Unborn Babies Exploit 'Greedy Gene' to Manipulate Mothers for Extra Food
TL;DR Summary
Scientists from the University of Cambridge have discovered that unborn babies inherit a "greedy gene" from their fathers, known as the lgf2 gene, which allows them to manipulate their mothers into releasing more nutrients during pregnancy. This gene is part of the baby's "remote control system" and promotes fetal growth. The research, conducted on pregnant mice, revealed that when the lgf2 gene was deleted in the placenta, the fetus did not grow properly. Understanding this gene could help develop ways to improve the health of mothers and babies in the future.
- Unborn babies inherit 'greedy gene' from father, scientists discover BBC Science Focus Magazine
- Study finds, 'greedy' genes from father encourage unborn babies to steal their mother's food Interesting Engineering
- Unborn babies use 'greedy' gene from fathers to 'remote-control' mothers into feeding them extra food – study finds The Irish Times
- Foetuses use 'greedy' father gene to get more nutrients from mothers, study finds The Independent
- Unborn babies use 'greedy' father gene to get more food from mothers, says new Cambridge study TheJournal.ie
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