A new study funded by the National Institutes of Health found that cooling treatment for preterm infants does not reduce the risk of disability or death from oxygen loss. The study evaluated 188 preterm infants with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy and found a higher risk of death and disability in those who received the cooling treatment.
A NIH study found that excess weight gain in the first trimester is associated with increased abdominal circumference and arm fat thickness in fetuses. The findings suggest that early intervention may prevent adult obesity and related conditions by targeting fetal weight gain.
A NIH study found that 48.6% of pregnant people with abnormal cfDNA testing results had undetected cancers, including colorectal, breast, and lung cancer. Whole body MRI was the most effective method for detecting cancer in this population.
The National Institutes of Health has announced the winners of the RADx Tech for Maternal Health Challenge, an $8 million prize competition to develop innovative diagnostics for postpartum maternal health. Six finalists won grand prizes of $525,000 each, and two runner-up teams won prizes of $300,000 each.
Newborns with atypical metabolite patterns are 14 times more likely to die of SIDS, according to a recent NIH-funded study. The researchers believe that checking for this pattern could provide a way to estimate SIDS risk and inform efforts to reduce its risk.
Researchers developed an AI model to analyze short narrative statements from postpartum patients, identifying a large proportion likely to have childbirth-related PTSD. The model's accuracy was demonstrated through analysis of narratives from patients who tested high for symptoms on a questionnaire.
Researchers created a single-cell atlas of the human placenta, revealing changes in gene expression patterns among cell types. The study found that cells most affected by labor were in chorioamniotic membranes and generated inflammatory signaling.
A new genetic atlas details the gene expression programs that drive zebrafish development, revealing insights into human embryonic growth and the origins of diseases such as gastrointestinal disorders. The atlas provides a comprehensive resource for studying cell development and differentiation in vertebrates.
A recent study suggests that umbilical cord milking is a safe procedure for preterm infants born after 28 weeks, reducing delay and risk of bleeding. The technique involves gently squeezing the cord to push blood into the newborn's abdomen, allowing for faster response times for infants in need of respiratory support.
A new smartphone app called OpenCap can analyze human motion and provide valuable insights for physical rehabilitation. Developed by NIH-funded researchers, the app is 25 times faster than current techniques and costs about 1% of traditional methods.
The NIH has established 10 research centers to develop innovative approaches to reducing pregnancy-related complications and deaths. These efforts aim to address disparities in maternal health outcomes by racial and ethnic group, age, education, socioeconomic status, and geographic region.
The NIH zebrafish image was taken to study lymphatic vessel development in the brain and has led to a groundbreaking discovery that fish have lymphatic vessels inside their skull. This finding could expedite research into treatments for diseases affecting the human brain, such as cancer and Alzheimer's.
Researchers found that the 'Eat, Sleep, Console' (ESC) care approach is more effective than Finnegan Neonatal Abstinence Scoring Tool (FNAST) in assessing and managing opioid-exposed newborns. Newborns cared for with ESC were medically ready for discharge approximately 6.7 days earlier and 63% less likely to receive medication.
A study funded by the NIH found that children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) have unique biochemical indicators of cell injury and death. The researchers developed a method to distinguish MIS-C from other conditions, which could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment for these patients.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that tranexamic acid did not reduce the need for blood transfusions or prevent maternal death in patients with increased risk for excessive bleeding after cesarean delivery. However, patients who received tranexamic acid had less need for additional medical intervent...
Researchers developed a non-invasive imaging tool to create real-time images of uterine contractions during labor. The electromyometrial imaging (EMMI) technique provides detailed information on contraction patterns, which can help improve labor management and clinical decision-making.
In a mouse study, researchers have identified a potential non-hormonal contraceptive that men can take before sexual activity to prevent pregnancy. The compound temporarily disables an enzyme essential for sperm maturation, rendering sperm immobile and preventing fertilization.
A single oral dose of azithromycin can reduce postpartum sepsis and death among women who deliver vaginally by one-third, according to a large clinical trial. The study enrolled over 29,000 women in seven low- and middle-income countries and found that only 1.6% developed sepsis or died within six weeks after delivery.
A study found that hospitals with high levels of pediatric care readiness have significantly lower child mortality rates compared to those with low readiness. Adopting national pediatric care readiness standards as laid out by the National Pediatric Readiness Project may prevent over 1,400 child deaths.
A study funded by NIH found that people with Down syndrome have a similar level of amyloid plaques in their brains as those with hereditary, early-onset Alzheimer's. This suggests that individuals with both conditions may benefit from participating in studies on Alzheimer's therapies aimed at slowing amyloid plaque formation.
A small study funded by NIH found that a simulated driving program can reduce crashes and near-crashes among teens with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) by nearly 40%. The program, called FOCAL+, teaches teens to avoid long glances away from the roadway.
The NIH is launching a $8 million prize competition to develop technologies improving postpartum healthcare in areas with limited access to maternity care. Diagnostic devices and wearables are prioritized to detect conditions like heart-related conditions, infection, and bleeding during the first year after delivery.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has launched a $3 million challenge competition to encourage community-based and advocacy organizations to develop infrastructure for conducting maternal health research. The challenge aims to address racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities in maternal health outcomes.
A NIH study of over 46,000 participants found that childhood poverty combined with crowded housing or parental separation increases the risk of premature death by 41-50%, compared to those without early life adversity. The study also identified a higher risk of premature death for individuals with multiple adverse childhood experiences.
Scientists developed a same-day test to identify abnormal fetal chromosomes using prenatal tests and tissue from miscarriage or biopsies. The STORK test shows promise in diagnosing genetic causes of miscarriage and streamlining IVF, potentially saving time and cost.
Infants diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at 24 months had differences in visual processing areas of the brain apparent at 6 months old. These early changes could affect further brain development and play a role in ASD symptoms.
The Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 can attach to copies of itself, forming larger clumps of viral particles. This unique binding property may have contributed to its rapid spread. The study found that the Delta spike protein enables the virus to bind to cells and form aggregations, increasing the chances of infection.
A new study funded by the NIH found that amygdala overgrowth in autism spectrum disorder begins between 6-12 months of age, suggesting early intervention may be effective in reducing symptoms. The study also identified distinct brain growth patterns in infants with Fragile X syndrome.
A recent NIH-funded study found that pregnant women with COVID-19 are at a greater risk for common pregnancy complications, including cesarean delivery and preterm birth. The study also highlighted the importance of vaccination to protect pregnant women and their babies.
A NIH-funded study discovered a small, temporary increase in menstrual cycle length among women receiving COVID-19 vaccine. The average increase was less than one day, with no change in bleeding days.
A recent NIH study found that pregnant women with disabilities have a significantly higher risk of severe pregnancy- and birth-related complications and death. Women with physical, sensory, or intellectual disabilities are more likely to experience preterm birth, hypertensive disorders, gestational diabetes, and cesarean delivery.
A study published in Molecular Genetics and Metabolism found that riluzole slows the progression of Niemann-Pick disease type C1 by reducing glutamate toxicity, increasing mouse survival by 12%. Researchers believe similar drugs may help slow disease progression in patients with NPC1.
The NIH emphasizes the need to engage with vulnerable communities in research design and implementation to ensure safe in-person schooling during COVID-19. This approach addresses significant gaps in previous studies conducted primarily in affluent neighborhoods.
A recent NIH-funded study found that intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) works in treating multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) and Kawasaki disease by depleting activated neutrophils, a major source of inflammation.
A recent study funded by NIH found that excessive daily screen time is associated with cognitive and behavioral issues in extremely preterm children. Children who spent more than two hours on screens per day had lower IQ scores and poorer problem-solving skills compared to their peers.
Researchers developed a prototype device that measures placental oxygen levels using near-infrared light, potentially diagnosing common pregnancy complications. The study found that women with anterior placenta and complications had lower placental oxygen levels compared to healthy pregnancies.
Researchers at the National Institutes of Health have identified a promising oral antiviral treatment for COVID-19. The experimental drug TEMPOL can inhibit viral replication by degrading iron-sulfur clusters required by the SARS-CoV-2 RNA replicase enzyme.
A healthy diet before and during pregnancy may reduce risks of gestational diabetes, high blood pressure disorders, and preterm birth. Women who followed healthier eating patterns had lower risks for these pregnancy complications.
A study by researchers at the National Institutes of Health found that open, expressive family life can moderate the effects of pre-adoption adversity on adopted children's cognitive ability and development. In contrast, rule-driven households with conflict may increase the risk for behavioral problems.
A NIH-funded study found that taking 1,000 mg of DHA daily in pregnancy was associated with a lower rate of early preterm birth. Women with low DHA levels at study entry showed the greatest reduction in early preterm birth rates.
A study suggests that pregnant women with gestational diabetes made only modest dietary changes, including a reduction in juice consumption and an increase in artificially sweetened beverages. Disparities were found in certain groups, such as Hispanic women and those with obesity or lower education levels.
A new ultrasound technique has been developed to detect fetal circulation problems in the placenta, allowing for earlier diagnosis and potential prevention of harm to the fetus. The study found that 16 women out of 40 tested had placentas with fetal circulation problems.
A recent NIH study has identified a diverse range of motor neurons along the spinal cord that govern movement, including subtypes susceptible to neurodegenerative diseases. The research provides an atlas of 21 neuron types, offering new understanding of how these neurons control movement and contribute to organ systems.
Researchers developed an eye-tracking app that can screen children at risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by tracking their gaze patterns while watching social videos. The study found that children with ASD were less likely to focus on social cues and visually track conversations in the videos.
A NIH study found that newborns conceived through IVF had certain chemical modifications to their DNA, but these changes were not seen in early childhood. The study also found no differences in growth and development for this group.
A new test has been developed to evaluate expressive language skills in individuals with Down syndrome, offering a more effective approach than current methods. The test was found to be reliable and consistent across different versions, making it suitable for most individuals between the ages of 6 and 23.
A study found that pregnant women who consumed moderate amounts of caffeine had infants with smaller birth sizes, lower lean body mass, and smaller head circumferences. This may increase the risk of obesity and related health issues later in life.
Children who attended a comprehensive preschool program had lower body mass indexes and reduced obesity rates compared to those who did not attend the program. The study found that women participants were particularly less likely to be obese.
A recent NIH study found that women who use cannabis while trying to conceive are around 40% less likely to get pregnant each month. The study of over 1,200 women aged 18-40 with one or two miscarriages found no difference in miscarriage rates but noted differences in reproductive hormones involved in ovulation.
A National Institutes of Health-funded study found that providing a higher threshold of red cells offers no survival benefit for preterm infants and does not reduce neurological impairment. The study used data from 845 infants with varying hemoglobin thresholds to compare outcomes.