Articles tagged with Infants
UVA Children's Hospital is expanding a home monitoring program to enhance follow-up care and communication between families and their care team. The Building HOPE app, developed in collaboration with Locus Health, enables real-time monitoring of children's vital signs and health information.
Infants who consume formula with added bovine MFGM show higher scores in cognitive, language, and motor development tests by their first birthdays. The ingredient may also contribute to better gastrointestinal and respiratory health outcomes.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University discovered that babies can recognize counting as a way to describe quantity, even before they can verbally express the numbers. The study found that when toys were counted aloud, babies showed an understanding of the approximate number and expected more than one toy to be pulled from the box.
A new study in rats reveals the extent of brain damage caused by short-term maternal abuse, which can lead to fear and memory problems. Researchers also found that the combination of stress and abuse can restrict growth of certain parts of the brain, leading to behavioral problems.
Research reveals Deaf infants exposed to American Sign Language exhibit advanced eye-gaze behavior, including 'checking-back' cues. This finding suggests social-cognitive development can be shaped by early-life experiences and visual learning ecologies.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that transferring extremely premature babies from lower to higher level neonatal care units increases the risk of severe brain injury. Keeping these infants at lower level units after birth also results in a higher risk of death, compared to birth in a tertiary facility.
Researchers found that marmoset monkeys' vocal development changes are driven by local bodily solutions rather than brain control. This discovery suggests that the body can make local problems-solving decisions without relying on the brain, saving energy and simplifying motor control.
Researchers investigate how 9-month-old babies process novel information using EEG. They find that the theta rhythm is sensitive to unexpected outcomes, suggesting it plays a key role in encoding new information. The study's findings have implications for understanding infant learning processes.
Researchers at the University of Washington developed a smart speaker skill called BreathJunior that uses white noise to monitor infants' breathing and movement. The system detected respiratory rates closely matching those detected by standard vital sign monitors, showing promise as a tool for parents and hospitals.
A Swedish study using national registry data found that women who underwent gastric bypass surgery had a lower risk of major birth defects compared to those who didn't have the surgery but were similar in other factors. The researchers speculate that improved glucose control and weight loss benefits may contribute to this reduced risk.
A recent study published in Developmental Science found that Deaf infants raised by Deaf parents are more attuned to their parent's visual cues than hearing infants. This suggests that early experiences with visual language can shape a child's social and communication skills.
A recent study analyzing national survey data found significant breastfeeding disparities among US children based on race/ethnicity. Breastfeeding rates were lower for black infants compared to white infants, especially when sociodemographic factors were considered.
A genetic link has been discovered between Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and a mutation in the HADHA gene, causing infants to die suddenly from cardiac arrest. Researchers hope that this discovery will lead to new treatments and interventions for the disease.
A multi-million dollar study is enrolling pregnant women to track newborns' brain development and behavior after opioid exposure. Researchers will analyze brain images taken at various ages to identify early biomarkers of neurological dysfunction.
Researchers found that β-blockers can stimulate proper cell division in infant heart tissue and improve heart function. In mouse studies, propranolol treatment resulted in 30% more cardiomyocytes and better recovery from heart attacks. The pathway to clinical translation is promising, as the drug was synthesized nearly 60 years ago.
A new clinical trial found that adding rice bran to infant diets enhanced growth and reduced diarrhea, while also showing potential for improving gut health. The study's results suggest that rice bran could be a practical dietary intervention strategy in regions with high rates of impaired growth and development.
A study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing found that human milk and breastfeeding can improve outcomes for infants with myelomeningocele. The unique transition-to-breast pathway program helped many mothers establish an exclusive human milk diet, which is essential for optimal brain development.
The study aims to measure whether using eyeglasses to correct astigmatism in toddlers improves language, cognitive, and motor development. Researchers will divide children with astigmatism into two groups: one receiving traditional support and the other with significant additional clinical support to encourage wear.
Researchers found that young infants with fevers are more likely to develop serious bacterial infections. Infants under eight weeks old have a doubled risk of developing such infections. Parents are encouraged to seek immediate medical attention if their child develops a fever over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit.
A recent study found that African-American preterm births are associated with chronic inflammation of the placenta and underdeveloped vessels, leading to poor growth and increased risk of neurodevelopmental impairments. These abnormalities suggest that the fetus was not receiving enough oxygen and nutrients from the placenta.
Severe infant sleep problems in the first year are linked to poor maternal mental and physical health during pregnancy. Mothers experiencing persistent and severe sleep issues were more likely to have poorer mental and physical health during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding for six months can save an estimated 95-153 kg CO2 equivalent per baby compared to formula feeding. The food industry's contribution to greenhouse gases is significant, with dairy and meat production being major contributors.
Researchers at the University of Bergen identified new genetic signals regulating infant growth, which may help combat growth-related diseases like obesity and malnutrition. The study found that different BMI-signals exist for children and adults, with varying genetic influences during childhood.
Scientists created a human milk fat substitute from seed oil by modifying its metabolism to produce triacylglycerols with a specific fatty acid structure. This innovation could provide a cheap and sustainable source of human milk fat substitute for infant formula.
A study has identified a washing machine as a reservoir of multidrug-resistant pathogens, specifically Klebsiella oxytoca. The bacteria were transmitted to newborns in a neonatal intensive care unit through contaminated clothing washed at low temperatures. Researchers highlight the need for higher temperatures or disinfectants to preve...
Scientists at the University of Bristol discovered clay vessels from Europe dating back to 5,000 BC that were used as early baby bottles for animal milk. The analysis revealed ruminant milk residues from domesticated cattle, sheep, or goat.
A large cohort study found attempting a vaginal birth after previous cesarean section increases the risk of serious maternal complications, including uterine rupture and sepsis. The study suggests that planning another cesarean may be a safer option for women with a history of cesarean section.
A recent study found that domestic cats bond with their owners in a way that's surprisingly similar to infants, with about 65% of both cats and kittens classified as securely attached. This suggests that cats' human attachments are stable and present in adulthood.
A new study from Oregon State University finds that cats form attachments with their human owners similar to the bonds formed by children and dogs. The majority of cats (65.8%) are securely attached to their caregivers, while 34.2% exhibit insecure attachment behaviors.
Research found that genetic modifications reducing leptin levels were more common in formula-fed babies, associated with higher body weight and increased risk of obesity. Breastfed infants had lower rates of these modifications, suggesting epigenetic mechanisms may play a role in childhood obesity development.
In western lowland gorillas, females must balance the risks of staying with a protective silverback versus transferring to another group to avoid reproductive costs. Female gorillas that transfer multiple times experience longer intervals between births, leading to fewer offspring over their lifetime.
A months-old infant with rare childhood leukemia was treated with sorafenib, a targeted therapy approved for adults with inoperable liver cancer. The patient's unique genetic mutation led to a significant response to the treatment, highlighting the importance of identifying genetic mutations in cancer treatment.
Researchers discovered how breastfed babies absorb large amounts of calcium, building healthy bones. This mechanism could be key to treating osteoporosis and other bone diseases later in life.
Researchers at the University of Rhode Island have discovered a link between prenatal HIV exposure and reduced infant immunity. The study found two clusters of HIV-exposed but uninfected infants, one with a significantly reduced immune repertoire, which may explain their increased risk of morbidity.
Treating preterm infants with antibiotics for more than 20 months can lead to less diverse bacterial populations in their gut, containing more antibiotic resistance genes. The study suggests that early-life antibiotic use may promote allergies and other health issues later in life by reducing the diversity of microbial communities.
Research suggests that infants under 6 months can detect the motion of large objects more accurately than small ones, whereas adults struggle with this task. This phenomenon is attributed to surround suppression, which weakens in older children and adults, allowing them to see smaller motions better.
Researchers developed an animal model to test HIV infection and therapies in infants, allowing them to study viral rebound after antiretroviral therapy interruption. The simian-human immunodeficiency virus-infected infant rhesus macaque model mimics breast milk transmission and simulates human infants' immune responses.
Researchers found that conversational turns and word count significantly impact 24-month language evaluation performance for both typical children and those with autism. The study emphasizes the importance of parental persistence in talking to infants from an early age.
A new study identifies key transport proteins that facilitate the uptake of human milk oligosaccharides, crucial for developing a healthy infant gut microbiota. The researchers have established a framework to map the best sugars in mother's milk on the menu of infant health-beneficial gut bacteria.
A study by University of Cambridge researchers found that dissatisfied mothers speak more to infant sons than daughters. The quality of a couple's relationship is linked to parent-infant talk and affects child development.
Researchers analyzed fossilized teeth to discover that ancient humans significantly breastfed their infants for longer periods than contemporary relatives. Early Homo offspring was breastfed until around 3-4 years old.
A review of 10-year experience at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago found that ketogenic diet was safe and effective in treating drug-resistant epilepsy in infants under 3 years old. Nearly half of children with genetic causes of epilepsy experienced significant seizure reduction after three months on the diet.
A Rutgers-led study found that Head Start and Early Head Start programs alleviate the supply gap of center-based childcare in New Jersey, particularly in lower-income areas. The presence of these programs reduces the likelihood of a severe childcare supply gap by 14%.
B. infantis EVC001 demonstrates improved metabolism of protein-bound glycans from human milk, providing a basis for facilitating colonization in formula-fed infants. The study's findings suggest that N-glycans from milk glycoproteins contribute to B. infantis EVC001 colonization in the infant gut.
Babies shape their own learning environments through babbling, influencing parents' speech to use simpler words and shorter sentences. Infants who receive more learning opportunities from their mothers are faster learners of new speech sounds.
A new study found that predictable parent-child interaction has a positive impact on infant brain development, particularly in regulating emotions and actions. This predictability is linked to better self-control and emotional regulation in children.
Infants born to mothers taking naltrexone developed no signs of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, whereas those exposed to buprenorphine showed higher rates of NOWS. Naltrexone was also associated with shorter hospital stays and improved breastfeeding outcomes.
Researchers found that infants colonized with C. difficile developed antibodies in their blood that neutralized toxins, suggesting a natural immunization occurs. This immune response may provide protection against the infection later in childhood.
A study suggests that maternal sensitivity and early brain structure interact to influence attachment disorganization. High levels of maternal sensitivity in infants with larger left hippocampi were associated with lower attachment disorganization.
A study found that Zika-exposed infants had normal assessments at birth but 29% scored below average in neurological development, including cognitive performance and motor skills. Early pregnancy exposure increased the risk of developmental, hearing, and eye abnormalities.
A new vaccine candidate, DS-Cav1, has shown promising results in a Phase 1 human clinical trial, eliciting large increases in RSV-neutralizing antibodies that were sustained for several months. The vaccine's structure-based design approach aims to overcome the challenges of traditional methods in creating an RSV vaccine.
A recent study found that 71% of Brazilian infants exposed to the Zika virus in the womb experienced brain abnormalities, including calcifications and malformations. The study highlights the importance of early neuroimaging for Zika-exposed infants, even those without congenital Zika syndrome.
Researchers found that infants born via cesarean section had increased heart rate variability and lower relative gamma frequency EEG compared to those born through vaginal delivery. Autonomic tone appears to function well in both groups, but differences were observed after the first day of life.
Researchers Maayan Stavans and Renée Baillargeon found that infants as young as 17 months old expect leaders to rectify transgressions. The study suggests that abstract expectation of authority is part of the basic structure of human moral cognition.
A new study by University of Illinois psychology professor Renée Baillargeon and graduate student Maayan Stavans found that infants as young as 17 months old expect leaders to right wrongs in their social groups. In experiments with bear puppets, infants stared longer when a leader ignored wrongdoing than when she rectified it.
Mothers with pre-pregnancy diabetes are at a four to five times increased risk of stillbirth. High maternal blood sugar levels and BMI emerged as key risk factors for increased stillbirth risk, particularly in babies born small or large for gestational age.
Researchers found that babies as young as six months old show empathy towards a bullied victim, preferring to choose the distressed figure over the bully. This discovery debunks the theory that babies only develop empathy after one year of age.
A computer-simulated study suggests that standard solid food feeding guides from hospitals and baby-formula makers may not provide accurate recommendations for infants. Following these guidelines can lead to overweight infants as early as 9-11 months old, with the Similac guide producing the healthiest results.
A US study found that infant deaths from accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed more than tripled between 1999 and 2016. The racial disparity in these deaths widened significantly, with non-Hispanic black infants facing higher mortality rates.
A study has identified a specific bacterial lipid that promotes immune dysfunction associated with allergic asthma in newborn infants. The researchers plan to develop screening protocols to identify newborns at high risk for asthma and allergy based on the presence of this microbial molecule.