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Maternal health knowledge strong, but gaps remain

A new survey from the Annenberg Public Policy Center finds significant increases in knowing how a mother's pre-pregnancy health affects her baby, as well as rising awareness of drinking beer or wine during pregnancy being not safe. However, uncertainty persists about other maternal health recommendations.

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·TypeSurvey·DateMay 29, 2026

CBD treatment reverses key effects of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder in a mouse model

A preclinical study shows that cannabidiol restores emotional behavior, reduces alcohol-related vulnerability, and reverses gut microbiota alterations caused by prenatal alcohol exposure. Female mice particularly benefited from CBD treatment, which normalized their emotional alterations and eliminated vulnerability to alcohol addiction.

SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalBiomedicine & Pharmacotherapy·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 14, 2026

Public knowledge high on smoking and alcohol risks during pregnancy

A survey of over 1,600 US adults found that most know the negative impacts of smoking and drinking during pregnancy, but uncertainty exists around vaccines and weight gain recommendations. The majority are unsure about recommended vaccines for pregnant individuals, with a notable drop in knowledge since last year.

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·TypeSurvey·DateJul 29, 2025
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More people need to know how to prevent SIDS

The study reveals that many people are unaware of two crucial facts that can help reduce SIDS deaths: putting babies on their backs to sleep, and avoiding secondhand smoke in the home. The survey found that only 65% know that a baby should be put to sleep on its back, highlighting a need for increased education and awareness.

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·TypeSurvey·DateJul 3, 2025

Many moms fall asleep while feeding, endangering their babies, study finds

A recent study found that over a quarter of new mothers have fallen asleep while feeding their babies, increasing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Researchers are urging care providers to inform new moms about the potential risks and provide guidance on safe feeding practices.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateNov 7, 2024

Rates of sudden unexpected infant death before and during the pandemic

A cross-sectional study found significant increases in sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The rise in SUID rates was linked to off-season resurgences of infectious pathogens, with RSV rates closely approximating this shift.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 26, 2024
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Rates of sudden unexpected infant death changed during the COVID-19 pandemic

Research found a significant increase in sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) and SIDS rates during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in 2021. The study suggests a link between infection, particularly respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and SUID, highlighting the importance of safe sleep practices despite infections.

SourcePenn State·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 26, 2024

Atypical metabolite levels at birth may increase SIDS risk

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.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateSep 11, 2024

How newly identified biomarkers could reveal risk factors for SIDS

Researchers at UCSF identified signals in the metabolic system of infants who died from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), finding associations between lower C-3 levels and elevated C-14OH. Elevated biomarkers also led to reduced risk of SIDS, but further research is needed to validate these findings.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateSep 9, 2024

Early newborn metabolic patterning and sudden infant death syndrome

A case-control study found an association between abnormal birth metabolic analytes and sudden infant death syndrome, suggesting potential early risk identification. The study's findings could inform future research and clinical efforts focused on monitoring and preventing SIDS.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateSep 9, 2024
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Maternal obesity and risk of sudden unexpected infant death

Infants born to mothers with obesity are at higher risk of SUID due to a dose-dependent association between increasing maternal BMI and SUID risk. Research suggests that maternal obesity should be added to the list of known risk factors for SUID.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJul 29, 2024

Establishing a novel inherited arrhythmia model mouse causing sudden cardiac death at young age

Researchers established a novel mouse model of inherited arrhythmia that spontaneously causes lethal arrhythmias, shedding light on the pathogenesis and potential drug efficacy. The study identifies a critical mutation in ryanodine receptor 2 (RyR2) as a key regulator of cardiomyocyte contraction.

SourceInternational Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine, University of Tsukuba·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 29, 2024

New baby sleep planner tool could help save babies lives at risk of sudden infant death

A new web-based baby sleep planner tool, developed by researchers at the University of Bristol, has been shown to improve the uptake of life-saving advice for families with infants at increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome. The tool provides a baby's SUDI risk assessment at birth and a downloadable sleep plan for families.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalJMIR Pediatrics and Parenting·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 26, 2024

Seizures identified as potential cause of sudden unexplained death in children

Researchers have identified brief seizures accompanied by muscle convulsions as a potential cause of sudden, unexpected deaths in young children. A study analyzed data from over 300 SUDC cases and found that five out of seven recordings showed direct evidence of seizures before the child's death.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNeurology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 4, 2024

Bone growth drug may reduce sudden infant death syndrome in children with common form of dwarfism

A new study found that vosoritide treatment increases height, facial volume, and foramen magnum size in young children with achondroplasia, reducing sudden infant death syndrome, sleep apnea, and surgery needs. Vosoritide may improve quality of life and potentially save lives by addressing the root cause of the condition.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 21, 2023
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Sudden infant death syndrome may have biologic cause

Researchers found altered serotonin 2A/C receptor binding in brain stems of infants who died from SIDS, suggesting a biological basis for the condition. The study suggests that specific combinations of genetic vulnerability, external stressors, and critical developmental periods may contribute to SIDS.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJournal of Neuropathology & Experimental Neurology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 25, 2023

Exposure to cannabinoids in pregnancy increases newborn mortality and respiratory problems

A Brazilian study found that prenatal exposure to cannabinoids increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, breathing difficulties, and impaired control of breathing. The study suggests that consumption of cannabis or derivatives during pregnancy can have severe effects on the fetus's neural and physiological functions.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalBritish Journal of Pharmacology·DateApr 25, 2023

Risk of SIDS among siblings of children who died of SIDS

A higher rate of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) was observed among siblings of children who died of SIDS compared to the general population. Shared genetic and/or environmental factors may contribute to this clustering of SIDS, warranting consideration of family history in clinical assessments.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 25, 2023

Chromosomal testing expands options for exploring causes of SIDS

A genetic test known as chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) may be able to identify the cause of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) or its counterpart in older children, known as Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC). CMA identified deletions or duplications of DNA segments in 14% of deceased infants and toddlers up to 28 mon...

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalAdvanced Genetics·DateNov 7, 2022

Infants who die unexpectedly in the first week might have different risk factors than those who die in the first month

A Rutgers study found that infants who died unexpectedly in the first week of life had different risk factors compared to those who died later. The study analyzed data from 2000 to 2015 and found that mothers of infants dying in the first week showed less evidence of common risk factors such as smoking during pregnancy.

SourceRutgers University·JournalThe Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 20, 2022
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

New safe-sleep guidelines aim to reduce infant deaths

The American Academy of Pediatrics has updated its safe-sleep guidelines, recommending babies sleep on their backs on flat, level surfaces to reduce SIDS risk. The guidelines also emphasize the importance of breastfeeding, pacifier use, and avoiding drugs and alcohol exposure.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJun 21, 2022

Poor women in rural India still denied safe hospital births, with maternal deaths at “alarmingly high” levels, study finds

A new study reveals that poor women in rural India are more likely to die during childbirth due to lack of access to safe hospital births. The research found that only 26% of women in low-performing states deliver in hospitals, compared to 87% of those exposed to mass media.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalGlobal Health Action·TypeObservational study·DateDec 16, 2021

The success of the Life-Saving Lullabies project

The Life-Saving Lullabies project, funded by UK Arts and Humanities Research Council, investigated the potential of song as a novel public health education intervention to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality. The project's successes demonstrate a model of best practice in community-led maternal and infant health interventions.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·TypeNews article·DateNov 25, 2021
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Could genetics hold the key to preventing SIDS?

A genetic biobank containing DNA from 25 babies who died from SIDS in South Australia could help identify genetic causes and prevent future deaths. The biobank will enable researchers to test babies at birth for risk factors and closely monitor those identified, potentially saving hundreds of baby lives.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·DateJul 4, 2021

Baby's first breath triggers life-saving changes in the brain

A team of researchers has discovered a signaling system within the brainstem that activates almost immediately at birth to support early breathing. This finding may offer important insights into Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other breathing problems.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalNature·DateDec 4, 2020

Combined prenatal smoking and drinking greatly increases SIDS risk

A new study finds that children born to mothers who both drank and smoked beyond the first trimester of pregnancy have a 12-fold increased risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The study also shows that prenatal alcohol exposure, particularly from heavy drinking during pregnancy, can increase SIDS risk.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 20, 2020
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

New genetic link found for some forms of SIDS

A genetic link has been discovered between Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and a mutation in the HADHA gene, causing infants to die suddenly from cardiac arrest. Researchers hope that this discovery will lead to new treatments and interventions for the disease.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 11, 2019

Researchers point to a common cause in sudden death syndromes

A common cause for both Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) may be an inability to wake up due to a faulty CO2 blood level regulation. A potential explanation is a malfunctioning serotonin receptor in the midbrain, which could drive future treatments.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Neurosciences·DateMar 21, 2019
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Infant death study reveals dangerous sleep practices among babysitters, relatives, others

A study of over 10,000 infant deaths found that many were caused by unsafe sleep positions or environments. Licensed childcare providers were more likely to follow safe sleep guidelines than babysitters, relatives, and friends. The researchers urge parents to educate anyone caring for their children on safe sleep practices.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateApr 2, 2018

State-by-state causes of infant mortality in the US

A state-by-state analysis found that sudden unexpected death of infants (SUDI) is the most common cause of full-term infant mortality in the US. The study suggests that interventions to reduce SUDI risk could lead to a major reduction in infant mortality.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 20, 2018

Breastfeeding for two months halves risk of SIDS, study finds

A recent international study found that breastfeeding for at least two months significantly reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by almost half. This finding suggests that any amount of breastfeeding provides some level of protection against SIDS, regardless of whether it's exclusive or partial.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateOct 30, 2017
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Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Now we know why babies shouldn't sleep face down

Research discovered a developmental abnormality in babies' brains that increases risk of SIDS when sleeping on their front. The abnormality affects the control of breathing, heartbeat, and responses to oxygen deprivation.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 25, 2017

SIDS research confirms changes in babies' brain chemistry

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have confirmed that abnormalities in serotonin, a key neurotransmitter, are linked to SIDS deaths. The study found that altered serotonin expression in the brainstem is associated with some SIDS cases.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalJournal of Neuropathology & Experimental Neurology·DateSep 14, 2017

How texting can protect babies from sudden death

A new study found that a mobile health program using text messages and emails successfully encouraged mothers to follow safe sleep practices for their babies, resulting in improved compliance rates. The intervention significantly reduced the risk of sudden unexpected infant death (SIDS) and infant mortality rates.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateJul 25, 2017

Blood of SIDS infants contains high levels of serotonin

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.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 3, 2017
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Premature infants at greater risk of SIDS

Rutgers researchers found premature infants between 24-27 weeks have a three times higher risk of dying before first birthday due to SIDS and other sleep-related infant deaths. Safe sleep practices, such as putting infants on their back to sleep, can help compensate for this risk.

SourceRutgers University·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJun 26, 2017

AAP announces new safe sleep recommendations to protect against SIDS

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends sharing a bedroom with parents but on separate surfaces, avoiding soft bedding and exposure to smoke, alcohol, and illicit drugs. The updated policy also emphasizes skin-to-skin care and breastfeeding for added protection against SIDS.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateOct 24, 2016
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Serotonin reduces apnea and could be a clue to understanding sudden infant death syndrome

Researchers found that serotonin shortens apnoeic events by interacting with the 5-HT3 receptor, which is highly expressed in healthy babies. This discovery may provide a new lead in understanding and treating SIDS and asphyxia., Serotonin's role in promoting inspiration and stopping apnea could be key to preventing these infant deaths.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalExperimental Physiology·DateApr 27, 2016

Teen moms and infant sleep: Mother doesn't always know best

A study found that teenage mothers in Colorado were aware of safe sleep guidelines but chose to disregard them due to misconceptions about infant comfort and safety. The researchers suggest innovative public service announcements and improved healthcare provider communication could improve safe sleep behaviors among this high-risk group.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateApr 21, 2016

Doctors: Epilepsy deaths should be public health priority

Epilepsy is responsible for more US deaths than sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or fires, with over 2,750 cases of sudden unexpected death due to epilepsy annually. The disorder affects individuals over 65 years old, with a significant risk of sudden death and underreporting on death certificates.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateDec 16, 2015
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Services insufficient in supporting those affected

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) affect approximately 7,000 UK infants annually, causing irreversible brain damage and long-term health issues. The UK lags behind other developed countries in FASD research, leading to confusion among pregnant women and inadequate support for those affected.

SourceSAGE·JournalAdoption & Fostering·DateNov 10, 2015

Nearly 55 percent of US infants sleep with potentially unsafe bedding

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.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateDec 1, 2014
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Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.