Youth who experienced high levels of teasing about their weight gained an average of .20 kg per year more than those who did not. The authors theorize that weight-associated stigma may lead to unhealthy behaviors and stress-induced weight gain through cortisol release.
A research project funded by the National Institutes of Health has identified differences in vaginal bacteria that may raise the risk of preterm birth among pregnant African-American women. The study found that women who delivered preterm had a more diverse microbiome in early pregnancy compared to those who delivered at term.
Young children who live close to a major roadway are twice as likely to score lower on tests of communications skills. Children born to women exposed during pregnancy to higher-than-normal levels of traffic-related pollutants have a small but significantly higher likelihood of developmental delays.
Researchers successfully froze and thawed testicular tissue from young monkeys, resulting in live births after implanting the frozen tissue back into the animals. The study demonstrates a promising approach for preserving fertility in childhood cancer patients.
A recent analysis found that giving the steroid betamethasone to pregnant women at risk of late-preterm delivery results in lower hospital stays for infants. The study estimated costs for over 1,400 mother-infant pairs and found that the average cost for those who received the drug was $4,681, compared to $5,379 for those who did not.
A recent NIH-funded analysis of California hospital records found a significant increase in severe maternal morbidity among US women from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. The study revealed substantial disparities in life-threatening birth complications, with non-Hispanic black women facing the highest rates.
Researchers developed a new protocol to rule out life-threatening bacterial infections in infants with fevers, avoiding spinal taps and antibiotics. The study found accuracy rates of 97% in ruling out serious bacterial infections.
A study funded by NIH found that a daily nutritional supplement can improve fetal growth and reduce stunted infants. The inexpensive supplement increased infant birth size by 31% and reduced small-for-gestational-age births by 22%.
A recent study found that infants and toddlers in low-income, rural areas may be exposed to high levels of second- and third-hand smoke. The study suggests that frequent moves, lower education, and more adults in the home can increase a child's exposure to smoke.
A NIH study found that astrocytes alter neuron signal speed by changing myelin thickness and node width, impairing reflexes. The researchers propose thrombin inhibitors as a potential treatment for multiple sclerosis.
A recent NIH-funded study calls into question common practice of delaying pushing during the second stage of labor. Women who pushed immediately had a shorter average duration of labor and lower rates of infection and bleeding compared to those who delayed pushing.
The NIH study found that the EXP2 protein forms a channel in the vacuole membrane of Plasmodium falciparum, enabling the parasite to obtain essential nutrients. This discovery could lead to the development of new drugs targeting this nutrient transport mechanism.
Researchers found that a blood test conducted as early as the 10th week of pregnancy may help identify women at risk for gestational diabetes. The study suggests that measuring HbA1c levels in early pregnancy could determine a woman's later risk for the condition, allowing for lifestyle changes to reduce the risk.
A study by the NIH found that teenage drivers are eight times more likely to be involved in a collision or near miss during their first three months of independent driving. During this period, teens also exhibit four times more risky behaviors, such as rapid acceleration and hard turns.
Women with insufficient vitamin D levels before pregnancy were more likely to experience miscarriage compared to those with sufficient levels. Vitamin D was found to play a protective role in maintaining pregnancy.
Cavefish have higher levels of DNA methyltransferase DNMT3B in developing eyes, leading to epigenetic suppression of eye development genes. This process differs from genetic mutations, which are permanent changes in the DNA code.
Research suggests that women who have had gestational diabetes may benefit from periodic checkups to detect early-stage kidney damage. The study found a link between high glomerular filtration rates and pre-diabetes, indicating a potential risk for chronic kidney disease.
Depression in male partners is associated with reduced conception and live birth rates among infertile couples. Women taking non-SSRI antidepressants also experience higher early pregnancy loss rates.
Women experiencing vaginal bleeding for more than one day during the first trimester may have smaller babies. Infants born to these women are at twice the risk of being small for gestational age.
Researchers found that women with high diastolic blood pressure before conception were at an 18% higher risk of pregnancy loss. Lifestyle changes to control blood pressure may improve pregnancy outcomes, according to a new study published in Hypertension.
A NIH study found that extra iron interferes with ferroportin, a protein preventing toxic iron buildup and protecting red blood cells against malaria. The researchers also identified a mutant form of ferroportin, Q248H, which appears to protect against malaria in African populations.
A third of recent high school graduates have ridden in a motor vehicle with a substance-impaired driver, according to a study by researchers at the National Institutes of Health. The study found that 23% of young adults had ridden with marijuana-impaired drivers, while 20% had ridden with alcohol-impaired drivers.
A phase III clinical trial in Thailand tested TDF therapy against standard preventative measures, finding no significant reduction in infant infection rates. The study suggests that adding TDF may have little effect on mother-to-child transmission rates already at low levels.
Researchers at NIH have cured mice with Chuvash polycythemia, a life-threatening disorder that involves overproduction of red blood cells. The study suggests that Tempol or a similar drug may treat polycythemias in humans, such as mountain sickness.
Researchers have identified risk factors for sleep apnea during pregnancy, including frequent snoring and older maternal age. A calculator tool has been developed to help obstetric providers identify women at risk for the condition, enabling early referral for definitive testing.
A study funded by NIH found that graduates of a high-quality early childhood program showed higher attainment of college degrees compared to a similar group. The Child-Parent Centers (CPC) program, which provided intensive instruction and parental support, had a positive impact on adults' educational outcomes.
The study's findings offer a blueprint for designing therapeutic drugs against common forms of lung and breast cancer. Understanding the structure of DHHC20 may aid in treatment of EGFR-driven cancers.
A recent NIH study found that the children of female WWII evacuees were more likely to experience mental health disorders, including depression and bipolar disorder. The research suggests that a mother's childhood traumatic exposure may have long-lasting health consequences for her daughters.
A recent NIH study found that obese pregnant women are more likely to give birth to large infants, with fetuses experiencing longer bones and higher birth weights. This increased fetal growth may predispose these infants to obesity and cardiovascular disease later in life.
Researchers have identified two essential proteins, plasmepsin IX and X, which play critical roles in the life cycle of malaria parasites. Targeting these proteins could lead to the development of effective anti-malaria drugs.
A NIH study found that infant cries activate specific brain regions related to movement and speech in mothers worldwide. Consistent behaviors across cultures suggest hard-wired reactions to infant cries.
Researchers analyzed data from over 90,000 women and found that adopting a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising moderately, and not smoking can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease after gestational diabetes. Women who failed to adopt a healthy lifestyle had a 43-percent-higher risk for cardiovascular disease.
A new NIH-funded study finds that biomarkers for ovarian reserve do not predict fertility in older women attempting to conceive. Hormone levels linked to menopause onset were also found to have no association with conception rates.
A new NIH-funded study aims to develop evidence-based treatments for neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, a condition affecting newborns exposed to opioids during pregnancy. The Advancing Clinical Trials in Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (ACT NOW) project will evaluate treatment options and develop research protocols.
Researchers at NIH have discovered that HIV uses a protein on the cell surface to invade cells. By blocking this step, they found it prevents HIV genetic material from entering cells. The study could lead to the development of new drugs to prevent HIV infection by targeting the transfer of phosphatidylserine.
A NIH-funded study suggests that children's visual engagement is heritable and altered in autism, with identical twins showing synchronized eye movements and reduced attention to face regions. Researchers found that genetic factors influence social behaviors, which can help identify new treatments for autism.
A malaria drug approved for treating certain autoimmune diseases during pregnancy may also reduce the transmission of Zika virus from mother to fetus. The study found that inhibiting autophagy with hydroxychloroquine limited Zika infection in fetal head and led to a larger body size, suggesting potential benefits.
A study funded by NIH found that 31% of SIDS infants had elevated serotonin levels in their blood, suggesting an underlying vulnerability to the condition. Researchers propose testing blood samples for serotonin to distinguish SIDS cases from other infant deaths, but caution that more research is needed.
Experts agree on routine screening, medication-assisted treatment, and addressing pain management for women with opioid use disorder. Research is needed to improve outcomes for affected women, newborns, and families.
Researchers used functional connectivity magnetic resonance imaging (fcMRI) to scan 59 high-risk, 6-month-old infants, finding that brain patterns preceded behavioral symptoms of autism. The technique accurately predicted diagnoses in 82% of cases, with 93% accuracy in smaller groups.
A National Institutes of Health study found that children born to women with gestational diabetes who consumed high amounts of refined grains during pregnancy were twice as likely to be obese at age 7. The study controlled for factors such as physical activity and vegetable consumption.
A study by the National Institutes of Health found that drinking artificially sweetened beverages during pregnancy may increase the risk of childhood obesity. Women who consumed at least one artificially sweetened beverage per day were more likely to have children with high birth weights and increased obesity risk at age 7.
A study by NIH researchers reveals that ZFP568 regulates insulin-like growth factor 2 (Igf2) in fetal growth, suggesting its role in balancing fetal and placental growth. The finding has implications for understanding developmental disorders such as Russell Silver syndrome and Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome.
Researchers have determined that fluorescent granular perithelial cells, which protect the brain against diseases, arise from endothelial cells in the circulatory system. This finding may contribute to understanding cognitive decline of aging and HIV infection of brain cells.
Two common tests for predicting preterm birth in first-time pregnancies failed to identify most cases, according to a large NIH study. The tests involved measuring cervical length and testing for fetal fibronectin, but neither method was found to be effective for widespread screening.
Zika virus exposure in utero may lead to a range of health issues, including abnormal reflexes, limb abnormalities, and brain defects such as microcephaly. A multidisciplinary approach is needed for Zika-affected children, involving both clinical treatment and research strategies.
Researchers used MRI to identify differences in brain development among high-risk infants, finding that those with autism showed faster brain growth rates between 6-12 months. These early brain changes can help predict autism diagnosis at age 2 years.
Researchers found that survival rates increased from 30% to 36% among over 4,000 extremely preterm infants born between 2000 and 2011. Additionally, the proportion of survivors without neurological impairment rose from 16% to 20%. The authors attribute these improvements to advances in prenatal care and antenatal steroids.
Researchers found that high cortisol levels in hair samples tracked closely with standard diagnostic techniques for Cushing Syndrome. The study's findings suggest that hair analysis may prove useful as a less-invasive screening test or confirmatory tool for the condition.
A new device, SEEKER™, has received FDA clearance to detect four types of lysosomal storage disorders from dried blood spots. This development was made possible with NIH funding and shows a faster screening process compared to conventional methods.