Babies born to COVID-infected mothers have triple the risk of developing a breathing disorder that normally affects preemies, a new study shows. Researchers found that exposure to the coronavirus while in the womb increased a newborn’s risk of respiratory distress syndrome by sparking an “inflammatory cascade” in the infants that affected their breathing. “We found…  read on >  read on >

The health dangers posed by colorful detergent pods continues to plague young children, a new study warns. U.S. poison control centers still receive one call every 44 minutes about a young child who’s been harmed through exposure to a liquid laundry detergent pod, researchers report. The steady stream of calls is evidence that voluntary standards…  read on >  read on >

Microbiomes: You’ve probably heard of these communities of largely helpful bacteria that colonize the gut or the skin.  But a man’s semen has a microbiome of its own, and new research suggests it could play a role in fertility. Researchers at the University of California Los Angeles examined the microbiomes and sperm health of 73…  read on >  read on >

College freshmen who are more outgoing and agreeable — and less moody — are more likely to feel a sense of belonging at their new school, new research has found. Those personality traits could result in better academic performance and better mental health during college, the study authors concluded. However, two other important personality traits…  read on >  read on >