Sex makes your brain grow Globe and Mail,
POSTED AT 9:21 PM EST, Thursday, January 2 2002 " Mating triggers the development of new neurons in the smell centre of the brain, a finding researchers hope will provide clues on how to trick other parts of the vital organ to repair themselves after injuries caused by strokes or head traumas.

The possibility hinges on the discovery that a naturally occurring hormone called prolactin - production of which surges after sex and during pregnancy - prompts stem cells in the brain to produce new neurons in the brain's olfactory bulb.

"The importance of it, beyond the basic biology of stem cells, is the fact that prolactin may be an important neurogenic molecule that may have significant potential for generating new brain cells," said Samuel Weiss, an expert in neurological stem cell biology in the University of Calgary's faculty of medicine...." [Sex releases prolactin? Who knew... - JC]

Breastfeeding cuts pain for babiesBBC NEWS | Health | 3/1/2003

"Breastfeeding is the best form of pain relief for babies being given medical treatment, researchers have found.

They looked at how babies coped with the pain of having blood taken from a vein, a procedure called venepuncture.

Drugs are rarely used to help babies with the pain of this and other procedures because of concern over their effectiveness and possible side effects...."