Smoking rates, cot deaths, parental leave and mental health – what studies have unearthed

Scientists have launched a study to track the next generation of British babies.

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Other long-term studies have led to significant scientific advances and far-reaching political initiatives.

The Generation New Era study will track 30,000 babies born in 2026 from around the UK.

It is the latest in a rich line of long-term studies tracking various aspects of British lives.

A number of studies have been launched over the past 80 years.

These include the 1958 National Child Development Study, 1970 British Cohort Study and Millennium Cohort Study, as well as the Children Of The gos study.

Findings have led to various changes across society including:

- Smoking rates among pregnant women were reduced after studies found smoking among mothers-to-be was harming unborn children.

- Cot deaths were prevented thanks to data gathered on sleeping positions among babies.