Published Genes influence whether infants prefer to look at faces or non-social objects
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Whether infants at five months of age look mostly at faces or non-social objects such as cars or mobile phones is largely determined by genes. The findings suggest that there is a biological basis for how infants create their unique visual experiences and which things they learn most about.
Published New clues into the head-scratching mystery of itch
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Scientists show for the first time that bacteria can cause itch by activating nerve cells in the skin. The findings can inform new therapies to treat itch that occurs in inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis.
Published New study on experience of adopted people as they become parents
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A new piece of research looks at the challenges faced by adopted people when they become parents. The study investigated the lived experiences of adopted people in the UK as they become parents. Until now research in this area has been very limited and hasn't tended to included the experiences of adopted men as fathers.
Published Discovery of hemoglobin in the epidermis sheds new light on our skin's protective properties
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have shown for the first time that hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells where it binds oxygen, is also present in the epidermis, our skin's outermost body tissue. The study provides important insights into the properties of our skin's protective external layer.
Published High levels of maternal stress during pregnancy linked to children's behavior problems
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Children whose mothers are highly stressed, anxious or depressed during pregnancy may be at higher risk for mental health and behavior issues during their childhood and teen years, according to new research.
Published Scientists 3D-print hair follicles in lab-grown skin
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Scientists have 3D-printed hair follicles in human skin tissue cultured in the lab. This marks the first time researchers have used the technology to generate hair follicles, which play an important role in skin healing and function. When it comes to engineering human skin, hair may at first seem superfluous. However, hair follicles are quite important: They produce sweat, helping regulate body temperature, and they contain stem cells that help skin heal. The finding has potential applications in regenerative medicine and drug testing, though engineering skin grafts that grow hair are still several years away.
Published Study finds melatonin use soaring among youth
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Nearly one in five school-aged children and preteens now take melatonin for sleep, and some parents routinely give the hormone to preschoolers, according to new research.
Published Measuring skin water loss predicts anaphylaxis during food allergy tests
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Measuring skin water loss during food allergy tests may help predict anaphylaxis and keep patients safe. The method aims to detect the life threatening reaction before epinephrine injections are necessary.
Published When dads are feeling a bit depressed or anxious, how do kids fare?
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A team of researchers has found that slightly higher, but mild anxious or depressive symptoms in fathers were associated with fewer behavioral difficulties in the first years of elementary school and better scores on a standardized IQ test in their children.
Published Paid family leave boosted postpartum wellbeing, breastfeeding rates
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A new study has found postpartum individuals living in states with generous mandated paid family and medical leave (PFML) are more likely to breastfeed and less likely to experience postpartum depression symptoms compared to those living in states with little or no mandated state-paid leave. The findings were even more pronounced among lower-income populations covered by Medicaid.
Published 'Super melanin' heals skin injuries from sunburn, chemical burns
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source In a new study, scientists show that their synthetic melanin, mimicking the natural melanin in human skin, can be applied topically to injured skin, where it accelerates wound healing. These effects occur both in the skin itself and systemically in the body.
Published Hidden way for us to feel touch
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have discovered a hidden mechanism within hair follicles that allow us to feel touch.
Published The sunscreen paradox: Researchers warn of 'false sense of security'
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Sunscreen usage is climbing, but so are melanoma and skin cancer rates: this, researchers say, is the sunscreen paradox.
Published Youngest children in class with ADHD as likely to keep diagnosis in adulthood as older pupils, find scientists
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Youngest children in their class with ADHD are just as likely to keep the diagnosis when enter adulthood as older pupils in their year group. In the past, scientists have questioned the validity of ADHD in younger pupils, arguing they are only diagnosed because they are less mature than their peers. But this study shows that these children are no more likely to lose ADHD diagnosis over time than those born towards the start of the school year.
Published How adults understand what kids are saying
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Adult listening abilities are critical to the ability to understand children's early linguistic efforts, according to new research.
Published Psoriasis not caused by spontaneous mutations in skin cells
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Genetic analysis of psoriasis shows somatic mutations are not linked to the development or the spread of the condition.
Published BNP peptide a culprit in eczema
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have pinpointed a particular peptide's role in activating atopic dermatitis, or eczema. The work could lead to more effective treatments for the condition.
Published Imprinted genes in the 'parenting hub' of the brain determine if mice are good parents
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Whether a mouse is a good or bad parent can be traced back to imprinted genes in key neurons in the 'parenting hub' in the brain, according to a new study.
Published NUS scientists develop innovative magnetic gel that heals diabetic wounds three times faster
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A team of researchers has engineered an innovative magnetic wound-healing gel that promises to heal diabetic wounds three times faster, reduce the rates of recurrence, and in turn, lower the incidents of limb amputations. The innovative magnetic hydrogel, which contains skin cells for healing as well as magnetic particles, takes a comprehensive 'all-in-one' approach to wound healing, accelerating the process on several fronts. To maximize therapeutic results, a wireless external magnetic device is used to activate skin cells and accelerate the wound healing process.
Published New study reveals similarities between chimpanzee and human language development
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Scientists examining the evolutionary roots of language say they've discovered chimp vocal development is not far off from humans.