By Stephen Beech

Premature babies thrive thanks to the power of touch, suggests new research.

Skin-to-skin care in babies born before 32 weeks is linked to "measurable differences" in their brain development, scientists say.

Longer cuddle sessions were also associated with signs of brain growth in regions tied to emotional and stress regulation, as well as memory.

American researchers say their findings, published in the journal Neurology , underscore how nurturing touch during a "critical window" may influence how a premature baby's brain develops.

The study showed that babies born before 32 weeks who received more skin-to-skin contact while in the hospital showed stronger brain development in areas tied to emotion and stress regulation than babies who received less skin-to-skin

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