Science Friday Breast Milk Is Understudied. What Are Scientists Learning Now?
Aug 14, 2025
Join Shelley McGuire, a professor from the University of Idaho, and Deepshika Ramanan, an assistant professor at the Salk Institute, as they dive into the fascinating world of breast milk. They explore its unique composition and its vital role in infant immunity. Discover how breast milk adapts to a baby's needs, the evolutionary advantages of breastfeeding, and the global variations in milk composition. The discussion also addresses maternal cannabis use and the societal stigma surrounding breastfeeding choices, highlighting the need for more research and support.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Human Milk Is Understudied
- Human milk remains understudied despite its central biological importance.
- Funding and research attention have lagged behind other foods and body systems.
Milk Is Evolutionary Nutrition
- Human milk is the only food evolutionarily designed specifically for humans.
- Understanding its composition matters because it shapes early human development.
No Mammary Gland Specialty
- There is no medical specialty dedicated to the mammary gland comparable to other organs.
- That gap reflects social and research neglect around breastfeeding and women's health.