Fetal origins of developmental plasticity: Are fetal cues reliable predictors of future nutritional environments?

Article Abstract:

The postnatal adaptive significance of fetal developmental plasticity from the perspective of life history theory and evolutionary models of energy partitioning is evaluated. The long-term benefits of metabolic adjustments are believed to be contingent upon the fetus having access to a cue that is predictive of its future nutritional environment.

User Contributions:

Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:

Comment:  (50-4000 characters)

Name:

E-mail:

Security Code:

Prenatal smoke exposure alters growth in limb proportions and head shape in the midgestation human fetus

Article Abstract:

The effect of maternal smoking on the growth pattern of the fetus during its growing stages is analyzed. This study conducted on 87 smokers and 279 nonsmokers shows that smoke exposure alters the growth rate of individual body segments at variable developmental stages as the fetus experiences selective growth restriction and augmentation.

User Contributions:

Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:

Comment:  (50-4000 characters)

Name:

E-mail:

Security Code:

Growth chart curves do not describe individual growth biology

Article Abstract:

Data from a prospective, longitudinal study of infants illustrates the limitations of growth chart curves as representations of individual growth.

User Contributions:

Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:

Comment:  (50-4000 characters)

Name:

E-mail:

Security Code: