Core Findings - An international research team, including Israeli researchers, discovered that psychological stress during pregnancy can "reprogram" key molecular pathways in fetuses, affecting newborns' stress response systems in different ways based on gender [1][2] - The study involved over 120 mother-infant pairs recruited in Germany from 2016 to 2018, focusing on pregnant women with high perceived stress levels, which often go unmonitored [2][3] - The research highlighted significant molecular changes in female infants, particularly the near-complete disappearance of choline tRNA fragments, which regulate genes responsible for synthesizing acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter [1] - Male infants exhibited higher levels of acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, indicating an imbalance in their stress response systems from birth [1] - Machine learning algorithms were utilized to analyze choline tRNA fragment characteristics in newborn girls, achieving up to 95% accuracy in determining exposure to maternal stress during pregnancy, paving the way for early diagnostic and intervention tools [1] Research Implications - The study emphasizes the importance of maternal mental health during pregnancy, particularly for women who perceive high stress but are not diagnosed with depression or anxiety, as their stress can still impact both themselves and their newborns [2] - The findings suggest potential avenues for early diagnosis and support for pregnant women experiencing high levels of stress [2]