Faulty reflex may cause cot death
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.An abnormality in the reflex that stops breathing when food "goes down the wrong way" may be a cause of cot death, scientists say.
The reflex that closes the airway and triggers coughing when food enters it is vital. If co-ordination of breathing and swallowing is lost it may cause death, says a study in the Journal of Physiology.
Researchers at Macquarie University in Sydney have identified two areas of the brain that control these functions and say further work may cast light on sudden infant death syndrome.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments