Flu Like Symptoms During Pregnancy May Affect Fetal Brain Development

Originally shared by Neuroscience News

Flu Like Symptoms During Pregnancy May Affect Fetal Brain Development

Babies born to mothers whose immune systems had to grapple with a viral assault -- even a mild one -- have increased risk of brain and central nervous system abnormalities, according to a new study.

The research is in Journal of Neuroscience. (full access paywall)

#neuroscience #health #pregnancy
http://neurosciencenews.com/serotonin-flu-pregnancy-neurodevelopment-4356

Prenatal Fruit Consumption May Boost Baby's Cognitive Development

Originally shared by Neuroscience News

Prenatal Fruit Consumption May Boost Baby's Cognitive Development

Most people have heard the old adage "an apple a day keeps the doctor away." It's an old truth that encompasses more than just apples--eating fruit in general is well known to reduce risk for a wide variety of health conditions such as heart disease and stroke. But now a new study is showing the benefits of fruit can begin as early as in the womb.

The research is in EbioMedicine. (full open access)

#diet #pregnancy
http://neurosciencenews.com/prental-fruit-cognitive-development-4302/

Pregnancy Changes Perception of Tastes and Odors

Originally shared by Neuroscience News

Pregnancy Changes Perception of Tastes and Odors

Receptor modifies how mated fruit flies perceive polyamines.

The research is in PLOS Biology. (full open access)

#neuroscience #pregnancy
http://neurosciencenews.com/pregnancy-taste-odor-neuroscience-4188