Brain Changes Linked to Baby Care

Freeman Hrabowski Scholar Bianca Jones Marlin is investigating the neural foundations of caregiving and the ways in which these biological adaptations can be transmitted across generations. Her work focuses on the brain circuits that govern nurturing behaviors and the epigenetic mechanisms that may encode these patterns, offering insights into how parental care shapes offspring development at a molecular level.

Marlin’s research combines neuroimaging, behavioral assays, and genetic analyses to map the interplay between caregiving behaviors and brain plasticity. By studying both human participants and animal models, she aims to identify specific neural pathways and epigenetic markers that are altered by caregiving experiences, and to determine how these changes influence the next generation’s emotional and social functioning. The findings could inform interventions for families and contribute to a deeper understanding of the biological underpinnings of intergenerational support.

The study underscores the importance of early caregiving environments and their lasting impact on brain development. Marlin’s scholarship, supported by the Freeman Hrabowski Scholars program, highlights the broader implications of her work for public health, education, and family policy, as it seeks to bridge gaps between neuroscience, genetics, and social science.