Articles tagged with Infants
A new preclinical study by Weill Cornell Medicine researchers shows that naturally-produced IgG antibodies in breast milk can protect infants from infection-induced diarrheal illness. These antibodies enhance infant immunity against bacterial pathogens causing gastrointestinal diseases.
Infants born to mothers with positive SARS-CoV-2 tests during pregnancy were more likely to receive neurodevelopmental diagnoses by 12 months, even after accounting for preterm delivery. Longer studies are needed to confirm these associations and understand the long-term effects of in utero COVID-19 exposure.
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine suggests that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy can provide protection to newborns against SARS-CoV-2 infection. The study found a lower incidence of confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection in infants born to vaccinated mothers compared to unvaccinated mothers.
Researchers discovered that dermal contact with nicotine concentrations found in thirdhand smoke and electronic cigarette spills can impair wound healing, increase susceptibility to skin infections, and cause oxidative stress in skin cells. The study suggests that even a short exposure of 24 hours is sufficient to cause skin damage.
Babies born to mothers infected with COVID-19 show differences in motor function and relaxation, especially when held. Preliminary analysis suggests increased risk of neurodevelopmental changes compared to uninfected babies.
A study by Diane Spatz of the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing found that donating milk served as an important part of the grieving process for some parents who had lost a baby before or at birth. This practice helped them form a connection with their child, reduce grief, and create a positive outcome for another family.
Researchers found that unpredictable parental behaviors disrupt optimal brain circuit formation in children, leading to increased vulnerability to mental illness and substance abuse. Studies using mice and human infants suggest that predictable signals and environments are crucial for healthy brain development.
A Norwegian study found that vaccinated mothers had a lower incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in their infants within the first four months of life. The study analyzed all live births between September 2021 and February 2022 and showed a significant reduction in infections among vaccinated infants.
Parents who used videoconferencing technology to view their hospitalized premature infant reported improved pumping experiences and increased bonding. The study found that videoconferencing strengthened the connection between families and their newborns, reducing stress and anxiety.
Researchers have identified unique differences in the visual systems of infants who later develop autism, which are associated with inherited genetic factors. These differences in brain structure and function precede the appearance of autistic symptoms and are related to the severity of autism traits in older siblings.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found a significant association between breastfeeding duration and cognitive test scores in children up to age 14. After adjusting for socioeconomic position and maternal cognitive ability, the researchers discovered that longer breastfeeding durations were linked to higher cognitive scores.
A new study in Nepal reveals that the desire for a son can lead to shorter breastfeeding durations for girls, resulting in a greater risk of infant mortality. The research found that girls with only older sisters had the shortest breastfeeding duration.
Researchers have discovered that short-chain fatty acid acetate from the gut microbiota can minimize the effects of infection by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and mitigate its severity. The compound was found to activate antiviral molecules, such as RIG-I, which are effective against RSV, leading to a 88% reduction in viral load.
A new study from Aarhus University challenges the traditional 'cry curve' pattern of infant crying, which suggests a sharp decline in crying after six weeks. The research, pooling data from 57 studies across 17 countries, reveals that infants continue to cry significantly after six months.
A randomized clinical trial found that a specific probiotic supplement accelerated the maturation of the microbiome in extremely preterm infants, leading to reduced intestinal inflammation and improved feeding tolerance. The study also showed potential benefits for reducing the risk of food allergies in these vulnerable infants.
A recent study published by the Murdoch Children's Research Institute found no significant association between caesarean birth and the development of food allergies in infants. The research involved over 2,000 infants and suggested that babies born via caesarean delivery are not at a higher risk of developing food allergies.
Two Medical University of South Carolina epidemiologists investigate how COVID-19 disruptions affected pregnancy outcomes, particularly for racial and ethnic minority communities. They aim to determine whether pandemic-caused disruptions worsened already poor maternal and infant health statistics.
A new perspective published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition recommends strategies to prevent future shortages and regain public trust. Strategies include a thorough, public process to instill confidence in safe production, assessment of supply system factors, and evaluation of business practices.
A wireless pacifier developed by researchers at Washington State University can monitor infants' electrolyte levels without the need for invasive blood draws. This non-invasive method provides real-time monitoring of sodium and potassium ion concentrations in saliva.
A study found that high blood adenosine levels at 15 days of life correlated with white matter lesions and brain injury in very low birth weight premature infants. Adenosine may play a role in oligodendrocyte maturation and neuronal development, suggesting its potential as a biomarker for complications of prematurity.
A new study uses machine learning to analyze temperament data from 4,438 babies to classify their age and gender. While algorithms struggle to distinguish between infants under 48 weeks old, accuracy improves as they age, suggesting that gender differences in infancy become more apparent around this time.
A statewide CHAMPS program in Mississippi increased breastfeeding rates among birthing women and reduced racial disparities. The program reached 98% of eligible patients, resulting in a 10-point increase in breastfeeding initiation rates.
A $66,000 NIH grant will support Karry Weston's two-year study on the lack of breastfeeding in rural Missouri. The goal is to identify cultural factors influencing mothers' decisions, with a focus on improving maternal care in rural communities.
A new study at the European Congress on Obesity found that toddlers who were rewarded for trying vegetables ate more of them. The study, which involved 598 children aged 1-4, showed that regularly offering vegetables increased recognition and willingness to try different types.
The 100-year-old BCG vaccine has been found to protect newborns and young infants against multiple bacterial and viral infections, including COVID-19. The study identified changes in metabolite and lipid profiles that correlate with innate immune system responses.
A new study analyzed the UK's largest contemporary dietary dataset of toddlers, finding that only 16% met the recommended intake of free sugars. The majority of free sugars consumed by children come from pure fruit juices, yogurts, and processed foods.
A recent study found that a single course of antibiotics disrupts the balance of gut bacteria and fungi in infants, leading to increased competition for space. This disruption can result in long-term adverse effects on human health, including antibiotic-associated diarrhea and chronic inflammatory diseases.
A study in rural Malawi found high mortality rates for children admitted to hospital with low blood sugar or oxygen levels. The findings suggest that earlier identification and prompt care-seeking could help reduce the risk of death, emphasizing the need for better clinical management of severely ill children.
New research reveals that infants as young as 4 months can differentiate between speech and song based on acoustic features such as pitch and rhythm. The study also found that exaggerated pitch is related to better neural tracking of infant-directed speech.
A new study from Boston Medical Center found that COVID-19 infection during pregnancy is associated with elevated inflammatory markers in infants, potentially impacting growth and brain development. Researchers emphasize the importance of COVID-19 vaccinations for pregnant women to avoid long-term adverse consequences for their infant.
A team of UTHealth Houston researchers has been awarded a $2.85 million NIH grant to study a new technique assessing cerebrospinal fluid in babies with hydrocephalus, which affects 400,000 newborns globally each year.
Researchers have found that preterm infants with certain viral signatures in their gut are at risk of developing necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a serious and often fatal disease. The study highlights the potential for early warning signals to alert clinicians, allowing emergency action to be taken.
A new study examines the effect of rapid infusion of sodium bicarbonate on gas exchange and coronary and cerebral perfusion in the immediate post-resuscitation phase. The study found that rapid administration led to a significant rise in myocardial and cerebral perfusion, as well as higher levels of exhaled carbon dioxide.
A study found that fetuses with single-ventricle congenital heart disease are more susceptible to social-emotional problems compared to those with two-ventricle congenital heart disease. Infants with impaired prenatal brain growth also experience worsened language, cognitive, and motor outcomes by 18 months.
Researchers investigated the use of intranasal human milk as a stem cell therapy for preterm infants with intraventricular hemorrhage. The study found that preterm infants could tolerate nasal milk therapy without major safety events, paving the way for further research on long-term outcomes.
A randomized controlled trial found that furosemide increases the risk of electrolyte adverse events but no difference in hearing loss or nephrocalcinosis was observed. The study suggests caution when using furosemide in preterm infants at high risk for bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
New research suggests that ADCC responses and strain susceptibility influence HIV-1 mother-to-child transmission during breastfeeding. Enhancing ADCC through a vaccine may not be sufficient to prevent transmission due to chronically infected individuals' ADCC-resistant strains.
A study led by MUSC researchers found that inhibiting the complement system with CR2Crry can prevent long-term brain damage and improve outcomes in premature infants with germinal matrix hemorrhage. The treatment has shown improved survival, weight gain, reduced brain injury, and enhanced motor and cognitive performances.
A new study from the University of Georgia found that only about one-third of infants enrolled in WIC meet the daily recommendation for vitamin D by 13 months. Experts recommend increased education and supplementation to address this issue, which can lead to diseases like rickets and Type 1 diabetes.
A study found that mothers in a 19th century Dutch village had low rates of breastfeeding, likely due to their busy work schedules and easy access to cow's milk. Researchers analyzed the remains of 277 individuals and found little evidence of breastfeeding, surprising given the community's cultural associations with breastfeeding.
A recent study of 280 mother-infant pairs found that prenatal exposure to social disadvantage and psychosocial stress was associated with reduced infant brain volumes at birth. The researchers used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to measure the brain volumes of the infants at birth.
A new review found that Autistic women face significant challenges in breastfeeding, despite being motivated to do so. The lack of understanding of their needs and limited support from healthcare professionals exacerbate these issues.
A study published by the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that T cell-derived interleukin-22 plays a crucial role in antibacterial defense of colonic crypts. The researchers discovered that two types of immune cells, innate and adaptive, have distinct roles in defending against pathogenic bacteria.
Researchers analyzed breast milk samples from 15 nursing mothers to track gene expression changes in mammary gland cells. The study identified various changes linked to factors such as hormone levels, illness, and lifestyle changes.
A study published in Ophthalmology identified the genetic spectrum behind foveal hypoplasia, a rare condition affecting vision development. The research combined data from over 900 cases across the globe and revealed relationships between genetic defects and the degree of arrested foveal development.
Neural speech processing matures significantly in infancy, but certain abilities like sound discrimination still develop. A study found that children from birth to 2.5 years show varying levels of maturation in auditory skills essential for language learning.
Research from the University of Waterloo and the University of Auckland found that stabilizing blood sugar levels in newborns with hypoglycemia prevents brain damage. Untreated low blood sugar can cause adverse effects on a child's neurodevelopment up to age 4.5 years old.
A study using longitudinal data from the Indian Young Lives survey found that low-birth-weight infants experienced lower test scores compared to normal birth weight infants. The study estimated a 10% increase in birth weight corresponds to a 0.11 standard deviation increase in cognitive test scores at ages 5-8 years.
A new study funded by the NIH found that amygdala overgrowth in autism spectrum disorder begins between 6-12 months of age, suggesting early intervention may be effective in reducing symptoms. The study also identified distinct brain growth patterns in infants with Fragile X syndrome.
A comprehensive study of nearly 400 preterm children born before 24 weeks gestation found a high prevalence of neuropsychiatric and somatic diagnoses. The research emphasizes the importance of providing long-term habilitation and support for these children, who are at risk of developing long-term health problems.
A study analyzing data from 159 countries found that raising tobacco taxes is associated with a significant reduction in neonatal and infant mortality rates. The research suggests that implementing recommended WHO tobacco tax rates could lead to substantial decreases in these deaths, potentially saving up to 231,220 infant lives annually.
Despite scientific consensus against their role, formula milk companies continue to market allergy-reducing products in countries like China and Russia. Hydrolysed formulas are claimed to ease digestion and prevent allergies, but most claims have been debunked by researchers.
A study found that maternal immunization against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can reduce antimicrobial prescribing among young infants. The research, based on a blinded, multi-country trial, showed that infants of mothers assigned the RSV F vaccine experienced fewer antimicrobial prescription courses over the first 90 days of life.
A new study reveals a significant increase in digital screen time among children during the pandemic, posing risks to their physical health. The excessive screen time is linked to eye strain, unstable vision, dry eyes, and increased risk of obesity.
A study found that an eight-week mindfulness-based program during pregnancy reduced the risk of health problems in offspring, as measured by autonomic nervous system responses. Infants whose mothers underwent the program had a faster cardiovascular recovery from stressful interactions and more self-soothing behavior.
CLABSIs contribute significantly to infant morbidity and mortality in the NICU, leading to prolonged hospitalization and increased healthcare costs. The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America provides practical guidance on preventing CLABSI through implementation of specific strategies.
Postpartum mothers experience unwanted and intrusive thoughts about harming their babies, which are not associated with an increased risk of actual harm. Research suggests these thoughts may lead to the development of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in vulnerable women.
Researchers have discovered signature epigenetic biomarkers in mothers and fathers of preterm infants, which may lead to a non-invasive test to predict preterm birth. This could help prevent premature births and their related health impacts on infants.
A study of UK baby food products found an average of 9 promotional claims per product, with many implying indirect health benefits. This 'healthy halo effect' may be confusing for parents and contributes to a free-for-all in terms of regulation.
A recent study found that prenatal exposure to phthalates in maternal and cord blood may affect birth outcomes in infants, with potential estrogenic effects in females and anti-androgenic effects in males. Higher levels of phthalates were also associated with smaller head circumference in all infants.