A study from Nationwide Children’s Hospital provides novel insights into how mutations in the NOTCH1 gene may lead to abnormal differentiation and proliferation of cardiomyocytes in humans. The findings provide some insight on the disease mechanisms underlying severe types of congenital heart defects where the left side of the heart is not well formed, such as hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

Read more at Pediatrics Nationwide: New Insights into the Role of the NOTCH1 Gene in Congenital Heart Defects.

Researchers used audio playback shortly after birth to investigate the development of mother-pup vocal recognition in Cape fur seals. They found that mothers recognize their pup’s voice 2-4 hours after birth, and pups recognize their mother’s voice 4-6 hours after birth. This is the fastest establishment of mother-offspring vocal recognition for any mammal species (including humans) described to date.

Read more at my Animal Minds blog: Rapid Vocal Recognition in Fur Seal Moms and Pups.

In a new study, researchers from Nationwide Children’s evaluated the use of intrauterine devices (IUDs) in two young women’s hematology clinics. They found that young women with bleeding disorders did not experience a higher IUD expulsion rate than their peers with heavy menstrual bleeding who were not found to have an underlying bleeding disorder.

Read more at Pediatrics Nationwide: Intrauterine Devices are a First-Line Option for Adolescents with Bleeding Disorders.

Around the world, there is a need for more sustainable and environmentally friendly construction materials. See how scientists took inspiration from termite mounds to create alternative building materials that are stronger and more environmentally friendly than traditional clay bricks. (There are two versions of this article for lower and higher reading levels).

Read more at the Science Journal for Kids: What can termites teach us about better building materials?

Infection with the microscopic parasite Toxoplasma gondii is associated with increased risk-taking in rodents, wolves, and even humans.

Read more about how - and why - this parasite manipulates its hosts’ behavior in my article for National Geographic: This Parasite Manipulates the Minds of Wolves, Rats - Maybe Even You.