Breastfeeding reduces risk of SIDS

A new study led by the University of Virginia School of Medicine explains how breastfeeding for at least two months cuts a baby’s risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) almost in half. 

“These results are powerful. Our study found that babies who are breastfed for two months have a significant reduction in their risk of dying from SIDS,” says researcher Kawai Tanabe. “Breastfeeding is beneficial for many reasons, but this is an important one.”

The study was published in the scientific journal Pediatrics.

Scientists at Lund University in Sweden have shown where in the brain the earliest signs of Alzheimer’s occur. The initial changes in the brain occur through retention of the protein, beta-amyloid, usually starting 10–20 years before the first symptoms are visible in the patient. Scientists explain that the initial accumulation occurs in the inner parts of the brain, known as the default mode network. 

The discovery could contribute to future Alzheimer’s research and improved diagnostics.

A University of Oregon study reveals preschoolers speaking two languages to have better impulse control than peers speaking one language. Researchers followed 1,146 children from families at the lower end of the socioeconomic range, who tend to be at risk for not developing inhibitory control at the same rate as their peers from higher socioeconomic backgrounds. 

“We found that being bilingual during this time was associated with more rapid development of inhibitory control,” researcher Jimena Santillán said.