Employees should build reputation before using work-family programs
Researchers found that employees initially assigned to powerful supervisors had a better experience when participating in work-family programs. This
Mothers
Research on mothers' health, family life, and parenting. Covers maternal wellbeing, vaccination questions, marriage and relationships, and breastfeeding.
Obesity in pregnancy hinders women's ability to fight infection
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.
Severity of hepatitis C and HIV co-infection in mothers contribute to HCV transmission to child
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.
Breastfeeding tied to stronger maternal response to baby's cry
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.
Quality of parent-toddler relationship could affect risk for childhood obesity
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.
New link between mother's pregnancy diet and offspring's chances of obesity found
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.
Warning to breastfeeding mothers
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.
Comments with the series, including from stillbirth-affected families, the Lancet, and the Gates Foundation
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.
Mussel adhesive inspires tough coating for living cells
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.
Many US women have children by more than one man
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.
Researcher to help low-income mothers improve health with $3.3 million grant
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 abused during childhood at risk for having low birth weight babies
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.
Obese and overweight women, children underestimate true weight
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.
Why some children are harmed by mother's alcohol, but others aren't
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.
'Junk food' moms have 'junk food' babies
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.
SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateMar 23, 2011
Parental monitoring of opposite-gender child may decrease problem drinking in young adults
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.
SourceJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·DateMar 15, 2011
Lambs provide crucial link in understanding obesity
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.
Mouse nose nerve cells mature after birth, allowing bonding, recognition with mother
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.
You are what your mother ate
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.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 7, 2011
Older parents are happier with more children
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.
$3.6 million research project underway to reduce mother and baby deaths in Malawi
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.
More evidence that Alzheimer's disease may be inherited from your mother
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.
Crying baby draws blunted response in depressed mom's brain
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.
Lesbian moms vulnerable when abused, reluctant to seek help
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.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalViolence Against Women·DateFeb 21, 2011
Scheduled deliveries raise risks for mothers, do not benefit newborns
Inducing labor without medical reason increases cesarean rates, blood loss, and hospital stays, but doesn't benefit newborns. Women who had first child found to be more susceptible to complications.
Preterm mothers' milk contains less antioxidants than mothers completing their gestation
A study by researchers at the University of Granada found that preterm mothers' milk has lower coenzyme Q10 concentrations, a key antioxidant. The results suggest that breast milk from term mothers has higher levels of this essential nutrient compared to preterm mothers.
Children of working moms face more health problems
Research from North Carolina State University finds that children of working mothers are 200% more likely to experience asthma, accidents, and overnight hospitalizations. Advanced statistical techniques were used to isolate the causal relationship between maternal employment and child health outcomes.
Third trimester group B streptococcus test doesn't accurately predict presence during labor
A study found that the standard third-trimester GBS test did not accurately predict its presence during labor, while a rapid test performed at labor showed excellent accuracy. The test's performance varied among racial groups, with Hispanic and African-American women more likely to have discordant results.
Microarray analysis can identify unsuspected incest
Researchers using DNA microarrays to diagnose developmental disabilities may unexpectedly identify cases of incest. Children conceived through incest exhibit a lack of heterozygosity, resulting from the sharing of genetic material between family members.
When first-time mothers are induced, breaking the amniotic membrane shortens delivery time
A randomized clinical trial found that early amniotomy in labor induction can shorten delivery time by over 10 percent and increase the likelihood of delivery within 24 hours without adverse effects. This method also greatly increases the comfort of the mother.
Study suggests why HIV-uninfected babies of mothers with HIV might be more prone to infections
Babies born to HIV-infected mothers have lower antibody levels, making them more susceptible to illnesses like pneumonia and meningitis. Vaccination shows promise in boosting their immune response.
Children's BMI found to rise the longer their mothers work
A new study found that children's body mass index (BMI) rises with the number of years their mothers worked, especially among children in grades 5 and 6. The researchers suggest that limited time for grocery shopping and food preparation may contribute to this link.
Losing body fat before pregnancy can be beneficial for the baby
Researchers found that obese mothers who lost weight before pregnancy had healthier male offspring with reduced triglycerides and insulin resistance. The study suggests pre-pregnancy dietary intervention can reverse adverse metabolic effects of maternal obesity on offspring.
SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateFeb 2, 2011
Smoking habits are transmitted from mother to daughter and father to son
Research reveals that smoking habits are transmitted from mother to daughter and father to son, influencing the likelihood of nicotine addiction in offspring. The study found that socio-economic factors account for the transmission of these habits.
SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalOxford Bulletin of Economics and Statistics·DateJan 28, 2011
Baby bliss?
A Norwegian study found that mothers' satisfaction with their relationship during pregnancy is a strong predictor of overall satisfaction, peaking at 6 months old. However, both forms of satisfaction decline over time during infancy and toddlerhood.
Sharing child caregiving may increase parental conflict, study finds
A new study found that couples with shared childcare experience more conflict than those with the mother as primary caregiver. Fathers' involvement in play activities with their children, rather than caregiving duties, is associated with more supportive co-parenting relationships.
Mother's stem cells likely key to treating genetic disease before birth
Researchers at UCSF have discovered that a mother's immune response prevents fetal acceptance of transplanted blood stem cells, but their own stem cells can be used to overcome this issue. The study suggests that using maternal stem cells could lead to successful treatment of genetic diseases before birth.
SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 18, 2011
Reducing diet early in pregnancy stunts fetal brain development
A study found that moderate decreases in maternal nutrition during early pregnancy impaired fetal brain development, including decreased cell-to-cell connections and growth factors. The research uses a nonhuman primate model to demonstrate the importance of good maternal health and diet on fetal development.
SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 17, 2011
High birth weight in First Nations babies linked to a higher risk of postneonatal death
A Canadian study found that high birth weight among First Nations babies is associated with a significantly higher risk of postneonatal death. The research, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, compared over 5,000 births to First Nations mothers to over 630,000 births to French-speaking women.
SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJan 17, 2011
Why do preterm deliveries pose cardiovascular risks for moms?
A new study led by MSU researcher Claudia Holzman aims to understand why preterm births increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in mothers. By analyzing data from over 3,000 women who delivered babies early or full-term, researchers hope to identify factors that contribute to this link and potentially develop new treatment strategies.
Maternal depression adversely affects quality of life in children with epilepsy
A study found that maternal depression affects the health-related quality of life of children with epilepsy, but this impact is modulated by family resources and functioning. The accumulation of supportive resources for both mothers and children with epilepsy can lead to improved outcomes over time.
Mothers key to college-age women receiving HPV vaccine
A study found that mothers who discussed the HPV vaccine with their daughters were more likely to be vaccinated themselves. The key factor was mothers believing the vaccine was safe and effective, not fear or cost concerns.
Parents' social problems affect their children -- even in birds
A study found that changing the composition of quail groups causes aggression and changes in hormone levels, affecting chick growth and behavior. The results suggest a direct impact of mother quails' social environment on their offspring's phenotype.
Prenatal supplements for moms in Nepal associated with improved functional outcomes of children
A study in rural Nepal found that prenatal iron and folic acid supplementation was positively associated with improved intellectual ability, executive function, and motor skills in children. The research suggests that antenatal micronutrient use can have long-lasting benefits for child development.
Hemodynamic responses to the mother's face in infants by near-infrared spectroscopy
Researchers used near-infrared spectroscopy to investigate 7-8 month old infants' brain activity while perceiving their mother's face and female strangers. The study found increased hemodynamic responses in the bilateral temporal cortex for mothers, but only in the left temporaI cortex for maternal recognition.
Allô allô! Mom's voice plays special role in activating newborn's brain
Researchers found that a mother's voice preferentially activates the brain's language learning centers in newborns. The study used electrical recordings on infants within 24 hours of birth and revealed that other women's voices only activate the voice recognition parts of the brains.
Mothers' diets have biggest influence on children eating healthy
A Michigan State University study found that mothers' own eating habits and perceptions of their child as a 'picky eater' significantly impact whether their toddler consumes enough fruits and vegetables. Health professionals must consider these factors when developing strategies to promote healthy eating in children.
Unlawful killing of newborns soon after birth 5 times higher than thought
A population-based survey of neonaticides found the true incidence to be 2.1 per 100,000 births, five times higher than official estimates. Low maternal self-esteem and emotional immaturity were identified as key drivers.
Buprenorphine treatment produces improved outcome for babies born addicted
A new study found that buprenorphine is at least as effective as methadone in treating opioid addiction during pregnancy. Babies of mothers who received buprenorphine had shorter hospital stays and required less morphine to treat neonatal abstinence syndrome.
Researchers track the impacts of depression during pregnancy
A University of Michigan-led study found that depressed mothers' bodies may play a role in the development of their unborn children's brains. Babies born to depressed moms had higher levels of stress hormones and decreased muscle tone, but also showed signs of neurological maturity.
SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalInfant Behavior and Development·DateDec 9, 2010
Reproductive scientists create mice from 2 fathers
Reproductive scientists have successfully created male and female mice from two fathers using induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. This breakthrough could pave the way for preserving endangered species and improving livestock breeds, as well as advancing human assisted reproductive technology (ART).
International law permits abusive fathers custody of children
A recent survey found that in half of Hague Convention cases involving international child abduction, U.S. courts sent the children back to their fathers, often due to a lack of consideration for domestic violence. The study highlights the need for law to catch up with science and protect women and children from abuse.
Rocking the cradle after 45
Despite associated risks, newborns of older moms (45+ years) can overcome complications, research from Tel Aviv University reveals. The study found that most older women deliver healthy children with minimal health risks affecting the baby after three days.
SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateDec 7, 2010
Exposure to mobile phones before and after birth linked to kids' behavioral problems
Research on over 28,000 children found that prenatal exposure to mobile phones was associated with an increased risk of behavioral problems. Children exposed to mobile phones before and after birth were 50% more likely to exhibit abnormal behavior.
New public health goals tackle obstacles to breastfeeding success
The US Department of Health and Human Services has set ambitious targets to improve breastfeeding rates in the country. The Healthy People 2020 goals aim to increase the percentage of Baby Friendly Hospitals and workplaces that accommodate working mothers, as well as reduce formula supplementation during maternity hospital stays.
Study shows pregnant mother's diet impacts infant's sense of smell
A study shows that a pregnant mother's diet impacts her infant's sense of smell, altering brain development and influencing future food preferences. The research found that exposure to odors in the womb can shape the brain's olfactory system, leading to preferred flavors in early life.
Evolutionary psychology: Why daughters don't call their dads
A new study reveals that women decrease interactions with male relatives, including fathers, when they are most fertile. This behavior is believed to protect against inbreeding and the negative consequences associated with it. Women tend to call their mothers more frequently during high fertility days.
Contact with dads drops when women ovulate
Researchers found that women call their fathers less frequently and hang up sooner during high-fertility days, possibly to avoid male control. They also spent more time on phone calls with mothers, suggesting an unconscious drive for reproductive success.
New sleep cycle discovery explains why fatty diets during pregnancy make kids obese
Research published in FASEB Journal suggests that a fetal liver gene called Npas2 is a key regulator of the circadian system, which is altered by maternal high-fat diet during pregnancy. Improving diet can partially restore circadian machinery and reduce risk of childhood diseases related to obesity.
SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateNov 22, 2010
How mom's health may increase risk of kidney disease
Children with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) are more likely to have mothers who were obese or had diabetes during pregnancy. Strict control of diabetes and weight loss may lower kids' risk of CKD.