Articles tagged with Infants
A recent study from the University of Virginia Health System found that more than a quarter of American infants in 2018 had not received all recommended childhood vaccines. Disparities were observed among African-American infants, low-income families, and those with lower education levels. The researchers warn that these gaps can lead ...
Researchers used machine learning to analyze data from preterm infants with BPD, identifying clusters that predicted comorbidities and rehospitalizations. This could lead to earlier and more precise diagnoses, enabling personalized treatments.
Researchers developed an eye-tracking app that can screen children at risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by tracking their gaze patterns while watching social videos. The study found that children with ASD were less likely to focus on social cues and visually track conversations in the videos.
Researchers at Duke University developed a digital app that assesses eye gaze patterns of young children to identify potential autism symptoms. The app uses computer vision and machine learning to track attention patterns, potentially providing an early screening tool for autism.
A new study highlights the importance of comprehensive NICU discharge planning in preparing parents to care for their medically needy infants at home. Families who were both satisfied and prepared had better outcomes than those who were not, with higher-risk groups benefiting from additional education and training.
A study found that babies born to mothers with cannabis use disorder were more likely to experience negative health outcomes, including preterm birth and low birth weight. Infants born to these mothers were also at a higher risk of infant mortality.
A study of nearly five million live births found that babies born to mothers diagnosed with cannabis use disorders at delivery were more likely to experience negative health outcomes. Infants born to women with cannabis use disorders were also less likely to be hospitalized within the same year.
A new study has found that female baboons with high levels of glucocorticoids, a hormone involved in the 'fight or flight' response, have a greater risk of dying. The research, which analyzed data from over 20 years, showed that females with higher levels of glucocorticoids tend to die younger than those with lower levels.
Researchers have found a causal link between caesarean section birth and peanut sensitivity in infants, with effects more pronounced in children of Asian descent. Infants born by C-section were eight times more likely to develop peanut allergy by age three compared to those born vaginally.
Researchers assessed the effectiveness of treating preterm infants with umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UCB-MSCs) directly into their tracheas. Early results showed signs of improvement for the most immature infants included in the trial, but further study is needed to solidify therapeutic benefits.
A UBCO research team found that maternal fat intake affects infant gut microbial communities, immune development, and disease risk. The study suggests that milk fat may improve protection against intestinal infections when combined with n-3 PUFAs.
Researchers investigated prenatal opioid exposure and its impact on infant mortality, discovering a significant association between the two. Infants exposed to opioids in utero are at higher risk of death, with neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome also increasing mortality rates.
A new study found that men with traditional masculine characteristics like competitiveness and adventurousness were linked to better parenting behaviors when combined with a nurturing father role belief. The researchers discovered that these stereotypically masculine traits tended to be engaged with their kids, suggesting that men are ...
Infants from deaf families exposed to American Sign Language at home looked primarily at the face while watching a signer, whereas those with hearing parents who spoke English barely looked at the hands. The study suggests that sign-language exposure impacts infant gaze patterns and may support later language learning.
A study by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign found evidence linking pregnant women's exposure to phthalates to slower information processing in their 7.5-month-old infants. Males were more likely to be affected, especially when exposed to certain chemicals and unfamiliar faces.
The study estimates the cumulative number of child deaths experienced by mothers between 20 and 49 years old in 170 countries. Mothers in select African countries are significantly more likely to have lost a child, with some experiencing up to 30 times more child deaths than those in high-income countries.
A study found that cesarean-born infants have less diverse gut microbiota at birth but catch up with their peers by age 3-5. The intestinal microbiota forms an ecosystem that takes years to mature, and its development can vary significantly among children.
Soft microfluidic 'sweat stickers' can easily gather and analyze sweat from infants and children, matching performance with cumbersome devices. The stickers' multilayered design avoids repeated tests and skin indentations, enabling early diagnosis critical for good treatment outcomes.
Researchers found that infants as young as 11-12 months can distinguish between frequently used and less common multiword sequences, suggesting they learn individual words and complex phrases simultaneously. This study challenges traditional views on how children acquire language.
The study found that states switching to electronic benefit cards saw a 7.8% increase in WIC participation, with significant gains among pregnant women and young children. This shift aims to make the program more accessible and less stigmatizing.
A new pediatric heart transplant procedure has been shown to be at least as effective as the traditional approach, with similar survival rates and fewer infections. The method, pioneered by Canadian doctors, has enabled twice as many organs to be available for type O infants born with heart defects.
A study found that pregnant women who consumed moderate amounts of caffeine had infants with smaller birth sizes, lower lean body mass, and smaller head circumferences. This may increase the risk of obesity and related health issues later in life.
Researchers at UBC found that a therapeutic bed called Calmer can help maintain steady brain oxygen levels in preterm babies during medical procedures. This is particularly relevant for infants whose brains are vulnerable to pain and stress.
A meta-analysis of studies with monolingual and bilingual children found that they generally favor native speakers over non-native speakers. However, children raised in diverse environments may have a greater awareness of linguistic-based group differences.
A comprehensive review of past decade research found limited evidence to encourage MOM feedings in Black and Hispanic preterm infants. The study recommends targeted, culturally sensitive lactation support interventions to address racial/ethnic disparities in breast milk expression.
A study by the University of California, Davis found that breast milk-fed babies given probiotic B. infantis persist in their gut for up to 1 year, outlasting typical probiotic effects. This persistent colonization helps regulate complex sugars and prevents potential pathogens from establishing a foothold.
A recent study found that bilingual infants have a strong preference for infant-directed speech in their native language, while monolinguals also respond more strongly. The research, involving hundreds of babies from around the world, suggests that language familiarity plays a key role in shaping infant language development.
Wild bonobos have been observed adopting infants from different social groups, providing maternal care, including nursing and nesting. The findings suggest that adoption in bonobos may not be limited to kin relationships or pre-existing social bonds.
Scientists observe bonobos adopting infants born outside their social group, revealing strong parental instincts and emotional connection. The discovery sheds light on why humans adopt children without prior connections.
Research using fMRI scans reveals that babies under a year old use areas of their frontal cortex to focus attention, previously thought to be immature. This discovery sheds light on the neural origins of attention in infants, potentially informing early childhood education and neurodevelopmental disorder research.
A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that preterm birth rates in Tennessee declined by 14% during the COVID-19 pandemic, primarily attributed to lower late preterm infant births. The study suggests that stay-at-home orders may have contributed to this reduction.
Researchers investigate potential treatments for improving cognition in infants, including engineered gut microbes to counter antibiotic-exposure effects. A choline supplement is also being studied as a treatment for prenatal alcohol exposure-related cognitive impairments.
A new study by Northwestern University researchers found that infants as young as three- and four-months old can link language to objects, boosting their object categorization skills. However, listening to birdsong failed to support this process in infants, unlike non-human primate vocalizations.
A new clinical study has shown that supplements of a lactic acid bacterium may have positive effects by increasing the diversity of intestinal bacteria in extremely preterm infants. The treatment reduced the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis, a life-threatening inflammation of the gut.
Researchers found that drinking pomegranate juice daily during pregnancy reduced the risk of brain injury in infants with intrauterine growth restriction. The study suggests that polyphenols in pomegranate juice may provide neuroprotection, and further studies are planned to confirm these findings.
A study suggests that maternal stress and social isolation during the pandemic can have toxic inflammatory effects on mothers and infants. The research highlights the need for immediate action to understand the impact of the pandemic on this vulnerable population.
A study analyzing verbal autopsies from 230 families found that almost 83% of infants experienced delays in care, including family decisions and transportation issues. Simple low-tech interventions can potentially save many infant lives by addressing these complex issues.
A study of 47 infants and young children in Italy found that wearing surgical face masks for 30 minutes did not cause changes in respiratory parameters or clinical signs of distress. The results suggest that face masks may be a safe option for these young patients during the pandemic.
The study found that early PDA closure in extremely low birth weight infants with moderate to large PDA improved respiratory status, facilitated faster weaning off supplemental oxygen and ventilator support, and promoted normal weight gain. Delayed PDA closure and pulmonary hypertension were associated with worse respiratory outcomes.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine research team discovered that a diet rich in indole-3-carbinole, found in green leafy vegetables like broccoli, can protect premature infants from necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). The study also found that breast milk from these mothers provided continued immunity against NEC.
Researchers from Murdoch Children's Research Institute found a significant decrease in peanut allergy among infants after international infant feeding guidelines changed in 2016. The study also showed a rise in parents introducing peanut into their babies' diet since the guideline changes.
A study examining over 67,000 infant vocalisations found that babies as young as one month old produce complex melodies, laying the foundation for later speech. The research suggests that infants' brains mature rapidly and undergo 'preparatory' development before birth to enable melody production.
Scientists have identified a range of microbiome species never before detected in human milk, which change significantly between early and late lactation. These bacteria are thought to protect the infant gastrointestinal tract and improve aspects of long-term health, such as allergy prevention and toxin resistance.
A new study suggests that vaccinating all babies on the day of birth with BCG could reduce neonatal infections and death in areas with high infectious disease rates. The results also increase the possibility that the vaccine might be used to protect children and adults against COVID-19 and other new infectious diseases.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine study reveals that emotional stress promotes symptoms of genetic heart disease and worsens its progression. Physicians and patients are advised to focus on good mental health, in addition to exercise avoidance, to keep patients healthy.
A new study reports that activated B. infantis EVC001 improves health outcomes in preterm infants by reducing enteric inflammation, diaper rash, and antibiotic use. The probiotic also enhances gut microbial composition and reduces pathogenic bacteria, leading to improved clinical outcomes.
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought additional challenges for pregnant people, new mothers, and their families. A new study found that those who gave birth during the pandemic experienced higher levels of psychological trauma, stress, and isolation due to confusion about hospital protocols and visitor restrictions. The lack of social sup...
Researchers found that vegetables in U.S. Department of Agriculture's 'dark green' category were often included in product names, but their average order in the ingredient list was close to fourth. Fruits, particularly juice and juice concentrates, were less likely to appear in product names despite being more prominent in the ingredie...
A study by Florida Atlantic University researchers found that breastfeeding mothers with depression exhibit different EEG patterns than non-depressed mothers, indicating improved brain development in infants. The study also reveals a positive effect of breastfeeding on maternal and infant affectionate touch.
A study published in Breastfeeding Medicine found that separating COVID-infected mothers from their babies can cause significant maternal distress and negatively impact exclusive breastfeeding. The research suggests that skin-to-skin care, rooming-in within arms' reach, and direct breastfeeding may be safe for infected mothers.
A study of 850,000 Danish pregnancies found that nitrate in maternal drinking water was associated with lower birth weights and smaller body lengths, highlighting a critical data gap in current water standards for nitrate.
A new study in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior has found that inconsistent information exists on commercial infant and toddler food packages, making it difficult for parents to understand what they are buying. This confusion can lead to early exposure to nutritious foods not helping children develop healthy eating habits.
A Wayne State University study will explore how family migration stress affects infant development and health. The research, led by Dr. Dalia Khalil, aims to identify effective early intervention strategies for immigrant families.
A Swedish study found that administering a new supplement combining various fatty acids halves the risk of severe retinopathy of prematurity, which can cause blindness. The study showed significant reductions in severe retinopathy among extremely premature babies.
A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences presents a computationally-based modeling approach that simulates infant language learning. The researchers found that infants do not learn consonant- and vowel-like phonetic categories, but rather learn to distinguish between speech sounds in a more nuanced way.
Infants with symptomatic congenital CMV infection treated with a combination of immunoglobulin fetal therapy and neonatal therapy with antiviral drugs showed less severe aftereffects than those receiving only neonatal therapy. This integrated approach holds promise for reducing the number of children suffering from severe CMV infection.
A new study published in Preventive Medicine found that increasing the federal minimum wage from $7.25 to $15 per hour can reduce infant deaths by up to 1.8% annually in large U.S. cities, saving over 1,400 infant lives annually. States preempting city and county governments from raising the minimum wage contribute to these infant deaths.
Researchers found that toddlers with high daily touchscreen use are quicker to look at objects when they appear and less able to resist distraction. The study suggests a potential link between increased screen time and difficulties with attention in young children.
A new study found that exposure to antibiotics within the first 14 days of life is associated with reduced weight and height in boys up to age six. However, antibiotic use after neonatal period leads to higher body mass index (BMI) in both boys and girls during childhood.
A new study found that adults who acquired their second language as a young child show quicker attention shifting and faster visual change detection than those who learned later. These cognitive benefits are thought to be linked to adaptations made by infants in bilingual homes.