A new study by the National Institutes of Health found that couples with obesity take from 55-59% longer to conceive compared to their non-obese counterparts. The researchers calculated body mass index and found a significant decrease in fertility chances among obese individuals.
Children of obese mothers are more likely to fail tests of fine motor skill and social competence, while those born to extremely obese couples also show signs of problem-solving ability delays. The study's findings suggest that paternal obesity also has a significant impact on child development.
Researchers have discovered a potential treatment for Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), a rare genetic disorder affecting children, by activating silenced genes. The NIH-funded study found that two drugs, UNC0638 and UNC0642, improved survival and growth outcomes in mice with PWS.
A new study by the NIH found that even partial steroid treatment can have significant benefits for extremely premature infants. The research showed that infants exposed to partial treatment in the womb had better outcomes than those not exposed, with lower rates of brain and nervous system impairment.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that adequate maternal folate levels during pregnancy can mitigate the effect of a mother's obesity on her child's health. Children born to obese mothers with higher folate levels had a 43% lower risk of obesity compared to those with lower folate levels.
A study by the National Institutes of Health found that a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can reduce the risk of high blood pressure among women who had pregnancy-related (gestational) diabetes. Women who adhered to such a diet were 20% less likely to develop high blood pressure than those who did not.
A study by NIH researchers found that children with Cushing syndrome are at higher risk for depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts months after successful treatment. The researchers screened the case histories of 149 patients and found 9 children had thoughts of suicide.
A study found that high caffeine consumption before conception and during early pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage. In contrast, taking a daily multivitamin reduces this risk. The researchers analyzed data from the LIFE Study and found that women who consumed more than two caffeinated beverages per day were more likely to misc...
Researchers have discovered a molecule that boosts sperm cell activity, allowing them to reach the egg. This finding may lead to new options for male contraception and treatments for infertility related to sperm mobility issues.
A two-drug preventive treatment reduces the severity of malaria during pregnancy, providing a reliable alternative to standard treatment. The study found that the treatment reduced the risk of adverse birth outcomes and placental malaria.
Pregnant women with asthma may be at greater risk of preterm birth due to exposure to high levels of traffic-related air pollutants like nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide. Early exposure, particularly in the months leading up to conception and during early pregnancy, was found to increase preterm birth risk by nearly 30%.
A National Institutes of Health study found that women who eat more potatoes before pregnancy may have higher rates of gestational diabetes compared to those who consume fewer potatoes. Substituting potatoes with other vegetables, legumes or whole grains may help lower gestational diabetes risk, according to the researchers.
A study by NIH researchers found that children conceived through infertility treatment have similar developmental scores to those conceived naturally, with some increased risks for twins but not ART treatment groups.
Researchers found that children from low-income environments are at a higher risk of neurological impairment than those from more economically secure circumstances. The study suggests that maternal stress hormones during pregnancy and maltreatment may contribute to this increased risk.
A study by NIH researchers found no increase in stillbirths after implementing a policy to delay elective deliveries before 39 weeks. The analysis of national infant birth and death statistics over several years showed that efforts to prevent elective deliveries were not linked to an increase in stillbirths on a national level.
Researchers found that switching to efavirenz is effective in reducing viral rebound and improving CD4 T cell counts, suggesting it's a safer alternative for older children and adults.
A study by NIH researchers found that a specific variation in the BDNF gene may contribute to obesity, particularly in African Americans and Hispanics. The study suggests that boosting BDNF protein levels could offer a therapeutic strategy for those with the genetic variation.
A parent involvement program, REDI-P, helps young children retain literacy skills and positive learning behaviors through home visits with educational counselors. The study found that REDI-P offsets summer loss and improves academic performance and social interaction in children from disadvantaged backgrounds. By the fall of their kind...
Researchers have found that treating hypoglycemia in newborns according to current recommendations is safe and appears to prevent brain damage. The study suggests that maintaining stable blood glucose levels without significant fluctuations may be crucial for preventing neurosensory impairments.
A new NIH study found significant racial and ethnic disparities in fetal growth, with minority fetuses scoring below the 5th percentile due to hereditary and environmental factors. This could lead to unnecessary tests and procedures for healthy pregnant women of color.
The NIH has announced a significant investment in research technology to better understand the placenta's function during pregnancy. This initiative aims to identify problems with the placenta earlier, enabling physicians to intervene more quickly and improve pregnancy outcomes.
A new study published by the NIH finds that clomiphene is more effective than letrozole for treating unexplained infertility, resulting in more live births. The study compared over 900 couples undergoing fertility treatment and found that clomiphene resulted in higher pregnancy rates and fewer multiple pregnancies.
A recent NIH-funded study found that fetuses with enlarged ventricles may be less likely to benefit from in-utero surgery for spina bifida, suggesting a wait-and-watch approach may be better. Enlarged brain cavities are associated with a higher risk of needing a second surgery after birth.
Researchers found that brief intervals of exercise during sedentary periods can lower children's blood glucose and insulin levels, and may protect against diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. The study suggests that even short activity breaks can help overcome negative effects on the body.
A study found that youth infected with HIV in utero may not have adequate immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella, even if vaccinated. Those who started antiretroviral therapy early were more likely to have protective antibodies against these diseases.
A new study by the National Institutes of Health found no significant differences in birth complications between fetal ECG monitoring and traditional heart rate monitoring during labor. Infants in ECG-monitored groups were slightly more likely to have low Apgar scores, but overall outcomes remained unchanged.
Researchers found that nearly 30% of reproductive-age women experienced chronic or cyclic pelvic pain, with endometriosis women reporting higher levels of pain. Physicians may want to ask patients about pain during routine visits, and women should inform their doctors about any pain they're experiencing.
A study funded by NIH found that many new mothers do not receive advice from physicians on infant care recommendations, including sleep position and breastfeeding. The survey showed that African American women and first-time mothers were more likely to receive advice than white women and mothers of two or more children.
A technique called cord milking increases blood flow from the umbilical cord to the infant's circulatory system, improving blood pressure and red blood cell levels in preterm infants delivered by Cesarean section. This study found benefits only in Cesarean-delivered infants, while vaginal births showed no difference.
A new placenta-on-a-chip technology was developed by NIH researchers to better understand the inner workings of the human placenta and its role in pregnancy. The device models nutrient transfer from mother to fetus and may help address questions difficult to answer with current placenta model systems.
A NIH-funded study suggests that the presence of companion animals may reduce social anxiety in children with autism. Children with ASDs showed lower skin conductance levels when interacting with peers and companion animals compared to typically developing children.
A new intervention teaches mothers to interpret and respond to subtle cues of premature infants, resulting in better weight gain and growth for the infants. The study also shows that infants who received this intervention developed muscle control needed for feeding more rapidly.
Researchers analyzed data from over 450 men trying to conceive, finding that heavy work-related activity, high blood pressure, and multiple medications may lower sperm counts. The study suggests environmental factors and health status play a significant role in semen quality.
Researchers at the NIH have found a duplication of a short stretch of the X chromosome in people with a rare disorder that causes excessive childhood growth. They believe that a single gene within the region likely has a large influence on how much children grow.
A recent study found that nearly 55 percent of US infants sleep with potentially unsafe bedding, increasing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. The researchers analyzed data from over 20,000 caregivers and reported a decline in safe sleep practices despite awareness campaigns.
A year-round preventive drug treatment substantially reduces young children's risk of contracting malaria, with no serious adverse events reported. The study found that a monthly dose of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine was the most effective at reducing malaria risk in children from 6 months to 24 months of age.
A recent NIH study found that high cholesterol levels may impair fertility in couples trying to achieve a pregnancy. Couples with the highest cholesterol levels took longer to get pregnant, while those with acceptable cholesterol levels had faster conception rates.
Oxytocin increases facial gestures associated with social interactions in infant rhesus monkeys, promoting communication and social interest. The hormone also lowers cortisol levels, indicating a possible role in diminishing anxiety.
A study of two surgical procedures for pelvic organ prolapse found that they were similarly effective in treating the condition, with success rates of 59.2% and 60.5% after two years. The exercise program did not offer additional benefits to participants.
A recent NIH study using video technology and in-vehicle sensors found that drivers engage in distracting activities about 10% of the time, with risks being greatest for newly licensed teen drivers who are eight times more likely to crash or have a near miss while texting.
A National Institutes of Health network study found that pregnant women who experienced financial, emotional, or other personal stress had an increased chance of having a stillbirth. The researchers asked over 2,000 women about stressful life events and found that most women reported at least one event in the previous year.
A study found that infants with a higher risk of developing autism take longer to shift their gaze, indicating possible differences in brain structure and organization. The research suggests that this measurable delay could be a precursor to well-known symptoms of autism.
A NIH-funded study identifies fundamental math skills needed for functioning in adult life, including number system knowledge. Children who failed to acquire these basic math skills by first grade scored far behind peers by seventh grade on a test of mathematical abilities.
A follow-up study by the National Institutes of Health found that very preterm infants who received higher oxygen levels continued to show cognitive and motor development benefits as toddlers. Continuous positive airway pressure therapy was also found to be an effective alternative to traditional respiratory therapy, without difference...
Researchers at NIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development found that prenatal intervention with neuroprotective peptides reduces learning deficits in mice with Down syndrome-like characteristics. The study suggests potential therapeutic benefits for individuals with Down syndrome.
A combination of anti-HIV drugs reduces malaria incidence among HIV-positive children by 40% compared to NNRTI treatment. High blood levels of anti-malarial drugs in children receiving protease inhibitors may explain their effectiveness.
A preliminary study by researchers at the National Institutes of Health found that couples with high levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and similar environmental pollutants take longer to achieve pregnancy. The study suggests a possible link between exposure to these pollutants and pregnancy delay.
A new study comparing oral medication and Botox injections for treating urge urinary incontinence in women found that both treatments were effective in reducing symptoms, but with varying side effects. The study, which involved nearly 250 women, showed that Botox was more likely to completely eliminate urinary leakage, while oral medic...
A NIH study found that fetal alcohol exposure is associated with abnormal intellectual and behavioral development in children, rather than distinct facial features. The researchers documented cognitive delays, language delays, hyperactivity, attention deficits, and intellectual delays in about 44% of exposed children.
A study by NIH-funded researchers found that people's ability to estimate quantities improves across the first 30 years of life, with a sharp decline after age 30. The study suggests that environmental factors, such as education, can shape this intuitive number sense and improve math skills.