Researchers at UMass Amherst have discovered that beneficial microbes in infant gut use nitrogen from human milk to support pediatric nutrition and development. The study provides new insights into the molecular underpinnings of these processes, which could lead to improved infant health around the world.
Researchers have identified four distinct patterns of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentrations in infant girls, including two previously unknown patterns. These patterns may help researchers understand ovarian function and identify potential reproductive conditions earlier.
The study found sex differences in brain structure and developmental changes in white matter during early childhood. In 5-year-olds, the pattern of white matter asymmetry resembled adult-like patterns, suggesting a possible transient feature in brain development.
Researchers propose a new cognitive framework explaining how infants adapt their behavior to different social contexts. The study suggests that infants integrate perceptual information, memories, and physiological states to determine optimal behavior through value-driven decision-making.
A study of 343 mother-child pairs found an association between ambient temperature and newborns' respiratory systems. Climate change is particularly vulnerable to pregnant women and their future children, the findings suggest.
A study found that preterm infants do not habituate to repeated pain, unlike full-term infants. This lack of adaptation may affect their brain development and increase vulnerability to pain. The researchers' findings suggest that the ability to adapt to pain might develop during the third trimester of pregnancy.
A new study from McGill University reveals that every day Canadians are exposed to Bisphenol S (BPS) in fresh foods due to chemical migration from packaging materials. High concentrations of BPS were found on thermal food labels, exceeding the European Union's regulatory limit.
A new forensic science study investigates the decay of infant and juvenile bones, providing insights into decomposition rates and bone degradation. The research helps forensic scientists estimate the time elapsed since remains were at a location and identify suitable bones for DNA sampling.
A large Canadian study finds no association between maternal opioid prescription after delivery and adverse infant outcomes. Infants of opioid-using mothers were slightly more likely to visit an emergency department, but this difference was minor.
A study of 318 mothers found significant associations between antenatal COVID-19-related stress and poor postpartum maternal mental health outcomes. Infants also showed increased negative affectivity, highlighting the need for public health prioritization of pregnant individuals during pandemics.
A novel rare mutation in the ABCA12 gene was identified as a cause of Harlequin Ichthyosis through BGI genetic tests. The mutation leads to a severely dysfunctional protein responsible for the disease's serious phenotype.
Researchers found that mothers can transfer microbes to their babies via alternative routes, including skin and respiratory tracts. Cesarean-born babies make up for receiving less of their mother's gut microbiome by drinking in breastmilk.
A web-based program educating mothers about reliable health information and vaccine-preventable illnesses was effective in persuading vaccine-hesitant mothers to vaccinate themselves and their infants. The study found that 82% of hesitant pregnant women received flu and Tdap vaccines after participating in the online intervention.
Researchers at Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg have found a new treatment for ADCY5-related dyskinesia using the asthma drug theophylline. The treatment has been shown to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life in affected individuals.
A recent study by Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University found that ethnic minority parents in Inner Mongolia prefer evidence-based knowledge on family education tailored to their local environment and culture. They sought information on how geographical features like the geomagnetic field influence children's growth and well-being.
A recent study found that Black infants in the US were disproportionately affected by necrotizing enterocolitis, with higher mortality rates compared to White infants. Despite overall improvements in NEC-related deaths between 1999 and 2020, racial disparities persisted.
A study reports successful nonsurgical correction of congenital ear malformations in infants using a custom-made splint made from paper clips. The best results were achieved when treatment was initiated before six months of age.
A new study found that neutral maternal behavior at 12 months correlates with an epigenetic change in children related to stress response. The researchers analyzed data from a cohort of mother-infant pairs and found a small increase in methylation on the NR3C1 gene, which regulates the body's response to stress.
A University of Arizona-led study found that expectant lemur dads see a significant increase in estradiol during their mates' pregnancies, which may help prepare them for parenting. The hormone spike occurs mainly in the third trimester and is associated with increased maternal sensitivity.
An international survey found that most health and nutrition claims on infant formula products are backed by little to no high-quality scientific evidence. The study identified 757 products with an average of two claims each, including benefits for brain development, immunity, and growth.
Researchers found pronounced delays in brainstem responses to sounds among newborns later diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. This delay may be linked to limited access to sound frequencies and difficulties integrating sensory streams, ultimately affecting social interactions and communication.
A UCalgary study has found a significant link between the diversity of fungal species in an infant's gut and their body mass index (BMI) in early childhood. The research also identified other contributing factors, including maternal diet and exposure to antibiotics, as influencing BMI.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that single-locus genetic diseases were the most common cause of infant mortality, accounting for 41% of deaths. The research suggests that diagnostic whole genome sequencing may have prevented some deaths and that treatments for these conditions are available for 30% of cases.
A comprehensive registry study found that infants whose mothers used snus during pregnancy were three times more likely to experience sudden infant death. Quitting snus early on lowered the risk, highlighting the need for women to avoid all types of nicotine products during pregnancy.
A study published in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that breastfeeding can reduce arsenic exposure in infants compared to formula feeding. Researchers measured arsenic levels in mothers, babies, and breast milk, revealing a clear association between maternal and neonatal arsenic exposure.
A recent study published by The BMJ found that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy may have benefits for both mother and baby. Two doses of mRNA Covid-19 vaccine were highly effective against delta infection, while two doses against omicron infection showed moderate effectiveness. A third dose during pregnancy also bolstered protecti...
A new WVU study found nearly one in eight West Virginia infants had in utero exposure to opioids, stimulants, and/or cannabis between 2020 and 2022. The study showed a 40% increased risk of preterm birth among infants exposed to stimulants alone and a 70% increase with concurrent stimulant and cannabis exposures.
The Lancet experts urge an international treaty to curb irresponsible formula milk marketing, exploiting parents' worries about infant health. The series highlights how profits benefit high-income countries while causing social, economic, and environmental harms in low- and middle-income nations.
A Brazilian study found that early sugar consumption and interruption of breastfeeding are key factors contributing to dental caries in infants. Extended breastfeeding was shown to protect babies' teeth as long as they didn't receive sugary food, with the risk declining with falling sugar consumption.
A study of 57,460 US cases found a sustained decrease in infant pertussis incidence following Tdap vaccine introduction. Maternal vaccination is associated with reduced disease burden among young infants.
A new study found that financial coaching for parents of infants in a pediatric primary care setting reduced missed well-child care visit rates by half and improved vaccination receipt. The intervention, which connected parents to public benefits and cost-saving services, also increased monthly household income.
Women who experience five major pregnancy complications face an increased risk of ischemic heart disease up to 46 years after delivery. The study found that all major adverse pregnancy outcomes should be recognized as lifelong risk factors for heart disease.
A 20-year study reveals that recent advances in surgical and clinical care have significantly reduced brain injuries in babies with congenital heart disease. Infants who received higher postoperative blood pressure had a 20% lower risk of brain injury compared to those in earlier stages.
A new study by researchers at the University of California, Davis, found that 6- to 9-month-old babies can form memories of masked faces and recognize those faces when unmasked. The study used eye tracking to examine how masks influence infants' facial recognition.
Researchers investigated acoustic cry characteristics in preterm infants, finding a potential link to developmental delays. The study of 363 preterm infants suggests that early identification of risk for long-term outcomes may be possible through acoustic analysis.
A new study found that women with pre-pregnancy migraine had greater risks of preterm delivery, gestational hypertension, and preeclampsia. Migraine with aura was associated with a higher risk of preeclampsia than without aura.
A two-year study by Rutgers researcher Jinjing Jenny Wang found that babies between 14 and 19 months old benefit from watching counting videos, engaging them with real-life scenarios. The study's findings suggest these videos could reduce disparities in children who may not receive enough counting exposure from caregivers.
A longitudinal study found that excessive screen time in infancy is linked to detrimental outcomes in cognitive functions, which persist after eight years. Brain activity changes were observed in infants who spent more time on screens, indicating brain immaturity and poor self-regulation.
A recent study of 437 children reveals associations between infant screen use and electroencephalography markers with cognitive outcomes. The findings suggest that excessive screen time during infancy may contribute to impairments in executive function.
A new study finds COVID-19 was the top underlying cause of death from infectious disease among children and young people aged 0–19 years. The risk of death from COVID-19 was substantially lower compared to other age groups, but still a significant concern, with over 1,300 child deaths attributed to the virus in the US.
Researchers created monthly infant brain atlases to track normative trends in brain development. The atlases reveal changes in brain structure, cortical geometry, and tissue contrast, shedding light on conditions like ADHD and dyslexia. The study aims to facilitate discovery of new insights into child cognition and social behavior.
A meta-analysis of 253,810 individuals from 11 countries found that preterm infants tend to have similar body mass indexes (BMIs) as their term-born peers by adolescence. This suggests that early life factors may not significantly impact long-term BMI in preterm children.
A new study by researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden found that poor coparenting relationships among fathers are linked to depression. The study suggests that screening fathers for their coparenting status during infancy and toddlerhood could help prevent mental illness in both parents and children.
Research on Latino mother-child pairs reveals that prenatal pollution exposure is associated with deficits in motor coordination, language skills, and cognitive development at age 2. The study found significant correlations between exposure to particulate matter and lower composite cognitive scores.
A novel study of 190 hospitals in the US found that missed nursing care is associated with higher odds of bloodstream infections and longer lengths of stay for VLBW infants. Researchers from Penn Nursing stress the need for hospital administrators to address staffing shortages and poor work environments to improve outcomes.
A new study from Uppsala University found that early introduction of solid foods to infants leads to an earlier end to breastfeeding and a shorter duration of breastfeeding. The research involved 1,251 infants and their mothers, with nearly half receiving tastings as early as four months.
A study at the University of Turku found that residential green environments increase oligosaccharide diversity and alter individual sugar molecule compositions in breastmilk. This suggests a potential mediating role for breastfeeding in mitigating disease risks in infancy.
Research on COVID-19 variants reveals that infants and toddlers with co-infections are significantly more likely to need oxygen therapy and ICU-level care. Co-infection rates were highest during the delta variant, followed by omicron and alpha.
Researchers found that spontaneous movements in newborns and infants develop patterns of muscle interaction, enabling them to perform sequential movements as infants. This study provides insight into the origin of human movement and may lead to earlier diagnosis of developmental disorders.
Researchers discovered a new mode of vertical mother-to-infant microbiome transmission, where microbes shared genes with each other. The study found links between gut metabolites, bacteria, and breastmilk substrates, influencing infant development before and after birth.
A cross-cultural study found that Ugandan mothers have more relational attitudes toward parenting, while UK mothers focus on autonomy. Despite these differences, infant experiences vary across cultures.
A new study reveals that child abuse and neglect are associated with significant excess public hospital costs in South Australia. The research found that individual costs increased with age and severity of abuse or neglect, resulting in an 18% cost penalty on the state's public hospital system.
A study of over 2000 US parents found that behavioural sleep interventions (BSIs) such as controlled crying and 'cry it out' are associated with longer and more consolidated infant sleep. These interventions were also found to be safe, with no adverse consequences on parent-infant bonding or parent depression.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE explored the relationship between lying and temptation resistance in toddlers. Researchers discovered that young children who lie tend to struggle with self-control, leading them to falsely admit to peeking even when they didn't.
A WVU study found that children from non-traditional family structures, such as single-parent households and multi-generational families, face difficulties accessing healthcare. The research highlights the need for providers to be aware of the unique challenges faced by these families and to adapt their services accordingly.
Australian children are spending too much time glued to screens and not enough on physical activity, with 80% of kids failing to meet national guidelines. A new review calls for a National Physical Activity Plan involving multiple sectors to address the issue.
Researchers developed an efficient engineered pathogen capture method to quickly identify infectious microbes in tiny blood samples. This advanced technology could significantly improve clinical outcomes for children with bloodstream infections and sepsis.
Researchers have found that experimental vaccines, including a protein-based vaccine candidate with an adjuvant, provide superior protection against lung disease and higher levels of neutralizing antibodies compared to mRNA vaccines. The results inform the optimization and development of COVID-19 vaccines for young infant populations.
A follow-up study found that the 2-dose vaccines still provided protection against lung disease one year after vaccination as infants. The adjuvanted protein vaccine candidate maintained higher levels of neutralizing antibodies and provided superior protection compared to the mRNA vaccine.
Researchers at Duke University found that caregivers talk more to young children who start talking, regardless of gender, rather than solely due to girls having bigger vocabularies. Girls' vocabulary advantage may be attributed to factors other than parental language input, offering insights into language development.