News from Our Scientists

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Randy Irmis holding a rock hammer stands next to a textured rock face.

NHMU Curator of Paleontology Randy Irmis in Argentina. Image by Adriana Mancuso.

News from Our Scientists is a rotating exhibit featuring the work of the Museum's scientists.

Studying Cradles

three types of indigenous infant cradle technology lined up

Three traditional Native American papoose carriers made of woven baskets are displayed against a cloth background, captured around 1900.

While mothers in most cultures throughout the world carry their babies in slings, women in Indigenous communities in North America have used cradles for thousands of years. Why? NHMU scientist Dr. Alexandra Greenwald conducted an experiment to test the benefits of cradles as a technology, finding cradles to be more efficient than slings because they offer the ability to safely put babies down and work unencumbered. This study builds upon generations of Indigenous knowledge.

See research previously displayed in the News From Our Scientists exhibit archive.

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