Infants
Articles tagged with Infants
Wearable polygraph detects hidden stress
Cash transfers in the perinatal period and investigations of infant maltreatment
Controlled peanut intake may reduce allergies in toddlers
Researchers treated 75 children with peanut allergies using slow up-dosing and low maintenance dosing. After three years, 82% of the treatment group could eat at least 3.5 peanuts without an allergic reaction.
Safeguarding children in childcare: teacher confidence key to addressing trauma
A study by Adelaide University researchers found that teacher self-efficacy is critical in creating safe learning environments for young children experiencing trauma. Early years teachers play a vital role in supporting children's wellbeing and helping to break cycles of disadvantage.
Mothers without specific fatty acid in the blood more often have children with asthma
A new study finds that pregnant women with low levels of a specific fatty acid molecule are more likely to have children with childhood asthma. The researchers also found that children of these mothers are more prone to respiratory infections and altered lung microbiomes.
Impact of removing the universal hepatitis B birth-dose vaccination in the US
Targeted birth-dose vaccine recommendation may increase neonatal HBV infections unless maternal screening improves or infant vaccination coverage increases. Universal screening and vaccination remain essential safeguards against these infections.
Symptom-based dosing for neonatal opioid withdrawal
A randomized clinical trial found symptom-based dosing decreases discharge time compared to scheduled opioid taper approaches among infants with opioid withdrawal. This approach, using Eat, Sleep, Console, led to faster recovery and improved outcomes.
Ambient air pollution is associated with respiratory infection burden in the first year of life
A recent study has found a significant link between ambient air pollution and an increased burden of respiratory infections in the first year of life. The Immune Development in Early Life (IDEaL) Rome Cohort study suggests that exposure to urban pollutants during infancy may fundamentally shape immune resilience, leading to a higher ri...
Can wearable technology detect the earliest signs of autism in infants? New study seeks to find out
Researchers are developing a new wearable technology to monitor babies' movements and detect early signs of autism. The study aims to improve early identification and intervention, which is crucial for optimal developmental outcomes in autistic individuals.
E. coli and 'good' bacteria balanced by breastmilk in baby gut microbiomes
A new study found that breast milk helps maintain a balance of beneficial bacteria in babies' developing gut microbiomes, including E. coli and Bifidobacterium. This mutualistic relationship supports healthy infant development and may have implications for future synbiotics.
New genetic insights into developmental dysplasia of the hip
A large multiethnic study identifies genetic factors associated with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) and its progression to osteoarthritis of the hip. Variations in COL11A2, CALN1, and TRPM7 genes were found to be common to both DDH and hip OA.
Toddlers’ pretend play ability linked to better mental health
A new study by the University of Sydney found that toddlers' pretend play ability is significantly associated with fewer emotional and behavioral difficulties at primary school. The researchers analyzed data from over 1400 Australian children and found that stronger pretend play ability among two- to three-year-olds was linked to bette...
Study points to new treatment target for fatal infant heart disease
Researchers at Keck School of Medicine have identified a new potential treatment target for AARS2-related cardiomyopathy, a rare and fatal heart muscle disease in infants. By targeting the PCBP1 gene, they aim to restore healthier AARS2 function in heart cells and prevent damage.
WHO-recommended antibiotics cover only 1 in 4 neonatal sepsis infections in low- and middle-income countries
A major multi-country study found that WHO-recommended first-line antibiotics for neonatal sepsis are effective in only one quarter of infections in low- and middle-income countries. High levels of antimicrobial resistance were observed, making it challenging to identify consistently effective empirical antibiotic regimens.
Antibiotic resistance genes found in newborns within hours of birth, study shows
A study analyzing meconium samples from newborns found high prevalence of antibiotic resistance genes, including those linked to carbapenem resistance. The findings suggest that maternal transmissions and early hospital exposure contribute to the establishment of these genes in the neonatal gut.
New partnership broadens reach of Pennington generation study
The Pennington Generation study aims to explore the impact of physical activity, nutrition, and sleep on children's health and growth. The study will examine how these behaviors relate to weight gain and obesity over time.
Epigenetic changes at birth are associated with an infant’s microbiome and neurodevelopment
A study found that epigenetic changes present at birth can impact an infant's gut microbiome development during their first year. The researchers also identified specific epigenetic changes and gut microbes associated with signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
High prenatal exposure to PFAS may increase the risk of childhood asthma
A Swedish study found that high prenatal PFAS exposure is associated with a higher incidence of asthma in childhood. The research used a register-based cohort of children born between 2006 and 2013 to assess the relationship between maternal exposure and asthma outcomes.
Breastfeeding patterns differ between India’s slums and other city neighborhoods, new study finds
A new study found that breastfeeding practices vary significantly between urban slum and non-slum areas in India. Urban slum mothers tend to start breastfeeding earlier, while non-slum mothers are more likely to breastfeed only breastmilk for the first five months.
Scientists uncover how childhood dementia begins in brain cells
Researchers have identified a fundamental mechanism underlying Sanfilippo syndrome, a common form of childhood dementia. Chronic overactivity in the brain appears to be a key contributor to cognitive deterioration in children with the condition. The study's findings represent significant progress and may lead to personalized treatment ...
Treating disease at birth: How a brief spike in testosterone sets the trajectory for a disease that appears decades later
Researchers at Nagoya University found that a brief spike in testosterone after birth causes muscle-wasting disease to develop decades later. Treating the disease at birth significantly reduced nerve cell breakdown in adult mice.
Five childhood cancer research priorities receive no funding despite being chosen by children and families
A recent report found that only two out of 23 identified priorities for childhood cancer research received dedicated UK funding. Five key areas, including improving hospital experiences and addressing emotional wellbeing, were overlooked entirely. The study highlights a significant gap between patient needs and research funding.
Beyond the obstetrical dilemma: Why are humans helpless at birth?
Researchers explore human infant helplessness as a unique aspect of human development, highlighting its role in social collaboration and cultural innovation. Human infants' helplessness is characterized by well-developed sensory systems and weak motor skills, making them dependent on caregivers for extended periods.
Clinical trial results support use of weekly extended-release buprenorphine for treatment of opioid use disorder during pregnancy
A clinical trial found that weekly injectable extended-release buprenorphine treatment resulted in higher rates of illicit opioid abstinence during pregnancy compared to sublingual buprenorphine. Serious adverse events were also less common in the extended-release group.
Early intervention in severe fetal megacystis can increase survival rate and kidney function
Researchers found that treating severe fetal megacystis with a vesicoamniotic shunt in the first trimester can improve survival rates and kidney function. In the study, 75% of children were born alive and 68% survived their first year of life, with most showing normal or only slightly impaired kidney function.
New U of A study expands pesticide risk window to before pregnancy
A new University of Arizona study found that exposure to certain pesticides before pregnancy is associated with lower Apgar scores, a measure of newborn health. The study suggests that pesticides can affect the next generation, highlighting the importance of regulating pesticide use to improve maternal and child health.
Report calls for AI toy safety standards to protect young children
A report calls for stricter regulation of AI toys to ensure 'psychological safety' in young children. The study found that AI toys often misread emotions, struggle with developmentally important play types, and pose concerns for social and pretend play.
Low-cost preventive measures could mitigate spread of bacteria causing neonatal mortality
A new study discovered that a multifaceted infection prevention and control intervention successfully disrupted a large and long-running bacterial outbreak of Klebsiella pneumoniae in a Zambian neonatal intensive care unit. The study found that low-cost measures, including IPC training, enhanced cleaning, and hand hygiene, reduced neon...
Greaux Healthy Day declared in Lake Charles: Pennington Biomedical’s Greaux Healthy Initiative highlights childhood obesity challenge in SWLA
The Greaux Healthy initiative, launched by Pennington Biomedical Research Center, aims to prevent and treat childhood obesity in Louisiana. Studies show that childhood obesity is a national healthcare crisis in Louisiana, with over 1 in 3 children living with overweight or obesity.
Researcher finds evidence supporting sucrose can help manage painful procedures in infants
A recent Cochrane review found that administering sucrose to infants undergoing venepuncture is an effective and safe way to manage pain. The study recommends using sucrose as a first-line pain management strategy before the procedure, especially when other options like skin-to-skin contact or breastfeeding are not available.
One in 20 babies experiences physical abuse, global review finds
A global review of 20 studies covering over 220,000 infants and caregivers found nearly five per cent of infants experience physical aggression from caregivers in their first two years of life. Simple education, support lines, and clear policies against hitting children can help address the issue.
Children’s development set back years by Covid lockdowns, study reveals
A study from the University of East Anglia found that Covid lockdowns disrupted children's ability to self-regulate, leading to slower growth in executive functions. Reception-age children, who normally learn to socialize and navigate classroom routines, showed significant setbacks in cognitive flexibility and self-regulation skills.
Some infant formula fats may contribute to early liver disease, study finds
A recent study led by Virginia Tech researchers found that certain medium-chain fats in infant formulas can strain the developing liver and lead to early signs of steatotic liver disease. Newborn pigs fed with these formulas accumulated liver fat faster than those fed long-chain fats, despite receiving the same calories and protein.
Fertility preservation in people with cancer
The article summarizes updated recommendations on fertility preservation in people with cancer, considering potential health risks to offspring and treatment side effects. Clinicians should inform patients about available options before treatment initiation.
Immune cells link lactation to long-lasting health
Recent studies show that T cells support milk production and have lasting effects on maternal health and infant immunity. The review highlights emerging evidence of the crucial role of immune cells in lactation, which can inform strategies to improve maternal and infant health outcomes.
US newborn hepatitis B virus vaccination rates
A new study found that US newborn hepatitis B virus vaccination rates declined by over 10 percentage points in the last 2 years. This decline reverses 6 years of growth and is aligned with WHO and CDC coverage estimates through 2022.
Lower risk of exposure to cereulide following continued recall of infant formula products across European countries
A Rapid Outbreak Assessment published by ECDC and EFSA concludes that the likelihood of exposure to contaminated infant formula is low due to ongoing recalls. Most affected children experience mild symptoms, but infants under six months are more vulnerable to dehydration and electrolyte disturbances.
Babies with an increased likelihood of autism may struggle to settle into deep, restorative sleep, according to a new study from the University of East Anglia.
A new study from the University of East Anglia found that babies with an increased likelihood of autism may struggle to settle into deep, restorative sleep. Those with high sensory sensitivity slept more lightly even in quiet environments.
New guidelines from NCCN detail fundamental differences in cancer in children compared to adults
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network has published new guidelines for Pediatric Soft Tissue Sarcomas, highlighting the unique characteristics of this childhood cancer. The guidelines focus on rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), a subtype with varying genetic changes that influence treatment outcomes.
With the right prompts, AI chatbots analyze big data accurately
Researchers at UCSF and Wayne State University found that generative AI tools can perform orders of magnitude faster than human teams in analyzing health data. Junior researchers paired with AI generated viable prediction models in minutes, outperforming experienced programmers in hours or days.
Availability of higher-level neonatal care in rural and urban US hospitals
Access to higher-level neonatal care is limited at rural birth hospitals, where less than 20% offer this care compared to 74% of urban hospitals. Urban birth hospitals are expanding higher-level neonatal care, exacerbating geographic disparities in access to care for high-risk infants.
Nearly three quarters of US baby foods are ultra-processed, new study finds
A new study by The George Institute for Global Health found that 71% of grocery store baby food products in the US are classified as ultra-processed foods. These products tend to be cheap, convenient and hyper-palatable but lack essential nutrients.
Risk factors for the development of food allergy in infants and children
A meta-analysis of childhood food allergy risk factors reveals a combination of major and minor factors, including genetics and antibiotic exposure. The study provides insights into the complex interplay of these factors in the development of food allergies in infants and children.
Does a vegetarian upbringing stunt growth?
A landmark study of nearly 1.2 million infants suggests that a vegan or vegetarian diet does not compromise infant growth by age two. The research found that infants from plant-based households follow growth trajectories nearly identical to their omnivorous peers, providing reassuring evidence for parents and pediatricians.
Growth trajectories in infants from families with plant-based or omnivorous dietary patterns
A cohort study reveals that infants from vegan households have similar growth patterns to those from omnivorous households, with a higher risk of early underweight at birth. As the findings suggest, further research is needed to examine the quality of vegan diets and the impact of nutritional counseling during pregnancy and infancy.
Babies are born with a sense of rhythm, study suggests
Researchers found that newborns as young as 2 days old can anticipate rhythmic patterns, indicating an innate ability to recognize rhythm. However, they struggled to predict melodic changes, suggesting that melody may be learned through exposure.
IBS in adolescence is usually resolved – and can be influenced
A long-term study of over 2,500 individuals found that two out of three adolescents with IBS no longer met the criteria by adulthood. Factors such as sleep, mental wellbeing, gastrointestinal disorders, and family history played a role in the persistence of symptoms.
“I see a rubber duck” – neuroscientists use AI to discover babies categorize objects in the brain at just two months old
Researchers used AI to analyze brain activity of 130 two-month-old infants, discovering that they can categorize objects in their brains at just two months old. This challenges earlier thought and highlights the richness of brain function in the first year of life.
Babies understand verbs at just 10 months, study shows
Researchers have found that babies can detect verb inconsistencies as early as 10 months old, using brain imaging technology. This finding suggests that infants begin to develop an understanding of verbs before they even say their first words.
Multiple maternal chronic conditions and risk of severe neonatal morbidity and mortality
Researchers found that an increasing number of preexisting maternal chronic conditions increases the risk of severe neonatal morbidity and mortality. Women with multiple chronic conditions may benefit from preconception counseling, earlier identification of complications, and enhanced newborn supports to optimize outcomes.
Most would recommend RSV immunizations for older and pregnant people
The CDC recommends RSV vaccination for pregnant women to protect their newborns, while a monoclonal antibody injection is also available for high-risk infants. Most experts agree that RSV immunizations should be recommended for these groups due to the severity of the illness they can cause.
Infant gut bacteria may be the key to preventing asthma and allergies
Researchers have identified a previously unknown mechanism that can reduce the risk of allergies and asthma in children. Certain bifidobacteria produce a substance called 4-hydroxyphenyl lactate (4-OH-PLA), which dampens immune responses to allergens, reducing the production of IgE antibodies.
Quality of life of parents of premature infants
The study reveals parental quality of life is compromised during the premature infant's hospitalization period. A family-centered approach with tailored support from the neonatal intensive care unit and postdischarge period can protect and promote parental well-being.
Maternal vaccine receipt and infant hospital and emergency visits for influenza and pertussis
A study found that maternal vaccinations against influenza and pertussis are associated with reduced hospitalization or emergency department visits in infants under 6 months. Implementing maternal vaccination campaigns can enhance infant health outcomes, addressing low vaccination coverage.
Maternal nativity, race, and ethnicity and infant mortality in the US
A population-based cohort study found that U.S.-born individuals had significantly higher odds of infant mortality, particularly among full-term births. Sudden unexpected infant death was a major contributor to these disparities, highlighting the need for investigation into underlying factors contributing to these disparities.
Air pollution exposure and birth weight
A cohort study found higher fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure associated with lower birth weight, particularly in early and mid-pregnancy. The study's findings suggest that understanding windows of susceptibility to environmental exposures can inform strategies for limiting exposure during critical periods.
Probiotics can restore gut microbiome in breastfed infants
A new study found that supplementing exclusively breastfed infants with probiotic Bifidobacterium infantis EVC001 between 2-4 months can restore beneficial bacteria in their gut. This approach may have lasting benefits for breastfed infants, even after supplementation stops.
Nirsevimab vs RSVpreF vaccine for RSV–related hospitalization in newborns
A study published in JAMA found that nirsevimab was associated with lower risks of RSV-related hospitalization and severe outcomes compared to maternal vaccination with the RSVpreF vaccine. These findings suggest a potential benefit for passive infant immunization with nirsevimab in reducing RSV-related complications.
Nirsevimab against hospitalizations and emergency department visits for lower respiratory tract infection in infants
A meta-analysis found nirsevimab to be associated with reduced hospitalizations and emergency department visits for lower respiratory tract infections in young children. This suggests the potential of nirsevimab to decrease respiratory-related morbidity in this population.