In some fascinating new research, scientists have shown that having a baby may actually change men’s brains to make them better dads and partners.

The 2005 book The Mommy Brain documented research by Craig Kinsley and Kelly Lambert on female rats who were either pregnant or recent mothers, showing that motherhood sharpened their senses and increased their motivation and resilience.

This same team is now concentrating on fathers. Their research suggests that fatherhood chemically alters men to make them better fathers.

Loving a woman and fathering her children changes a man’s body and brain in ways that make him more canny and resourceful while improving his ability to handle stress.

At the same time, living with the woman he loves alters a man’s hormones and neurochemistry to make him a better mate.

More canny and resourceful? Do you mean like trying to figure out new ways to get permanent marker off of the side of the car? Or how to assemble that $#@! playset we bought for the kids?

In what ways has becoming a parent altered your brain?