New research explains 'why fathers really matter'

What a man eats prior to puberty could have a significant effect on his child's well-being years later, according to new research based on the study of epigenetics. In this article from The New York Times, Judith Shulevitz looks at the impact a man's health has on his future family, concluding that "what a man needs to know is that his life experience leaves biological traces on his children."

Motherhood begins as a tempestuously physical experience but quickly becomes a political one. Once a womans pregnancy goes public, the storm moves outside. Dont pile on the pounds! Your child will be obese. Dont eat too little, or your baby will be born too small. For heavens sake, dont drink alcohol. Oh, please: you can sip some wine now and again. And no matter how many contradictory things the experts say, dont panic. Stress hormones wreak havoc on a babys budding nervous system.

All this advice rains down on expectant mothers for the obvious reason that mothers carry babies and create the environments in which they grow. What if it turned out, though, that expectant fathers molded babies, too, and not just by way of genes?

Biology is making it clearer by the day that a mans health and well-being have a measurable impact on his future childrens health and happiness.

Read more about why fathers really matter on The New York Times.