol exposure, disrupting thyroid hormone balance and causing behavioral deficits. Researchers propose dietary supplements to reverse or fix enzyme dosage in the brain, potentially treating FASD.
Research published in The FASEB Journal found that rats whose mothers ate high-fat, high-sugar diets had babies that preferred similar foods. This study suggests that exposure to junk food during pregnancy and breastfeeding may shape a child's eating habits.
A new study suggests that parental monitoring of an opposite-gender child may decrease problem drinking in young adults. The level of monitoring is linked to parenting style, with authoritative parents doing a better job of monitoring their children. This indirect buffering effect can reduce impulsiveness and alcohol-related problems.
Research published in The Journal of Physiology found a link between maternal and offspring obesity in lambs, shedding light on the mechanisms of human obesity. Hormonal changes, including leptin and cortisol, were observed in lambs born to obese mothers, suggesting a predisposition to increased appetite and obesity.
Researchers found that mouse neurons mature in their sense of smell after birth, enabling them to distinguish between their mother's scent, siblings', and home fragrance. This maturation process may provide an evolutionary advantage for altricial species by facilitating learning to identify family members.
Poor diet during pregnancy increases offspring's vulnerability to aging effects, leading to increased risk of type 2 diabetes and age-related diseases. The study reveals a novel mechanism by which maternal diet interacts with epigenetics to influence gene expression in offspring throughout life.
Research reveals a global trend where parents over 30 feel unhappy with each additional child, but those aged 40+ are happier than their peers until they have four or more children. Older parents tend to be happier than childless couples when they reach adulthood and can benefit from their financial support.
A €2.6 million research program is training Malawian clinical officers to improve prenatal care and reduce childbirth mortality rates. The goal is to educate 50 clinical officers, who will then teach others, and ultimately assess the impact on mortality rates.
A new study found that individuals with a mother who has Alzheimer's disease are twice as likely to experience gray matter shrinkage and have more whole brain atrophy compared to those with a father or no family history. The research suggests that inheriting the disease from one's mother may be a significant risk factor.
Researchers at the University of Oregon used fMRI scans to study brain activity in depressed mothers responding to their infants' cries. The findings suggest that depression can blunt a mother's response to her infant's emotional cues, affecting their relationship.
A study by University of Illinois professors reveals that lesbian moms who experience intimate partner violence are often reluctant to seek help due to fear of losing custody. The researchers found that these women assume people are prejudiced against them and may try to solve the problem alone or hide their abuse from others.