Babies with big heads are more intelligent, according to science

Parents often speculate what their children will be like when they grow up. For example, my parents thought I was going to be a doctor. Man, they were way off. (Every year, my Christmas present to them is disappointment.)

You never know exactly how your kids will turn out. They might be smart, funny, shy, or a jerk who steals everyone's food from the office refrigerator. Character is shaped by a mysterious combination of nature and nurture.

However, scientists recently discovered intriguing links between intelligence and genetics. Earlier this week one study revealed that intelligence is passed down from the mother, not the father. Now a study published by Molecular Psychiatry has revealed that bigheaded babies are more likely to be intelligent.
Baby with stuffed dog Credit: Pexels

How did they arrive at this conclusion? Easy. Scientists discovered bigger heads hold bigger brains. Just kidding. If you believed that, you were probably born with a small head.

Actually, UK BioBank collected data from a hundred thousand people. Participants provided DNA samples in the form of blood, urine and saliva, as well as pertinent information about their background and lifestyle. Then researchers began their investigation, searching for compelling links between genes, IQ and overall health.

Their analysis revealed that big-headed babies are significantly more likely to show greater intelligence later in life. That means they will probably get an academic achievement, like earn a college degree, or score high on a verbal-numerical reasoning test. And they'll probably never watch an episode of Here Comes Honey Boo Boo.

But how big is a big head, exactly? In the study, researchers said they considered heads with a circumference of 12.5 to 14 inches to be smarter. So break your tape measure, and see if your kid is the next Stephen Hawking or the next Steve-O from Jackass.
Professor Ian Deary elaborated on the results to Neuroscience News: "In addition to there being shared genetic influences between cognitive skills and some physical and mental health states, the study also found that cognitive skills share genetic influences with brain size, body shape and educational attainments." I don't know what means because I was born with a small head, but it sounds pretty legit.

If your baby doesn't have an enormous cranium, don't put him or her up on eBay just yet. Researchers discovered another significant link to brainpower. Researcher Saskia Hagenaars told The Independent, "The study supports an existing theory which says that those with better overall health are likely to have higher levels of intelligence." So just keep your baby in shape, and you should be fine.

Of course, there are other factors that affect intelligence besides hat size. But if you have a baby with a big head, or you have a big head yourself, now you know it can actually be a source of pride. Who knew being told you have a big head could be a compliment?

source : http://vt.co/lifestyle/health/babies-big-heads-intelligent-according-science/