Every week, we scour the web to bring you interesting bits and pieces from around the world. Enjoy!

Baby Brains and Smelling Pink

This fascinating look into how babies sense the world was prompted by the writer’s toddler daughter, who “smells pink.” She posits that early childhood has more in common than we think with synesthesia, a condition where senses are cross-wired. Then, she takes us on a tour of synesthesia in adults and describes a richer, albeit confusing, world.

More Intelligence Than We’ve Ever Known

It’s a long, two-part read about the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) but totally worth the time investment. Basically, every brightest mind on the planet agrees Artificial Superintelligence — a human-created intelligence beyond the comprehension of the creators — is only a matter of time. And its impact on humanity will be even greater than the discovery of fire.

Parents Like To Learn As Much As The Next Person

TED talk organizers are revisiting their policy prohibiting children under 16 in the audience after one woman, who attended with her infant son, was asked to leave an event. Nice to see that one of the leading avenues of learning and creativity is recognizing that parents shouldn’t have to cease to pursue knowledge once they become parents.

First-Gen Over-Parented Kids Come Of Age

As the first generation of kids with helicopter parents comes of age, we’re seeing the effects. Studies are showing an alarming prevalence of depression and other mental health problems on college campuses among young adults who feel they have no autonomy and are afraid to fail. Experts are agreeing that whether over-involved parenting explicitly causes these mental health issues, it without a doubt sets up the child for setbacks once he or she enters the real world.

New Post-Birth Contraception Policies

In good news for moms who are looking to delay or avoid more children, medical recommendations have been revised to OK intrauterine devices (IUDs) prior to six weeks post-childbirth. Previously, mothers were advised to wait a month and a half after giving birth before returning to contraception, even though many resume having sex within that span.