Articles tagged with Infants
Researchers at University of Toyama found three risk factors for mother-infant bonding disorders: difficulty holding a fussy baby, low happiness about pregnancy, and lack of social support. These factors predict increased risks of developmental delays and child abuse.
Researchers are developing a new gene therapy to treat CTLA-4 insufficiency, a life-limiting inherited immune disorder. The treatment involves replacing a faulty gene in a patient's own immune cells using CRISPR/Cas9 technology.
A new study analyzing 86,000 Norwegian children found that the association between parental body mass index (BMI) and childhood BMI is largely explained by shared genetics. Genetic effects accounted for an estimated 79% of the statistical association between a mother's BMI and her child's BMI at age 8.
A Japanese cohort study found that better maternal cardiovascular health during pregnancy is associated with lower risks of offspring developmental delay at age 4. The study suggests a potential protective effect of optimal maternal cardiovascular health on child development.
A new study by UCL researchers found that mothers with care proceedings in England are 21 times more likely to die within 10 years compared to other mothers. The study analyzed data from NHS hospitals and family court records, revealing a starkly higher risk of maternal mortality among mothers who experienced care proceedings.
Leading child psychologist Dr. Barish argues that grandparents have a crucial role to play in helping children develop a sense of purpose beyond personal success and in providing emotional support. He recommends practices like volunteering together and frequent family conversations about kindness and understanding.
A study of 336 mother-infant pairs found that breast milk and infant urine contained over 50 different chemicals, including BPA and phthalates, which can interfere with hormones during baby's development. These chemicals were detected in breast milk and urine up to 6 months after birth.
A study by University College London found that physical punishment is associated with detrimental outcomes for children's development and wellbeing. Children who experienced physical punishment were more likely to engage in risky behaviors and have poorer educational attainment.
A new study reveals that climate change is actively worsening childhood stunting globally, particularly in rural areas with low service accessibility. Structural socioeconomic inequality also exacerbates the issue, with community-level inequality consistently linked to stunting rates.
A study found that implementing earlier egg introduction guidelines resulted in measurable decreases in egg allergy cases. The updated guidelines, based on randomized trial evidence, may contribute to a reduction in food allergy prevalence when effectively implemented.
A systematic review of 73 studies found that early diet may shape cognitive performance and academic outcomes in adolescents. Unhealthy dietary patterns in infancy have lasting consequences for intelligence in adolescence, according to the study.
A study finds that maternal RSV prefusion F vaccination protects against RSV-associated acute respiratory illness and lowers hospitalization rates among infants under 1 year. The findings support the effectiveness of this vaccine in preventing severe respiratory illnesses.
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.
Two new international studies found that healthy lifestyles can have a protective effect on childhood cancer survivors, reducing the risk of chronic health problems. The studies suggest that physical activity, a healthy weight, and other lifestyle factors can significantly reduce the burden of disease in adulthood.
A recent study of over 1,800 infants in Sweden found that most young children have sufficient vitamin D levels, but intake was too low for some. The research also explored the climate impact of foods providing vitamin D, concluding that plant-based alternatives are a climate-friendly source.
A large cohort study found that antenatal opioid exposure was associated with impaired cerebral cortical folding in newborns. The extent of impairment differed based on the opioid type and presence of polysubstance exposure. Longitudinal assessments aim to inform early interventions for vulnerable populations.
A new study presents dual immunization against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) using RSVpreF and nirsevimab, showing reduced hospitalizations among infants in France. The study found that this combined approach demonstrates potential for enhanced RSV prevention and protection
A recent trial in Japan found community-based ultrasound screening detected 8.7% of infants with developmental dysplasia of the hip, including those without clinical signs or known risk factors. The study suggests that comprehensive ultrasound screening could help catch missed cases without requiring hospital resources.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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 ...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.