People with smaller testicles found to be better fathers!

People with small testicles have something to be happy about. According to a new study published by Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, reduced hormonal levels can lead to less impulsive behavior and more empathic response. Qualities that can prove useful in being a good parent.

The study was based on the theory that animals evolve either to find more opportunities for mating or provide paternal care. And, since people with bigger testicles produced more sperm and testosterone, their focus on providing paternal care should be less than people with smaller testicles.

The research team led by James Rilling, recruited 70 fathers of children between the age of one and two years and scanned their brains as well as testicles using an MRI machine. Alongside these scans, the fathers and the childrens' mothers also filled out a survey which gauged the commitment given to parenting.

Men with smaller testicles performed better on surveys and the reactions in their brain's VTA (ventral tegmental area) on being shown their children's photo had more activity.

Rilling though said that such results could not be used to make a judgment about human nature as yet. 'First, we are assuming that testicle size is driving parenting behaviour. It may instead be that testicles become smaller as a father pays more attention to the child. Second, testicle size may be related to genetic factors or environmental factors that we are not aware of. For example, may be boys whose fathers are absent may grow to have bigger testicles. We don't know.', Rilling said.