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Articles on Fetal development

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Vulnerability to suicide may build up throughout the course of life, and may start with events occurring in the perinatal period and infancy. (Shutterstock)

Understanding the early-life origins of suicide: Vulnerability may begin even before birth

Early life influences have been linked to higher risk of suicide later in life. Reducing those risks, and boosting resilience in children exposed to them, may help reduce suicide rates.
Nearly 100 scholars and health care professionals are urging women to limit their use of acetaminophen during pregnancy. Oscar Wong/Moment via Getty Images

Tylenol could be risky for pregnant women – a new review of 25 years of research finds acetaminophen may contribute to ADHD and other developmental disorders in children

Tylenol has long been considered a go-to medication for low to moderate pain and for fever reduction, even during pregnancy. But mounting evidence suggests that it is unsafe for fetal development.
Science can observe these various phases of fetal development but cannot determine when human life begins. UrsaHoogle/E+ via Getty Images

Defining when human life begins is not a question science can answer – it’s a question of politics and ethical values

Some people seeking to influence public opinion about abortion rights claim the science is clear. It’s not, and that means abortion remains a political question – not a biological one.
Even identical twins have different fingerprints. El Greco/Shutterstock.com

How did I get my own unique set of fingerprints?

You’ve had your own personal set of fingerprints since before you were born, and they’ll be with you throughout your whole life.
Joaquin Phoenix won the award for outstanding performance by a male actor in a leading role for ‘Joker’ at the 26th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards. Jordan Strauss/Invision via AP

Joaquin Phoenix’s lips are not like Napoleon’s − here’s what everyone should know about cleft lip

Joaquin Phoenix has previously been mocked for a facial scar that some have assumed is a cleft lip. Two geneticists and a surgeon explain what causes this common birth defect.
Around 10 states in the U.S. have hit over 120 degrees Fahrenheit on their hottest days this year. VladisChern/Shutterstock.com

Pregnant women have a higher risk of delivering early on unseasonably hot days

More places around the world are experiencing days with record high temperatures. These prolonged hot spells may have unanticipated impacts on pregnant women, triggering early deliveries.
The death of an unborn baby is a devastating and traumatic event. from shutterstock.com

Better care and communication can cut stillbirth rates and avoid unnecessary trauma

The death of a baby, whether born or unborn, is a devastating and traumatic event. More than 2,000 stillbirths occur every year in Australia. But a large number of them can be prevented.
Racial discrimination may have biological impacts lasting across generations. Orange-studio/Shutterstock

Discrimination is bad for your health – and your kids too

Think about the last time you left the house. Did strangers on the street acknowledge your presence with a smile or avert their glance? Chances are that the answer depended on your age, gender and, of…
Icy times for mom-to-be meant bad news for baby-on-board. Shaun Best/Reuters

Mom’s prenatal hardship turns baby’s genes on and off

In January 1998 five days of freezing rain collapsed the electrical grid of the Canadian province of Québec. The storm left more than 3 million people without electricity for anywhere from a few hours…
This little tyke is already hard at work studying. petitshoo

Language learning begins in the womb

Human foetuses begin to hear sounds outside the womb at about 27 weeks. But whether foetuses can learn from these sounds in ways that shape speech perception and development during infancy has remained…

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