Recent study revealed that pre-natal exposure to alcohol of a child leads to attraction to its smell during teenage life. Research team led by Professor Steven Youngentob from the State University of New York conducted animal studies to investigate foetal ethanol exposure and its effects in later life.

Researchers found that adolescent offspring of the pregnant rats exposed to ethanol, pure alcohol seek out interaction with intoxicated rats.

Professor Steven Youngentob said that rats that had no foetal ethanol exposure were "significantly less likely" to follow an intoxicated peer. Foetal ethanol exposure influences adolescent re-exposure, in part, by promoting interactions with intoxicated peers.

Prof. Youngentob added: "These results highlight an important relationship between foetal and adolescent experiences, which appears essential to the progressive development of alcohol abuse."

Prof. Youngentob said it was believed, in both rats and humans, foetal exposure changed how the odour and flavour of ethanol was perceived.