Articles tagged with Mothers
A Caltech-led team demonstrates how partial penetrance enables evolution to make large developmental leaps by allowing genetic mutations to have varying effects on different organisms, leading to twin spores in bacteria that normally produce only singletons. This process involves random fluctuations and noise working alongside partial ...
Researchers at North Carolina State University have found a link between imprinted genes and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) in cloned swine. IUGR results in low birth weight and long-term health effects, and the study may hold future implications for human studies.
Expectant mothers who are obese are nearly 10 times more likely to suffer from chest infections and more than twice as likely to experience headaches and heartburn compared to women of a healthy weight. Obese pregnant women also face increased risks of carpal tunnel syndrome, symphysis-pubis dysfunction, and higher treatment costs.
A study published in The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found no significant differences in cognitive or health assessments between children born after stillbirth and those born to non-bereaved mothers. However, mothers who experienced a previous stillbirth reported more child difficulties, particularly peer problems.
A new study conducted by an Irish-led research team found no link between folic acid-related auto-antibodies and the risk of having a child with spina bifida. The study, which involved over 140 mothers of affected children, confirms previous findings that maternal folate status can prevent neural tube defects.
A unique case study found that first and second languages are represented in different places in the bilingual brain. Damage to one language was more severe than the other, with Hebrew skills impaired more significantly.
Soay sheep on Scotland's Hirta island have shrunk by 5% in size and body weight due to the warmer climate. The decline is attributed to increased competition for limited resources, resulting from a longer growing season and more surviving lambs.
A study published in SLEEP suggests that poor sleep is associated with depression in postpartum women, even after adjusting for other risk factors. The study found that nearly 60% of new mothers experienced poor global sleep quality, and 16.5% had depressive symptoms.
A study in Spain found a 17% increase in maternal deaths since 1996, with the highest death rates among foreign women and those aged 35-44. The risk of death rose exponentially with maternal age, highlighting the need for epidemiological monitoring and studying causes to prevent deaths.
A new University of Illinois study explores the role of parent involvement on student achievement. The research found that dads who build close relationships with their children in the preschool years are more likely to stay involved when their child makes the transition to school. This early connection can set a positive tone for futu...
A new study from Northwestern University finds that frequent snoring during pregnancy increases the likelihood of developing gestational diabetes. Pregnant women who snored frequently had a 14.3% chance of developing the disease, compared to 3.3% for non-snorers.
Research finds that new mothers experience exhaustion due to disrupted nighttime sleep, rather than inadequate sleep duration or timing. Postpartum women's sleep-wake cycles remain aligned with their preferred schedule.
A new study found that postpartum anxiety can delay puberty in both biological and adoptive daughters of affected mothers, regardless of maternal behavior or environment.
Research by Emory University scientists identifies a mechanism in mother mice's brains that focuses their awareness on the calls of baby mice. The high-frequency sounds of pups inhibit neurons more attuned to lower frequency sounds, enhancing contrast and making them stand out.
Researchers discovered that mother mice exhibit increased call-evoked inhibition in response to pup isolation calls, allowing for more effective detection in noisy environments. This neural plasticity improves the contrast between high-ultrasonic and lower-frequency neural populations.
The Lancet calls for a National Child Protection Commission to review evidence on protecting vulnerable children. The UK government should be held accountable for its inadequate system, which has led to the deaths of thousands of victims.
The study explores the therapeutic process of mother-infant psychotherapy, highlighting its unique catalytic factors that promote change and growth through relational connection and the 'now moment'. The findings emphasize the importance of observing and responding to infant behavior, recognizing maternal experiences and capacities, an...
A new study found that obese mothers may be responsible for an increased risk of asthma in their children. Maternal obesity was associated with a 65% higher risk of developing asthma symptoms in offspring, regardless of other factors such as birth weight and BMI.
A recent study found that children of mothers who smoked during pregnancy and early childhood years are at a higher risk of taking up smoking as teens and young adults. The researchers also discovered that offspring of mothers who smoked during this critical period were less likely to quit smoking in adulthood.
A new study demonstrates that a family-based prevention program can protect youth from engaging in risky behaviors, even if they have a genetic risk factor. The program, called 'Strong African American Families', taught parents and children skills to promote positive goals, emotional support, and racial pride.
A new study by researchers at the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center found that mothers who disclose their BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic alterations to their children experience a more open parent-child communication relationship. Mothers are more likely to discuss test results with their children, especially when testing reveals no alterat...
A new study reveals that mother birds provide an early advantage to extra-pair offspring, giving them a size and survival advantage over their half-siblings. This non-genetic effect is attributed to the laying order of eggs, with extra-pair chicks hatching earlier than within-pair chicks.
A new study published in Developmental Psychology found that trauma experienced by mothers prior to pregnancy influences the emotional and social behavior of their offspring. The research, conducted on rats, showed varied effects on the offspring's behavior depending on the duration and intensity of pre-pregnancy stress.
Research suggests that mothers who miss signs of satiety in their infants tend to overfeed them, leading to excess weight gain. The study found that maternal sensitivity to infant signals at 3 and 6 months predicted infant weight gain from 6-12 months.
A new theory of social change and development by UCLA professor Patricia Greenfield explains how values and behaviors are shaped by societies. The world is moving towards a Gesellschaft direction, with immigrants adapting to urbanized, high-tech environments, leading to conflicts between traditional and modern values.
A study highlights the need for an audit of UK services and greater links between healthcare professionals to ensure fair assessments. Mental health nurses receive no formal training for this role, raising concerns about the quality and objectiveness of parenting capacity assessments.
A bedtime routine significantly reduces problematic sleep behaviors in infants and toddlers, while also improving maternal mood and increasing sleep continuity. The study's findings highlight the importance of creating a consistent bedtime routine as a preventative measure for young children with sleep problems.
Infants born to mothers with depression experience significant sleep disturbances from 2 weeks postpartum until 6 months of age. The study suggests that maternal depression may affect infants' sleep patterns and increase the risk of developing early-onset depression in childhood.
A study of breast cancer risk factors in young women suggests that risk assessment and prevention should start much earlier in life. The study found a link between breast tissue composition in young women and the risk of breast cancer in middle age and older.
Children exposed to domestic violence are almost four times more likely to develop emotional problems, but over half adapt well due to easy-going natures and their mothers' mental health. Easy-going children and mothers with good mental health can cope better with the stresses of exposure.
A Harvard study found an association between a mother's height and her child's risk of death, being underweight, and having anemia. Children born to mothers shorter than 4 foot 9 inches were 70% more likely to die than those whose mothers were at least 5 foot 3 inches tall.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Children's Center found that prenatal exposure to maternal antibodies can trigger neurobehavioral changes similar to autism in mouse pups, including increased anxiety and hyperactivity. The study suggests that the immune system may play a key role in some cases of autism.
Research reveals that exercising during pregnancy does not require sacrificing time for other activities. Exercisers actually spent slightly more sleep and reading time, while non-exercisers spent more on TV/computer time. The study also found significant differences in BMI and maternal weight between exercisers and non-exercisers.
Physicians from the Catholic University of Rome assessed health conditions of 150 children living with mothers in prison. Environmental factors and early weaning are linked to premature birth, hypertension, and allergy risk. Vaccination status is also a concern, with only 14% of jail-bound children fully vaccinated.
Studies link periodontal disease to infant prematurity, diabetes, and stroke. Treating pregnant women with scaling and root planing can save nearly $14 million worldwide.
A Norwegian Institute of Public Health study analyzed children's diets combined with psychological and sociodemographic variables in mothers. The results show that mothers with high negative affectivity are more likely to give their children unhealthy food, but not the opposite for healthy food.
Babies born to mothers who smoke are more likely to have impaired arousal responses and increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The study suggests that maternal smoking can impair a baby's ability to respond to external stimuli, which may explain their increased risk of SIDS.
A recent study by George Mason University researcher Mona Ternus found that mothers' military deployment has a significant impact on their health as well as the health of their adolescent children. Deployment duration is associated with an increase in symptoms and risk behaviors among both mothers and teens.
Formerly depressed women show different brain activity when exposed to criticism from their mothers, even if they report being fully recovered. They exhibit increased activity in the amygdala and reduced activity in emotion regulation areas compared to healthy controls.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that mothers of multiples have a 43% increased risk of moderate to severe depressive symptoms nine months after giving birth. Only 27% of mothers with depressive symptoms reported seeking professional help.
A new study by Boston University researchers found that hospital practices significantly influence the success of exclusive breastfeeding among mothers. Among first-time mothers, only 50% achieved their intention to exclusively breastfeed within one week, with supplementation being a major barrier. The study emphasizes the importance o...
A Penn State professor is evaluating a bilingual school-readiness program called Madres Educando a Sus Niños/Mothers Educating Their Children, which engages mothers through Hispanic culture. The program aims to promote children's literacy and language development by providing mothers with books that focus on cultural experiences.
A study from Case Western Reserve University found that mothers' depressive symptoms significantly impact family functioning and problem-solving abilities. Mothers with higher levels of depression struggle to create normal family lives, while those with greater problem-solving skills fare better.
A new study suggests that supportive co-parenting between mothers and fathers can help protect children from certain behavior problems. Researchers found that children with low effortful control showed increases in negative behaviors, but those with supportive co-parenting relationships did not experience the same growth.
Researchers will analyze stress levels and maternal behavior in wild chimpanzees to shed light on human infant development and health. The five-year study aims to identify stressors of female chimpanzees and their impact on offspring stress, health, and development.
Two studies published in CMAJ found that mothers who received educational materials on newborn care had increased knowledge and behaviors that prevented shaken baby syndrome. The materials, including a booklet and DVD, provided coping mechanisms for frustrated parents and emphasized the dangers of shaking infants.
Studies in Canada and US show that educational materials on infant crying increased mothers' knowledge of new triggers for shaking. The materials also influenced mothers to share information with caregivers about coping strategies and warned them about the dangers of shaking an infant.
A study of urban single mothers nearing the end of their welfare eligibility found a high prevalence of psychiatric and substance use disorders, affecting up to 60% of participants. Despite these challenges, many remain untreated, with only 21.7% receiving treatment for psychiatric disorders in the previous 12 months.
A new study found that an educational program increasing knowledge of infant crying and its prevention increased mother's awareness and sharing of strategies for coping with frustrating infant cries. The PURPLE Crying Program showed a 6% increase in knowledge about crying and shaking among mothers.
Prenatal vitamin manufacturers are encouraged to use only potassium iodide, not kelp, for a consistent daily iodine dose of 150µg. Iodine deficiency affects 2.2 billion persons worldwide and can cause preventable mental retardation.
A new study published in JAMA found that low-income women with diabetes have a more than 50% increased risk of experiencing postpartum depression. The research suggests that healthcare facilities and clinicians should pay attention to managing mental health concerns in women with diabetes during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
Preschool children with secure mother-child attachments form closer friendships due to their positive understanding of others and open emotional communication. Open emotional communication also predicts fewer hostile attributions and greater teacher-reported friendship quality.
Human mothers with social support can conserve energy, allowing their bodies to prepare for the next pregnancy. In contrast, nonhuman primates lack this flexibility and have relatively low reproductive rates due to similar energy demands during lactation. Social support plays a crucial role in human reproductive success.
A study published in PLoS Medicine found that first-time mothers are at a higher risk of developing psychosis in the month following childbirth. Women with higher infant birth weight and maternal diabetes had lower risks, while smoking and living without their partner did not significantly impact psychosis risk.
Young southern right whales learn from their mothers where to feed in the ocean, but researchers worry they may not be able to adapt if food sources become scarce due to global warming.
A study published in The Journal of Neuroscience found that a mother's enriched environment during her youth can significantly impact her child's learning disorder severity. This effect, known as transgenerational inheritance, was observed even when the offspring were raised by non-enriched foster mothers.
A Cardiff University research project found a link between prenatal smoking and anti-social behavior in children, but only when the mother was genetically linked to the child. The study suggests that factors other than smoking during pregnancy influence anti-social behavior.
Researchers found that older killer whales nearing menopause have a 10% higher survival rate for their calves compared to younger females. This suggests that these older mothers may be more successful in rearing their young due to maternal experience and increased allocation of effort.
A University of Illinois study finds that single mothers' education is crucial in creating a nurturing home environment, followed by employment in standard daytime hours or flexible jobs. Stable day shifts with flexibility allow mothers to spend more time with their children and form an attachment.
A study found that local online forums can provide tailored support for new mothers, but may exclude fathers. The researchers encourage healthcare professionals to promote these communities as a viable alternative to traditional support systems.