Articles tagged with Infants
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Researchers found that infants' precise tuning to their native language influences the range of human languages they link to cognition. Listening to human languages, including native and non-native ones, engages infants' speech processing system.
A recent analysis found that giving the steroid betamethasone to pregnant women at risk of late-preterm delivery results in lower hospital stays for infants. The study estimated costs for over 1,400 mother-infant pairs and found that the average cost for those who received the drug was $4,681, compared to $5,379 for those who did not.
A new study by New York University researchers found that five-month-old infants can differentiate between laughter from friends and strangers. The ability to detect the nature of social relationships is thought to be an early emerging tool in human infancy, possibly due to a detection system using vocal cues.
A collaborative study between Seattle Children's Research Institute and Microsoft data scientists found that smoking during pregnancy doubles the risk of sudden unexpected infant death (SUID). The study estimated that up to 800 deaths from SUID could be prevented each year if women smoked no cigarettes during pregnancy.
Elevated soothability in infants was associated with increased likelihood of early childhood obesity and shorter breastfeeding duration. Infant temperaments of elevated soothability and activity also linked to early introduction of sugary drinks, contributing to obesity risk.
A study of toddlers and infants found that they expect group members to punish wrongdoers, indicating early understanding of group norms. This suggests that young children's expectations of indirect punishment are driven by an abstract sense of ingroup support.
Deaf children who received cochlear implants before 12 months of age learn spoken language more rapidly and are more likely to use it as their sole means of communication. This study suggests that early cochlear implantation can have a transformative impact on language development in deaf infants.
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine updates sodium and potassium intake recommendations to reflect current evidence. The report introduces a new category for sodium based on chronic disease risk reduction and establishes updated adequate intake values.
A study analyzing genetic data from 791 family trios identified 160 genes associated with preterm birth, many related to inflammatory pathways. Candidate biomarker genes were found in the RAB31 and RBPJ genes, implicated in both preterm and very early births.
Researchers have discovered that breast milk contains a variety of yeasts and fungi, including Malassezia and Davidiella, which are present in different geographic locations. These findings suggest that breast milk plays an important role in the initial seeding of fungal species to the infant gut.
A study found that automated programs can identify sepsis in sick infants hours before clinicians recognize it, offering potential for improved clinical outcomes. Machine-learning models analyzed patient data from electronic health records to predict which infants had sepsis.
A new wireless system overcomes limitations of traditional systems by using ultrathin sensors and wirelessly streaming vital sign data. This approach enables parents to have skin-to-skin contact with preterm or sick newborns, a crucial aspect of clinical care.
Researchers found no significant difference in breastfeeding duration between early-term and full-term infants, suggesting that healthy premature babies can have successful breastfeeding outcomes. The study included 2,700 pairs of mothers and infants and monitored them from birth to 12 months or until breastfeeding ceased.
A new study found that babies sleeping less at three months old are more likely to have mothers without a university degree or experience prenatal depression. The researchers analyzed data from over 600 infants and their mothers, revealing that maternal education and prenatal depression significantly impact infant sleep duration.
Research suggests that infants as young as six months old can detect anger in their mothers' voices and respond with increased brain activity. Maternal interactions also play a crucial role in shaping the infant's brain response to angry vocalizations.
Researchers examined antibody isotype and B cell receptor composition in young children, finding associations between environmental exposures and increased somatic hypermutation frequencies. This study sheds light on the complex relationships between environmental factors and immune system development in childhood.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that infants exposed to antenatal corticosteroid therapy (ACT) are significantly smaller at birth. The research analyzed data from over 278,000 births and showed a reduction in birth weight of up to 222 grams for preterm babies.
Research led by Dr. Karen A. Robbins found that mothers whose infants had suspected food allergies reported breastfeeding them for significantly longer periods, with an average of 45.8 weeks compared to 32 weeks for those without concerns. This suggests a potential link between breastfeeding duration and the development of allergies.
Researchers found widespread allomaternal nursing behavior in golden snub-nosed monkeys, where most infants were nursed by one or two additional adult females. This behavior enhanced infant survivorship and supported kin selection and reciprocity hypotheses, expanding our understanding of allomaternal nursing in primates.
In a five-year study, over 87% of golden snub-nosed monkey infants were nursed by females other than their mothers, highlighting the behavior in Old World monkeys for the first time. This phenomenon, called allomaternal nursing, was found to be reciprocal and beneficial for infant survival.
Infants may be more adept at associating words with objects when exposed to Mandarin Chinese sound structures. Researchers studied how lexical tones impact an infant's ability to learn new language, revealing that babies can apply knowledge from their native language to learn words in a new tongue.
Research at Children's National Hospital created a novel preclinical model that mimics persistent interneuron loss in preterm human infants. The study identified specific interneuron subtypes as potential therapeutic targets to prevent or lessen neurodevelopmental risks.
Researchers developed a new protocol to identify febrile infants under 60 days old who are at low risk of serious bacterial infections. The study showed that using simple laboratory tests, such as urinalysis and blood cell count, can confidently exclude these cases, reducing unnecessary invasive procedures and hospitalizations.
Researchers developed a new protocol to rule out life-threatening bacterial infections in infants with fevers, avoiding spinal taps and antibiotics. The study found accuracy rates of 97% in ruling out serious bacterial infections.
New research from London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine shows that interventions in West Africa can significantly increase rates of exclusive breastfeeding. The study found that women who received support reported being 70% more likely to exclusively breastfeed than those who did not receive the intervention.
A large-scale analysis found that indirect breastfeeding via pumping is associated with a higher abundance of potential pathogens and lower oral bacteria compared to direct breastfeeding. This could increase the risk of respiratory infections in infants, particularly those fed pumped milk.
A study funded by NIH found that a daily nutritional supplement can improve fetal growth and reduce stunted infants. The inexpensive supplement increased infant birth size by 31% and reduced small-for-gestational-age births by 22%.
A new University of Rhode Island nursing study found that delayed cord clamping in healthy infants increases iron stores and brain myelin, leading to improved early-life functional development. The study, published in the Journal of Pediatrics, challenges the practice of immediate cord clamping.
A new study found that prenatal maternal depression affects infants' temperament, with those born to depressed mothers experiencing greater distress and lower emotional regulation. The negative impact was amplified when pregnant women lived through Superstorm Sandy.
Researchers compared visual processing skills in hearing and deaf infants aged 7-22 months and found that deaf infants took longer to habituate to new objects and looked away less often. This highlights a difference in how the infants process information, even when it's not auditory in nature.
A new study finds that climate change increases the risk of mental health problems in children born to mothers with prenatal depression who experience natural disaster-related stress. Infants of depressed mothers displayed greater distress and fear, less smiling and laughter, and lower soothability.
Infants exposed to two languages at home exhibit better attentional control and learning abilities than monolingual peers. This study suggests that bilingual environments can shape attentional systems from an early age, laying the groundwork for future cognitive advantages.
A study by UTHealth researchers identified three high-risk areas in Harris County where SUID cases are most likely to occur. Modifiable risk factors included unsafe co-sleeping, improper sleep position, and tobacco use. The study suggests that following the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendations can reduce SUID incidence.
Researchers recommend human milk as the best diet for infants with CHD due to improved feeding tolerance, decreased risk of NEC, and better developmental outcomes. The journal advocates for prioritizing informed feeding decisions and supporting mothers' breastfeeding goals.
A study published in Developmental Science reveals that newborn babies are born with the ability to identify words in continuous speech. The researchers used Near-Infrared Spectroscopy to measure brain activity and discovered two mechanisms that enable infants to pick out individual words from a stream of sounds.
Researchers discovered two mechanisms in newborn infants that enable them to pick out individual words from speech. The study, published in Developmental Science, highlights the innate skills of humans at birth.
Researchers report on successful separation surgery using advanced technologies and multidisciplinary team, showcasing improved outcomes for infants with craniopagus conjoined twins. The Delaney twins are thriving two-year-olds, exceeding expectations with their development and growth after the 11-hour separation surgery.
Researchers found that healthy infant gut microbes protect against cow's milk allergy when transplanted into mice, while those from allergic infants caused an allergic reaction. A specific bacterial species, Anaerostipes caccae, was identified as the protector against allergic responses.
A new study suggests that gut microbes from healthy human infant donors can protect against the development of cow's milk allergy in mice. The research found that transplanting these microbes into mice exposed to milk prevented allergic reactions, while those with microbes from infants allergic to milk did not experience protection.
Research suggests that infant mice need a higher dose of bacterial LPS to prevent asthma, while adult mice can tolerate lower doses. This mechanism supports the hygiene hypothesis, which proposes that decreased exposure to microorganisms in childhood leads to increased allergies.
Women with severe influenza during pregnancy are more likely to have preterm birth and low birth weight infants. Pregnant women receiving the flu vaccine and those treated promptly with antiviral medications may reduce the risk of adverse infant outcomes.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that caring for preterm babies in single family rooms reduces the incidence of sepsis and improves exclusive breastfeeding rates compared to traditional open ward neonatal units. However, long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes were not significantly different between babies cared for in single...
A clinical trial tested the effectiveness of topical antibiotic mupirocin in eliminating Staphylococcus aureus colonization in hospitalized infants. The study found that mupirocin is safe and highly effective in reducing SA infection, with over 90% of treated infants testing negative for SA after treatment.
Researchers have created a soft, non-toxic wearable sensor that measures force and motion to diagnose developmental disabilities. The sensor is designed for small children and has the potential to provide advantages not currently available.
Chemists at McMaster University have identified new chemical signatures in a small amount of blood that could detect cystic fibrosis in infants earlier and more accurately. These biomarkers can be analyzed using mass spectrometry, reducing costs and anxiety for families.
Research reveals that low-income, rural kids are at higher risk of second- and third-hand smoke exposure, with as many as 63% of children having detectable levels of cotinine. The study found that frequent moves, lower income, and more adults in the home increase a child's exposure to smoke.
Research by Harvard University's Catherine Dulac reveals that male mice engage in infanticide due to a combination of sensory cues, including the shape of pups and specific pheromone signals. These signals allow males to identify newborn infants and recognize their need for nurturing versus protection from attack.
Researchers found that gently stroking newborns at a speed of approximately 3 centimeters per second can reduce pain-related brain activity. The study suggests that this technique could provide effective pain relief before clinically necessary medical procedures, and may also promote parent-infant bonding.
A study found that pregnant women who have a family history of food allergies are more likely to avoid certain foods, such as nuts and eggs. However, this avoidance does not necessarily prevent food allergies in their infants, but rather increases the risk of problems with food at 4 months old.
When parents play with infants, their brain activity mirrors the child's attention patterns, suggesting a neural echo effect. This phenomenon, observed in joint play sessions, highlights how adults respond to and influence their babies' behavior.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that the molecular underpinnings of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) lead to brain injury. They identified TLR4 as the cause and found that HMGB1 is generated in response to TLR4, leading to microglial activation and brain injury.
A new study led by UCalgary researcher finds that early caffeine treatment has no long-term negative effects on neurodevelopment, but is associated with better cognitive scores. The therapy also reduces the risk of cerebral palsy and hearing impairment in premature babies.
Researchers found significant problems in 7/112 children with eye abnormalities, 6/49 with hearing issues, and 11/94 with severe delays in language, motor skills, or cognitive function.
Targeted interventions improved mean delta weight Z-scores by 43% in very low birth weight infants. Micro-preemies who were born between 26-28 weeks gestation showed the greatest improvement, with a 64% increase in growth trends.
Researchers have developed wireless, battery-free sensors that monitor skin exposure to solar radiation in real-time, providing a flexible method to track UV light. The devices overcome existing drawbacks such as limited battery life, allowing for broader use in outdoor activities and optimizing light-based treatments for skin conditions.
Research found that increased brain activity in response to infants' facial cues from pregnancy to motherhood is associated with more positive relationships with the baby. Mothers who showed such increases reported stronger bonds with their infants after birth.
A recent study found that infants and toddlers in low-income, rural areas may be exposed to high levels of second- and third-hand smoke. The study suggests that frequent moves, lower education, and more adults in the home can increase a child's exposure to smoke.
Researchers at Harvard University suggest that inosine could have served as a surrogate for guanosine in the early emergence of life. Inosine enabled RNA to replicate with high speed and few errors, supporting its potential role as a backbone of the first cells.
A recent study from the University of Turku investigated brain structure in newborns, revealing asymmetry in lobar volumes between hemispheres. The findings suggest that environmental factors during pregnancy may have a lasting impact on infant brain development.
Babies who are less active tend to get less sleep overall, according to new Michigan State University research. Infants who slept more at night had better weight-for-length scores and were less active during the day. Parents can promote tummy time and physical activity to help their baby get more sleep.