Articles tagged with Infants
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.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics reveals that most Zika-exposed fetuses have normal brain development, contrary to initial fears. However, severe congenital brain abnormalities were detected in a small percentage of cases, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and research.
A new study from the University of Washington shows that parents who learn to speak parentese can improve their infants' language skills. Parents in the intervention group increased their use of parentese and directed more speech to their child, resulting in babies babbling more and producing more words by 14 months.
A study published in Nature Neuroscience found a large-scale association between molecular gene expression activity and neural responses to speech in toddlers with autism. The researchers identified widespread gene expression activity across the genome, which was linked to whole-brain neural response to speech.
A 15-year study of thousands of children reveals that core language skills are stable from infancy to adolescence, with early intervention recommended for lagging development. Individual differences in language competency persist over time, emphasizing the importance of timely interventions.
At 5 months, babies demonstrated the ability to recognize nested structures similar to human grammar. This basic understanding is thought to be part of what makes humans uniquely capable. The study used tone sequences and EEG measures to test infants' perception of embedded structures.
A new study reveals that over two percent of U.S. children under the age of 5 have a milk allergy, and 53% of food-allergic infants under age 1 have a cow's milk allergy. The number of children with milk allergies decreases as they grow older, with 41% of 1-2-year-olds, 34% of 3-5-year-olds, and 15% of 11-17-year-olds.
A new study aims to investigate the origins of asthma in Puerto Rico by following 4,000 children from birth through early childhood. The team plans to use genetic techniques to identify biological drivers of disease and biomarkers that may predict outcomes.
Researchers at CU Anschutz Medical Campus discover that infant gut microbes altered by maternal obesity increase the risk of obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease later in life. The study suggests that altering the microbiome through probiotics or supplements may help reduce this risk.
A large percentage of healthy babies don't sleep through the night by six months of age, but researchers found no correlation with developmental problems. Infants who didn't sleep for six or eight consecutive hours had a significantly higher rate of breastfeeding, which offers many benefits.
A new study found that pregnant women with opioid use disorder who experience food insecurity are more likely to have their infants treated for severe neonatal abstinence syndrome. The study suggests that screening for food insecurity could be a way to reduce NAS severity and improve infant and mother outcomes.
A new study found that hypertonic saline improved lung function and weight gain in infants with cystic fibrosis. The treatment, which was safe from diagnosis onwards, also showed promise for preventing the progression of lung disease.
New research suggests that infant girls fed soy formula are more likely to develop severe menstrual pain as young adults. Women who had ever been fed soy formula as babies were 50% more likely to have experienced moderate or severe menstrual discomfort between the ages of 18 and 22.
A study published in Human Reproduction found that women fed soy-based formula milk as babies are 40% more likely to have used hormonal contraception for menstrual pain relief. The research also showed a 50% increased risk of moderate or severe menstrual discomfort between ages 18-22.
Researchers analyzed laughter clips from 44 infants to children aged 3-18 months and found that youngest babies laughed on both inhalation and exhalation, similar to chimpanzees. Older babies primarily laughed on the exhale, as seen in older children and adults.
A study of 40 breastfed and 13 formula-fed infants found that breastfed babies had significantly more frequent stools and liquid stools during the first two months. The researchers are still unsure about the underlying mechanisms behind this phenomenon.
Researchers discovered that toddlers with autism spectrum disorder display enhanced anger and frustration but decreased fear in response to naturalistic situations. The capacity to experience joy appears intact in the early stages of the disorder, which may help harness emotional competence for therapeutic purposes.
A new study found that single mothers, those with less education, and mothers enrolled in the WIC Program may receive fewer resources and information to help them breastfeed. Despite receiving support from professionals, demographic differences and stress levels may affect their ability to engage in breastfeeding practices.
A study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that over 230,000 children under 5 are treated in hospital emergency departments each year for soft furniture-related injuries. Children under 1 year old were more than twice as likely to be hospitalized and boys accounted for 56% of cases.
Infants born at home have more diverse bacteria in their guts and feces, which may influence their developing immunity and metabolism. The study suggests that revamping hospital environments for non-high risk births could be beneficial.
A new study analyzing online sperm donors reveals they are more agreeable than traditional clinic donors. The researchers found exclusively online donors were more likely to be in committed relationships and identify with non-heterosexual sex identities.
Researchers found that neonatal birthweights increase in direct proportion with the number of births in at least 30 percent of cases. Large for gestational age (LGA) weight infants are at risk for complications and recurrence, according to a new study published in Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics.
Babies born to fathers over 35 have higher risks of adverse birth outcomes, such as low birth weight and seizures. The study used data from 40 million births to show that every year a man ages increases the risk by two new DNA mutations in his sperm.
Research found that infants born to fathers over 45 have a higher risk of premature birth, low birth weight, and healthcare support needs. The study highlights the need for men to be included in preconception care.
A recent study led by ISGlobal identifies new antibody markers associated with the RTS,S malaria vaccine's protective effects. The research reveals that IgG1 and IgG3 antibodies provide crucial protection against disease, while IgG2 and IgG4 may increase disease risk.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found three distinct phases in infant gut microbiome development from 3-46 months of age. Partial breastfeeding was associated with higher abundance of probiotic bacteria, while cessation accelerated maturation and change in microbial diversity.
Scientists have discovered new genetic pathways associated with severe lung disease in premature infants, including those related to gonadotropin releasing hormone and heart development. These findings offer promise for earlier risk detection and the development of more precise treatments for this life-threatening condition.
Research reveals that babies establish a healthy gut microbiome until around 2.5 years old, with breastfeeding playing a crucial role in early life. After weaning, the microbiome rapidly changes and becomes more stable, but the loss of beneficial bacteria can occur if breast milk is not available.
A developmental psychologist's study measures how often infants spend time in different body positions over the first year of life, finding that 3-month-olds are held almost half their waking days. As infants develop motor skills, their body positions change dramatically, influencing opportunities for learning and development.
A randomized controlled trial found that parental educational tools on pain relief during vaccinations increased use of pain interventions at future infant vaccinations, knowledge and confidence in parents' ability to manage infant pain.
A comprehensive national registry for pediatric chronic kidney disease (CKD) is essential to improve lifespan and quality of life. The study emphasizes the importance of identifying children at risk, with high mortality rates among those requiring renal replacement therapy.
Researchers found that humans can identify parent-offspring resemblance from infancy, but it becomes more accurate with age. This study suggests that the ability to recognize kinship may be linked to increased facial similarity with parents before puberty.
Skin-to-skin contact between preterm infants and their parents influences hormone levels related to attachment and stress. Increased oxytocin and decreased cortisol levels during skin-to-skin contact are associated with higher parental engagement scores, suggesting a potential benefits of promoting early contact for preterm infants.
Experts warn that cardboard baby boxes are being promoted without supporting evidence, posing risks to infant safety. The boxes may not meet safety regulations, have potential design flaws, and are not suitable for all age groups.
Exposure to malaria during pregnancy can trigger an immune response in the fetus, leading to higher levels of memory T cells and reduced clinical malaria incidence in childhood. Infants born to mothers with placental malaria have a lower risk of contracting malaria as children.
A new study found that infants who viewed instruction with a peer showed better neural response and improved phonemic learning compared to those who watched alone. The researchers suggest that social interaction increases arousal, which in turn boosts learning, and provide motivation for acquiring new skills.
A new study by Northwestern University researchers found that male mountain gorillas who spend more time with their group's children are more reproductively successful. The study suggests an alternative pathway to the evolution of fathering behavior in humans, where males may not necessarily know their offspring.
Researchers found that HIV-infected infants were four times more likely to acquire congenital CMV infection compared to uninfected counterparts. Infants born to HIV-positive mothers had high rates of congenital CMV, with a sixfold greater chance of acquiring the virus during pregnancy.
Research reveals Hispanic infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and d-transposition of the great arteries face poorer outcomes in their first year compared to non-Hispanic white counterparts. Maternal education and insurance status are significant factors contributing to these disparities.
Researchers found that adult-like functional brain connections for emotional regulation emerge during the first year of life, predicting anxiety and emotional regulation in 4-year-olds. The growth of these brain circuits during the second year of life also predicted IQ at 4 years old.
A new study found that growth rates of brain circuits in infancy can predict a child's IQ and emotional behavior at age four. Researchers used MRI scans on infants and followed their development to identify early signs of mental, behavioral, or developmental disorders.
Researchers at Kazan Federal University investigated the virulence factors of Klebsiella pneumoniae in neonates with sepsis and urinary tract infections. They found that rmpA gene-containing strains were associated with more severe diseases, revealing a higher prevalence of virulent K. pneumoniae strains than previously thought.
Research finds that infants' early speech production can predict their later literacy skills. Children with more complex babble as infants performed better in letter identification tests at age six.
A new report in the American Journal of Pathology demonstrates a link between prenatal inflammation and postnatal immune status and organ function in preterm pigs. Prenatal exposure to bacterial endotoxin induced acute fetal lung and gut immune responses, followed by systemic inflammation after birth.
For the first time, researchers have shown that young wild sparrows can learn to sing a new tune by listening to experimental vocal tutors. The birds then pass on these new songs to subsequent generations, confirming the ability of wild birds to learn and adapt their songs through exposure to adult birds.
A first-of-its-kind study found that fathers' hormone levels around the birth of their children relate to their parenting down the road. Dads whose cortisol levels were elevated while holding their newborns on the day of birth were more likely to be involved in indirect care and play with their infants in the first months of life.
A new clinical practice guideline emphasizes the importance of early identification and referral to physical therapy for infants with CMT. Early intervention can result in excellent outcomes, including full passive neck rotation and zero surgical interventions.
Researchers, led by Penn State's Steven Schiff, will develop innovative models to predict outbreaks of epidemic disease and provide real-time preventive treatment. Their approach aims to improve patient outcomes by incorporating historical microbiological surveillance data, geographic location, and environmental factors.
Researchers at UC San Diego discovered human milk oligosaccharides in amniotic fluid during pregnancy, which may influence early microbiome development and prevent preterm birth. HMOs' presence in amniotic fluid also suggests potential benefits for prenatal lung and brain development.
Researchers discover that newborns have a unique state of balance in haemostasis, making them more prone to thrombosis and bleeding. The study found significant differences between the haemostasis of adults and infants, particularly in preterm babies.
A new study from North Carolina State University investigated the decomposition of juvenile and infant remains to provide crucial information for criminal cases. The researchers found that the rate of decomposition is similar to adult remains, with smaller remains decomposing faster due to body size.
Researchers found that infants with higher levels of Bifidobacterium had reduced antimicrobial resistance genes and lower frequency of resistant bacteria. This suggests that colonization by the microbe can help guard the infant intestine.
Research suggests that breastfeeding can change gene activity in infants, making them less reactive to stress. The study found that breastfed babies had decreased DNA methylation and cortisol reactivity.
A study published in PLOS Biology found that infants' attention to fearful faces at seven months predicts altruistic behavior at 14 months. The analysis revealed that brain responses in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex measured through functional near-infrared spectroscopy also predicted altruistic behavior.
A new study found that mothers who intended to exclusively breastfeed but used formula had similar health outcomes to those who breastfed exclusively. The findings suggest that a mother's characteristics and access to healthcare information may be more important than breastfeeding itself in determining infant health outcomes.
Researchers at UNC will investigate the epidemiology of Zika virus in pregnancy and its effects on infant neurodevelopment. The team will follow infants exposed to Zika in Nicaragua and test new diagnostic protocols to understand the virus's impact.