Since this episode aired, we have learned that some of the results have come into question and the paper was retracted.  We apologize for this unforeseen outcome, but it is good to see science self-correct in real time

We know that natural childbirth provides health and developmental advantages to babies. One happens when the baby encounters the mother’s vaginal and intestinal microbiome. Good bacteria can colonize the newborn’s intestinal tract to mature their gut immune system. Since Caesarian babies are not exposed to these microbes, scientists are studying whether swabbing the newborn’s nose, mouth, and skin with the mother’s vaginal fluids could have the same effect.  

In studies with newborns, swabbed children not only got the gut benefits but their neurodevelopment at six months was superior to babies swabbed with just saline. This happened even in children where the gut microbiome didn’t mature. Why is that? Additional studies now show the reason lies in the baby’s skin, which can absorb small molecules. Two bacteria colonizing the baby’s skin, Lactobacillus crispatus and Bacteroides fragilis, appear responsible.   

When on the skin, the bacteria make a lipid called N-bc2S1P.  Working with mice, researchers saw that the lipid ended up in the newborn mouse forebrain stimulating gene activation and cell growth.  

The mouse pups born by C-section and swabbed with either the vaginal fluid or the two bacteria, saw increases in motor development. This could become a treatment for babies born by C-section.  

Imagine, a chemical made by a microbe on a newborn’s skin that communicates with the brain to enhance the baby’s development.  It’s another wonder of the interconnection between us and our microbiome.