Fetuses Form Memories: Study

Fetuses rejoice when mom watches happy movie, go quiet for sad ones

(NEWSER) - Unborn children are so in tune with their mothers that they get bad vibes when mom watches a sad movie, and are perked up by an uplifting flick. That’s the conclusion of Japanese researchers, who plopped one group of expectant mothers in front of The Sound of Music, and another in front of a tearjerker. In order to keep the fetuses from cheating, the mothers wore headphones so no audible sound could reach them. More»

Studies point to environmental toll of each kid

(NEWSER) - You’ve got your hybrid, your low-watt bulbs, and your solar panels: what’s the next step to saving the planet? Try a pack of condoms. New studies point to the hefty environmental toll of each child, particularly in America, the Washington Post reports. Every kid born in the US means another 1,644 tons of carbon dioxide, says an Oregon State study: that’s 91 times more than a Bangladeshi baby. (Americans live longer in a car-loving nation.) More»

(NEWSER) - Amniocentesis may become a thing of the past, as new procedures are developed that can non-invasively but definitively test for Down syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities, writes Amanda Schaffer for DoubleX. The procedures, expected to be available in the next few years, take advantage of a recent discovery: Early in pregnancy, DNA from the fetus enters the mother’s blood and can then be tested. More»

Kids getting less than 8 hours show most hyperactivity

(NEWSER) - Kids who get enough sleep may be less likely to show signs of ADHD or other behavioral issues, the BBC reports. A Finnish study of 280 healthy kids aged 7 and 8 found that those who slept less than 8 hours were most hyperactive. Researchers say a third of US kids likely don’t get enough rest—and instead of appearing tired, those children may be acting up. More»

(NEWSER) - Tormented Dr. Meredith Grey of Grey's Anatomy will be heading to the hospital for real soon when actress Ellen Pompeo delivers her first baby, reports People. Pompeo, 39, and hubby Chris Ivery, 41, are said to be "ecstatic" about the pregnancy. "It's great news," said their spokeswoman. Chyler Leigh, who plays Pompeo's little sister on Grey's, is about to pop out her third baby. More»