Goldsmiths, University of London - Babies lend a hand in the lab

New research has given an insight into the way babies develop spatial awareness. A study led by Goldsmiths, University of London, examined babies' reactions when they were given a low-frequency buzzer to hold. They responded by pulling back or shaking the hand that held the buzzer. Researchers then repeated the test with the babies' arms crossed. Younger babies made more mistakes when reacting to the source of the buzz, showing they had less awareness that their limbs had moved. The study suggests that babies as young as six or seven months are able to actively respond to stimuli and understand them in relation to their own bodies.