Research on the health and development of babies. Covers motor development, maternal-infant health, cochlear implants, and infant nutrition.
A study of newborns in Botswana found that initiating antiretroviral therapy immediately after birth reduces the frequency of reservoir cells and improves immune responses. The Early Infant Treatment Study showed measurable benefits from early treatment, suggesting strategies to test and treat infants at birth may improve outcomes.
A new study using fMRI found significant differences in brain connectivity between infants exposed to opioids prenatally and those not exposed. The research suggests that prenatal opioid exposure may have lasting consequences on brain development and behavior.
Researchers found that germ-free mouse lungs developed better under high oxygen conditions than non-germ-free mice, with decreased inflammation and improved lung function. This discovery may help develop therapeutic interventions for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in premature infants.
A phase I/II study of the Swedish vaccine candidate ETVAX found it to be safe and broadly immunogenic, inducing impressive immune responses in young children and infants. The vaccine showed high response rates among children aged 2-5 years and infants, with some even showing enhanced immune responses when given with an adjuvant.
Scientists have detected 15 different photoinitiators in human breast milk, with benzophenone being the most prevalent. The researchers estimate that breastfeeding infants ingest high amounts of these compounds, but predict a low health risk due to levels below safe thresholds.
Women living in ethnic enclaves have lower rates of gestational diabetes, preterm delivery, and infant small size. Access to culturally relevant healthcare resources, traditional diets, and social networks contribute to improved health outcomes.
Researchers found that nurse home visits have long-term benefits for children born to high-risk mothers, improving cognitive function and academic performance. The program also resulted in significant savings of $17,310 per family in public benefit costs.
A study funded by NIH found that umbilical cord milking may increase the risk of severe intraventricular hemorrhage in extremely preterm infants. The study, halted due to safety concerns, compared cord milking to delayed cord clamping and found a higher rate of brain bleeding in the former group.
A recent study found that tongue-tie procedures in babies can lead to respiratory events, bleeding, weight loss, and poor feeding. The researchers estimate that about 20 out of every 100,000 babies born will suffer a complication related to the procedure.
A new screening approach for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) has been developed, adding slow weight gain to existing criteria. The method was tested in a large prospective study and found to correctly predict ROP cases while reducing unnecessary examinations by nearly a third.
A new study found that nearly two-thirds of infants and almost all toddlers consumed added sugars in their daily diets, primarily in flavored yogurts and fruit drinks. The widespread intake points to a serious problem, as early eating patterns can lead to negative health conditions such as cavities, obesity, and elevated blood pressure.
Researchers found that infants born in states with punitive policies had higher rates of neonatal abstinence syndrome, highlighting the need for public health approaches to prevention and expanded treatment access. Policies requiring reporting of prenatal substance use were not associated with increased withdrawal risk.
A new study found that puberty may offer a window of opportunity to recalibrate cortisol responses in children who experienced early life deprivation, such as institutional care. As these children age, their stress hormone levels increase and become more responsive to stress, similar to those who were not affected by deprivation.
A new study from Duke University found that a home visiting program for newborns and their families can significantly reduce child maltreatment investigations. The program, Family Connects, resulted in a 44% lower rate of child abuse investigations during the first two years of life.
A new Northwestern University study found that toddlers with language delays are nearly twice as likely to have severe and frequent temper tantrums. The research surveyed over 2,000 parents and discovered a link between delayed vocabulary and increased risk of later mental health problems.
Researchers at UCL found that newborn baby hiccups trigger a large wave of brain signals, potentially helping babies learn how to regulate their breathing. The study used brain scans to record EEG activity in 13 newborn infants with hiccups, finding that the contractions evoked a pronounced response in the brain's cortex.
A diagnostic study found a protein involved in managing bacteria to be a reliable biomarker for the noninvasive detection of NEC. Elevated levels of intestinal alkaline phosphatase (iAP) protein linked to NEC were shed in stool samples, with accuracy rates of 97% and 76% for severe and suspected NEC, respectively.
A University at Buffalo study found that mothers' warmth and sensitivity during active play, not feeding interactions, were associated with reduced obesity risk from infancy to second grade. The research focused on families with low socioeconomic status and prenatal exposure to substances like cigarettes and cocaine.
The total cost of preterm birth in the US was estimated to be $25.2 billion in 2016, with an average cost of $64,815 per birth. Preterm births are a leading cause of infant mortality and maternal health issues, with over 22,000 babies dying before their first birthday annually.
A study found that premature infants with abnormal gut microbiomes are more likely to experience stunted growth. Researchers tested stool samples weekly and discovered a significant association between dysbiosis and growth faltering, even after follow-up visits at ages 2 and 4.
New research by UVA neonatologist Jennifer Burnsed suggests that seizures caused by inadequate oxygen and blood flow can lead to behavioral issues and learning disabilities later in life. Mapping brain activity during infant seizures may help predict outcomes and inform treatment options.
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.