Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
A new dad's brain literally shrinks after a child is born, but is that a bad thing? 🧠
In this episode of That’s Life, Insoo Hyun explains how, in a recent study, researchers used MRI scans to track brain changes in new dads. They found that regions tied to empathy and social awareness shrank in the first few weeks after the child was born. What this likely shows is that the brain prunes and reorganizes itself to get ready for childcare! At around 12 weeks, new dads' brains started regrowing in regions related to emotional regulation and planning!
Full Research Study:
The paternal brain: longitudinal insights into structural and functional plasticity and attachment over 24 weeks postpartum. doi.org/10.1038/s41398-026-04082-7
#FathersDay #Neuroscience #Research #LifeScience #Science #YouTubeShorts #Shorts #brainresearch
Life Sciences with the Museum of Science:
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Short Science with the Museum of Science:
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That’s Life with the Museum of Science:
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Among the world's largest science centers and New England's most attended cultural institution, the Museum of Science reaches over 300 million people a year — at Science Park and in museums around the world, in classrooms, and online. Established in 1830, the Museum is home to such iconic experiences as the Theater of Electricity, the Charles Hayden Planetarium, and the Mugar Omni Theater. The Museum influences formal and informal STEM education through research and national advocacy, including through its Youth Exploring Science (YES) program through the William and Charlotte Bloomberg Science Education Center. Around the world, the Museum is known for digital experiences such as Mission: Mars on Roblox and traveling exhibitions such as Science Behind Pixar. The Public Science Common, a state-of-the-art programming and event space featuring sweeping 270-degree views of Boston and Cambridge, and is a space to bring together people for a wide variety of programs and events. Learn more at mos.org
Copyright © 2026. Museum of Science. All rights reserved. This video is owned by the Museum of Science and may not be reproduced, redistributed, or used in any manner without prior written permission from the Museum of Science.
A new dad's brain literally shrinks after a child is born, but is that a bad thing? 🧠
In this episode of That’s Life, Insoo Hyun explains how, in a recent study, researchers used MRI scans to track brain changes in new dads. They found that regions tied to empathy and social awareness shrank in the first few weeks after the child was born. What this likely shows is that the brain prunes and reorganizes itself to get ready for childcare! At around 12 weeks, new dads' brains started regrowing in regions related to emotional regulation and planning!
Full Research Study:
The paternal brain: longitudinal insights into structural and functional plasticity and attachment over 24 weeks postpartum. doi.org/10.1038/s41398-026-04082-7
#FathersDay #Neuroscience #Research #LifeScience #Science #YouTubeShorts #Shorts #brainresearch
Life Sciences with the Museum of Science:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxeUBLGfcIB9RzVH_VbyXlfMKoe_jsvvb
Short Science with the Museum of Science:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxeUBLGfcIB9dB6n8zqwu_w2vG6DmLsKy
That’s Life with the Museum of Science:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxeUBLGfcIB_8ldL-GfepGOzigQBGvbjg
Among the world's largest science centers and New England's most attended cultural institution, the Museum of Science reaches over 300 million people a year — at Science Park and in museums around the world, in classrooms, and online. Established in 1830, the Museum is home to such iconic experiences as the Theater of Electricity, the Charles Hayden Planetarium, and the Mugar Omni Theater. The Museum influences formal and informal STEM education through research and national advocacy, including through its Youth Exploring Science (YES) program through the William and Charlotte Bloomberg Science Education Center. Around the world, the Museum is known for digital experiences such as Mission: Mars on Roblox and traveling exhibitions such as Science Behind Pixar. The Public Science Common, a state-of-the-art programming and event space featuring sweeping 270-degree views of Boston and Cambridge, and is a space to bring together people for a wide variety of programs and events. Learn more at mos.org
Copyright © 2026. Museum of Science. All rights reserved. This video is owned by the Museum of Science and may not be reproduced, redistributed, or used in any manner without prior written permission from the Museum of Science.
