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BABIES CAN TELL LANGUAGE AT BIRTHBabies can differentiate a language from noise at birth, suggesting either they learn it while in the womb,...

BABIES CAN TELL LANGUAGE AT BIRTH
Babies can differentiate a language from noise at birth, suggesting either they learn it while in the womb, or humans have innate language skills, according to new research.

The joint study by Italian, Japanese and French laboratories covered 12 Italian newborn babies aged two to five days and used speech samples from Italian mothers whose infants did not participate in the experiment.

The study used an optical topography device to detect change in cerebral blood volume and oxygen saturation. When exposed to normal, forward speech, the newborns showed a significantly greater activity in the left hemisphere of their brains than in the right hemisphere. The left side is known to have connections with language processing. In contrast, no significant differences were observed during the playing of tapes of backward speech or silent conditions.

The study 8216;8216;provides the demonstration that the neonate newborn brain responds specifically to normal speech only after a few hours of experience with speech signals outside the womb,8217;8217; the researchers said.

WHEN LESS IS MORE IN BIOPSIES
Ten years ago, women having breast biopsies had open surgery, which required anaesthesia and left visible scars. Now, a surgeon inserts a thin needle to extract a sliver of tissue, leaving a near invisible scar. Earlier a prostate biopsy was performed with a thick needle, needed surgery and came with risk of infection. Now, a surgeon inserts a thin needle and withdraws several strands of tissue while the patient is under light sedation.

Biopsies have changed significantly. Many are minimally invasive, and the tissue extracted is becoming smaller and smaller.

For the patient, the trend towards smaller biopsies means fewer complications and less pain. Minimally invasive biopsies are also less costly. The procedures, however, are making definitive diagnoses more difficult. Small specimens also increase chances of missing the malignant section of the organ.

But doctors have adapted. 8220;We8217;ve become adept at making diagnoses from smaller and smaller samples,8221; said Dr Carolyn Compton, chairwoman of the pathology department at McGill University in Montreal.

Compiled from Agence France Presse and
The New York Times News Service