なでられると赤ちゃんが落ち着くメカニズム　東邦大学などの研究チームが解明(2026年7月8日)

A study by Toho University and other researchers has revealed that the mechanism by which babies feel calm when petted is likely to develop through early contact with their mothers and other caregivers. The research team from Toho University and other institutions conducted experiments for approximately three years starting in 2022. In the experiments, baby mice that had been licked by their mothers shortly after birth showed changes such as becoming calmer when their backs were petted. On the other hand, baby mice that were artificially raised immediately after birth and had little experience of contact with their mothers did not show any reaction such as becoming calmer when their backs were petted. Brain activity analysis revealed that the activity of the brain regions that control instinctive behavior was significantly reduced in the artificially raised baby mice compared to normal baby mice. Therefore, it is believed that the calming response to petting is not something that is innate, but rather develops through early contact experiences. The research team stated, "We believe there is a partially common mechanism in the calming responses of baby mice and infants. We hope to apply this to childcare and early childhood education, as well as to supporting children who have difficulty with physical contact or experience high levels of anxiety." [TV Asahi NEWS] https://news.tv-asahi.co.jp