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.
SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 13, 2019
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.
SourceDuke University·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateNov 11, 2019
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.
SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Applied Developmental Psychology·DateNov 11, 2019
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.
SourceUniversity College London·JournalClinical Neurophysiology·DateNov 11, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
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.
SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateNov 8, 2019
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.
SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalObesity·DateNov 5, 2019
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.
SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateOct 30, 2019
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.
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.
SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateOct 24, 2019
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.
SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalDevelopmental Science·DateOct 24, 2019
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.
SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 21, 2019
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
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.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalDevelopmental Science·DateOct 16, 2019
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.
SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 15, 2019
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.
SourceMax Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 15, 2019
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.
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.
SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalDevelopmental Science·DateOct 15, 2019
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.
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.
SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 11, 2019
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.
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.
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.
SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 9, 2019
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.
SourceColorado State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 8, 2019
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.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalAdvances in Neonatal Care·DateOct 7, 2019
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.
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.
SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Emergency Medicine·DateOct 7, 2019
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.
SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalPlacenta·DateOct 3, 2019
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.
SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalJournal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics·DateOct 2, 2019
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.
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.
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.
SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 1, 2019
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.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 30, 2019
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...
SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateSep 27, 2019
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.
GoPro HERO13 Black
GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.
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.
SourceOregon State University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 23, 2019
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.
SourceEuropean Society for Paediatric Endocrinology·DateSep 18, 2019
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.
SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateSep 11, 2019
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.
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.
SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalLeukemia·DateSep 11, 2019
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.
SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalCellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateSep 10, 2019
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.
SourceUniversity of Rhode Island·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 10, 2019
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.
SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalNature Microbiology·DateSep 9, 2019
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.
SourceChuo University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 6, 2019
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
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.
SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateSep 5, 2019
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.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalAutism Research·DateSep 4, 2019
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.
SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 4, 2019
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.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalJournal of Family Psychology·DateSep 3, 2019
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.
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.
SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 29, 2019
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.
SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 27, 2019
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%.
SourceRutgers University·JournalChildren and Youth Services Review·DateAug 26, 2019
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.
SourceMSR Communications·JournalJournal of Functional Foods·DateAug 21, 2019
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.
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.
SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Child Language·DateAug 21, 2019
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.
SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalEBioMedicine·DateAug 15, 2019
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.
SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalClinical Therapeutics·DateAug 13, 2019
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.
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.
SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateAug 6, 2019
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.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 5, 2019
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.
SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalNature Medicine·DateAug 2, 2019
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.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalScience·DateAug 1, 2019
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.