Articles tagged with Infants
Very young children exposed to antibiotics from birth to 12 months are at higher risk of childhood obesity and increased adiposity. The study found that early life antibiotic exposure disrupts gut microbiota development, leading to weight gain and obesity.
Clinical trials of COVID-19 treatments have left pregnant and breastfeeding women without safety data, forcing a difficult decision between medication use and breastfeeding. The lack of research on drug transfer into breast milk poses a risk to infants.
Rates of neonatal abstinence syndrome have plateaued, with NAS per 1,000 live births stabilizing in 2016 after peaking in 2014. The study found significantly higher rates than 20 years ago, highlighting the need for continued action to improve outcomes.
A new study found that an individualized mosaic of microbial strains is transmitted from the maternal gut to the infant gut during birth, influencing the infant's metabolic disease susceptibility. Researchers used a 'fingerprint' method to track mothers' microbial strains inherited by infants.
New research suggests that sleep problems in babies may be associated with altered growth trajectory in the hippocampus, a key part of the brain involved in learning and memory. Infants who later develop autism were more likely to have difficulty falling asleep, which was linked to changes in the size of the hippocampus.
A world-first study led by Monash University demonstrates significant benefits to premature babies' heart and brain function when held by parents in skin-to-skin contact. One hour a day of kangaroo care significantly improved blood flow to the brain and cardiac function, compared to measurements done while in the incubator.
A new study of children under two found that parents who use an autonomy support approach can minimize behavioral problems during toddlerhood. The flexible method, which emphasizes the child taking the lead, was shown to be effective for easy babies who adapt easily to new experiences.
Marketing experts argue that current regulations do not effectively prevent potentially misleading claims about infant formula, which may carry health risks for vulnerable populations. The proposed solution includes premarket approval for changes to formula composition and higher scientific substantiation standards for claims.
A retrospective cohort study published in Pediatrics found that unplanned extubations in preterm infants were associated with worse in-patient outcomes, extended length of stay, and increased hospital costs. The study estimated direct hospital costs of about $60 million as a result of UEs in babies less than 28 weeks at birth.
Researchers at USF Health and Johns Hopkins Medicine developed a new treatment for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) by inhibiting the blood-clotting molecule thrombin with nanoparticles. The therapy, which was tested on newborn mice, showed promise in preventing NEC-like injury.
Experts at UTHealth report a breakthrough in treating severe COVID-19 cases in children, illustrating that the disease can be successfully managed despite its severity.
A study led by Stanford researchers found that low levels of the hormone vasopressin in infants' cerebrospinal fluid may predict an autism diagnosis. The findings suggest that early intervention could be beneficial for affected children.
Research identifies lower concentrations of neuropeptide arginine vasopressin in infant cerebrospinal fluid of those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. This finding suggests a potential biomarker for early detection and prediction of the disorder.
A new study found that very low doses of Avastin are effective in preventing blindness in preterm infants. The treatment was tested on 59 preterm infants with type 1 ROP and showed success in improving vision with minimal side effects.
Regular dietary counselling from infancy leads to improved cardiovascular health and reduced risk factors, such as lower serum cholesterol levels and better insulin sensitivity. The intervention group continued to have a heart-healthy diet even after the counselling ended.
A study by CHOP researchers found that continuous pulse oximetry monitoring is being used in infants with bronchiolitis who do not require supplemental oxygen. The use of this practice varies widely among hospitals, with some institutions using it as a safety net despite national recommendations against it.
A long-term study found that infant behavioral inhibition is linked to a more reserved personality and higher levels of internalizing psychopathology in adulthood. The research also identified a neurophysiological marker, error-related negativity, as a potential predictor of risk for developing anxiety disorders.
A 25-year study found that infants with high behavioral inhibition exhibited introverted adulthood and lower social interactions. Infants with high infant BI also showed heightened brain activity in response to errors during adolescence, associated with anxiety and depressive symptoms.
Researchers have characterized how the gut microbiome develops in the first hours of infancy, providing a critical baseline for understanding the impact on health and disease later in life. The study found that multiple strains of bacteria emerged early, influencing metabolite levels and protein consumption.
Research found that breastfeeding significantly influences viral populations in infant guts, providing a protective effect against pathogenic viruses. Even small amounts of breastmilk can reduce the risk of early gastrointestinal disorders.
Researchers found that commercially available baby foods lack dark green vegetable content and flavor, making it difficult for young children to develop a liking for these vegetables. The study suggests that fruit puree dominates the taste and flavor profile of these products.
The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine recommends keeping mothers and infants together, citing no evidence that separation improves outcomes. Separation may minimize virus transmission but can have negative consequences for both mother and infant, including disrupted breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact.
A study found that parents and infants both experience a slowed heart rate during hugs, while younger infants also show relaxation when their back is pressed by a parent's hand. The research suggests that hugs play an important role in early bonding between parents and children.
Researchers found that infants aged 12-15 months watched for longer when presented with incongruent speech patterns, suggesting they have formed expectations not only about infant-directed speech but also adult-directed speech. This study raises questions about the mechanisms of infants' expectations and social importance of different ...
A new study published in Science Advances used CT-scanning technology to view fossil skulls of Australopithecus afarensis and shed light on the evolution of brain organization and growth. The research reveals that while Lucy's species had an ape-like brain structure, the brain took longer to reach adult size.
A three-million-year-old brain imprint reveals that Australopithecus afarensis infants may have relied on caregivers for a prolonged period. The study found no evidence of human-like brain reorganization, but suggested protracted brain growth similar to modern humans.
At 15 months, infants take into account the efficiency of others' actions to identify rational individuals and predict preferences. They exhibit a preference for interacting with efficient over inefficient individuals.
A study found that infants who started on solid foods at or before three months of age showed changes in gut bacteria and bacterial byproducts, which may predispose them to being overweight later in childhood. The researchers also found a delayed impact of early solid food introduction on short-chain fatty acid concentrations.
A new study by Florida Atlantic University shows that kangaroo care improves infant brain development, particularly in full-term babies, through skin-to-skin touch and contact. The method also increases oxytocin levels in mothers and decreases stress reactivity.
Research reveals that infants from rural families display more negative emotions like anger and frustration compared to their urban peers. Urban moms tend to be better at responding to their babies' needs, leading to calmer and less upset infants.
Researchers found that infants with insecure-resistant attachment to parents are more than nine times more likely to receive an ASD diagnosis by age 3. Early recognition of this attachment pattern could lead to interventions to help infants form more secure social relationships.
At 8 months, babies demonstrate a grasp of grammatical concepts in French, recognizing function words such as articles and prepositions. They exhibit limited interest in new functors, suggesting an innate understanding of their mother tongue's linguistic structure.
A new study has validated a better way to stratify BPD risk in extremely preterm infants, using a longer duration of supplemental oxygen. The findings suggest that babies who require oxygen for over 120 days are at high risk of respiratory complications and should receive expanded ventilation before discharge.
Researchers found that baboon mothers in the wild carry dead infants for varying lengths of time, with an average duration of three to four days. The mother's age, infant cause of death, and climate conditions may influence the length of time a mother carries her dead infant.
Research shows that babies consuming infant rice cereals have higher intakes of key nutrients like calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and vitamin E. Baby cereal is associated with better nutrient status and a reduced risk of inadequate intakes of these essential nutrients.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham found a clear relationship between infant sleep problems and emotional and behavioral problems in toddlers. Infants who experienced frequent night wakings, short sleep duration, or difficulty falling asleep were more likely to show emotional and behavioral problems by 24 months.
Researchers at the University of Warwick found that leaving babies to 'cry it out' does not affect their behavior or attachment, but may actually help them learn self-regulation and reduce crying duration. Parents who adapt to their baby's needs and wait before intervening can provide a safe space for their child to develop.
Researchers found that premature babies can catch up with their immune systems after birth, equivalent to those born at term. The study suggests that preterm and term infants converge in a similar time frame for immune development, and that early identification of infection risk can lead to improved outcomes.
A national paid maternity leave policy of at least 12 weeks can reduce postpartum depression, infant mortality, and improve mother-child interactions. Paid leave also has economic benefits, including increased breastfeeding duration and wage stability.
A new article reviews commonly used coronavirus treatments and their potential impact on breastfeeding infants. Despite a lack of evidence, the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine advises continued breastfeeding with careful handwashing and mask-wearing to minimize viral exposure.
Use of antibiotics during infancy may increase children's risk of becoming overweight or obese, while prenatal antibiotic use does not appear to affect weight in subsequent years. Investigators analyzed 23 studies involving over 1.2 million participants and found no link between prenatal antibiotic use and childhood obesity.
A new AI-based device has been developed to help diagnose aggressive posterior retinopathy of prematurity (AP-ROP) in newborns. The study found that infants who developed AP-ROP were more premature and had lower birth weights, highlighting the need for early detection and monitoring.
Scientists at the University of Alberta found that prenatal fruit exposure enhances memory consolidation in infants, suggesting a nonpharmacological intervention to improve infant cognition. The study replicated previous findings in humans and fruit flies, offering valuable information for pregnant mothers.
The updated online tool provides information on infant survival and neurological impairment, incorporating hospital data to inform treatment decisions. Researchers found that hospital-specific estimates of survival are as important as gestational age in determining infant outcome.
Researchers have discovered that newborns' brains show a strong connection between face and place processing networks just six days after birth. The findings suggest that babies are born with a specialized visual cortex, with patterns of brain activity similar to those of adults.
Researchers analyzed 30 infants' brain networks and found domain-specific organization in facial recognition (by 6 days) and scene recognition (by 27 days). These findings indicate that innate connectivity plays a crucial role in shaping the developing cortex.
Researchers studied how infants learn language through vocal interactions with caregivers, identifying key features of effective communication structures. They also analyzed the spread of information on social media and in offline networks, highlighting the importance of accounting for neighbors' biases and geographic segregation.
Research found that babies in bilingual homes quickly and frequently shift their gaze between stimuli, adapting to a more complex environment. This adaptation may help infants learn multiple languages by matching speech sounds with mouth movements.
The Obesity Society's latest research explores the pathophysiology of obesity, therapeutic goals, and differential risk. A new coding system is proposed to address suboptimal efforts in prevention and treatment, offering a personalized approach to care.
Researchers from Johns Hopkins Center for Fetal Therapy report improved lung function in infants born after FETO therapy, which involves a minimally invasive procedure to block the fetal trachea. The study found that prenatal and postnatal monitoring and care were highly coordinated, allowing for favorable outcomes in the 14 infants born.
A new study by researchers at the University of California San Diego confirmed an association between human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) in breast milk and infant growth. High concentrations of certain HMOs were linked to increased height and weight, while low concentrations were associated with reduced growth.
A new study finds that young infants exposed to common household cleaning products are more likely to develop childhood wheeze and asthma by three years of age. The study, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, suggests that chemicals in cleaning products can damage respiratory tract cells, increasing the risk of asthma.
Scientists have discovered a complex biological process in premature lungs that stimulates production of immune cells, which can help fight respiratory infections. The findings could lead to new treatments for premature infants, who are vulnerable to lifelong respiratory illnesses.
A new NIH-funded study suggests that natural sugars in breastmilk, known as human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), may influence a child's growth from infancy through early childhood. The study found associations between HMO composition and growth patterns among 800 pairs of mothers and children.
A new smart jumpsuit quantitatively assesses children's spontaneous movement, helping to detect abnormal neurological development. The device provides valuable insights into infant motility, which can be used to support everyday activities and interventions.
A recent study published in Pediatrics found that fewer than 1 in 4 Tennessee infants exposed to hepatitis C at birth were tested, highlighting inadequate testing rates. The study also revealed disparities in testing rates based on the mother's racial background, with African American mothers being tested less frequently.
A study found that a 15-month-old boy attempted to sing along to 'Happy Birthday' after hearing it played on a toy. The research suggests that babies learn music patterns and rhythms through spontaneous imitation.
Researchers estimate that more than half of African mothers have experienced the death of a child under age five, and nearly two thirds have experienced any child's death. This study highlights the burden of bereavement as a public health threat in low-income regions.
The DELIVER trial examines the safety of PrEP and a dapivirine vaginal ring in pregnant women, providing critical data for HIV prevention choices. The study will enroll 750 healthy, HIV-negative women aged 18-40 years and assess the acceptability and feasibility of these tools.
A new study by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare provides criteria for good infant sleep, revealing large individual variations in sleep patterns. The study found that infants' sleep improves significantly during their first two years, with most children waking up only once during the night by age two.