A study has found that a father's genes can influence the quality of care a newborn receives from its mother. The researchers from Cardiff University in the UK investigated the hormonal signals given off from the placenta during pregnancy. During pregnancy the placenta transports nutrients to the growing foetus and gives off hormonal signals in the mother's bloodstream to maintain a successful pregnancy. As well as throughout the pregnancy it remains involved in nurturing the baby the placental signals are thought to be important for programming a mother's behaviour preparing them for their new role as a parent. These hormones