Articles tagged with Infants
A study of young bonobos in captivity reveals that immature females prepare for motherhood by helping mothers care for infants and forge alliances with them. This behavior is linked to increased oxytocin production, associated with complex social behaviors and maternal activities.
Scientists discovered genetic causes of a group of related infant cancers that are targetable by existing drugs used to treat lung cancer and melanoma. Researchers identified mutations in the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) and BRAF genes, which can be treated with afatinib and other targeted agents.
Male lemurs' hormone levels increase with child care behaviors, suggesting that elevated androgens may facilitate rather than inhibit infant care. This challenges the long-held assumption that high androgen levels impede paternal bonding.
Researchers found that a specific composition of human oligosaccharides in breast milk was associated with lower rates of food sensitization in one-year-old infants. The study's findings highlight the potential health benefits of human milk oligosaccharides and underscore their role in preventing future allergic disease.
A new study reveals that American toddlers aged 19-23 months consume an average of over 7 teaspoons of added sugar per day, with 60% consuming it before their first birthday. This excessive sugar intake is linked to various health risks and may influence food preferences later in life.
A recent study found that supplementing breastfed infants with Bifidobacterium infantis bacteria significantly improves gut microbiome health and prevents immune-related diseases like asthma and allergy. The beneficial effects of the supplement lasted for up to a year in primarily breastfed babies.
A recent study found that infants with diabetes can maintain excellent blood glucose control for up to ten years using sulfonylurea tablets, offering a promising alternative to insulin injections. The treatment has been shown to be safe and effective in children worldwide.
Infected mice developed seizures, motor function impairment, and memory issues as adults, with reduced muscle strength and increased inflammation. Targeting TNF-α inhibition may alleviate some long-term consequences of neonatal Zika infection.
A new study found that playing a recording of a mother reading stories can improve sleep in preterm newborns in the neonatal intensive care unit. The research involved 20 near-term and 27 premature infants born between 33-34 weeks, with results showing reduced likelihood of wakefulness during peak noise levels.
A recent study has revealed significant microbiome differences between infants born in rural and urban areas of Nigeria, which begin as early as infancy. The researchers found that rural infants had more diverse microbiomes and higher levels of beneficial bacterial species than their urban counterparts.
A quality improvement initiative at Boston Medical Center used non-pharmacologic approaches to care for infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome, resulting in decreased medication use, length of stay, and health care costs. The new approach included skin-to-skin contact, breastfeeding, and parental presence, leading to significant imp...
Scientists have discovered how brain regions activate during memory recall in two-year-olds using functional MRI. The hippocampus plays a key role in forming and recalling memories, especially episodic memory, which involves remembering events and contexts.
A study of 22 toddlers found that hippocampal activation was higher when they heard a previously learned song, regardless of playback direction. Correctly remembered locations associated with the song also showed stronger hippocampal responses.
A major international study has found that 1.5% of infants and 3.1% of children who were hospitalized for ischemic stroke died, with an overall mortality rate of 2.6%. Risk factors for dying included congenital heart disease, severe stroke type, and Hispanic ethnicity.
A new Portland State University study found that infant mortality rates are higher in counties with greater proportions of conservative Protestants, especially fundamentalists. The research suggests that the insular culture of fundamentalists can lead to poorer health outcomes.
Two studies investigate vitamin D supplementation's impact on infant development, with no significant difference found in bone strength or infection incidence at age 24 months. A systematic review and meta-analysis also explores the effects of prenatal vitamin D on several infant outcomes.
A recent study found that most premature infants continue to receive early antibiotics in the first few days of life, highlighting a need for improved neonatal antibiotic stewardship. The majority of very low-birth-weight infants received empirical antibiotic therapy, despite potential risks associated with its use.
Researchers found that more frequent MRSA surveillance in newborns can significantly reduce infections, with weekly checks lowering colonization rates by 80% and hospital stays by 61 hours. However, the study suggests that daily surveillance may be too costly and could disrupt care practices, highlighting the need for balanced infectio...
Research suggests that younger toddlers benefit more from interactive digital media than traditional TV and videos. Interactive features help children connect screen experiences to real-world interactions. However, not all types of interactivity are beneficial, and individual differences play a significant role in learning outcomes.
A randomized clinical trial found that sustained vitamin D supplementation reduced the likelihood of recurrent wheezing in preterm black infants by 12 months' adjusted age. The study involved 300 black infants born between 28-36 weeks and compared two vitamin D supplementation strategies.
African American preterm infants experienced a significant decrease in recurrent wheezing with sustained vitamin D supplementation, according to a new study published in JAMA. The daily dose of vitamin D through six months of age decreased recurrent wheezing by more than 10%.
A new study published in PNAS reveals that a protein called hamartin plays a central role in shutting down the nephron formation process in preterm infants. By reducing hamartin levels, researchers found that preterm babies could develop 25% more nephrons than control groups.
A new study has found a significant association between increased prenatal CO exposure and decreased lung function in infants. Infants whose mothers were exposed to CO during the second and third trimesters were at highest risk for reduced lung function.
A new study by CU School of Medicine researchers found that dairy-based protein intake promoted greater weight gain while meat-based protein intake resulted in increased length gain. The study tested 64 formula-fed infants and found significant differences in growth patterns between the two groups.
Researchers found prenatal marijuana use can affect infant size, weight, and behavior problems, particularly when combined with tobacco use. Infants exposed to both substances showed smaller growth, earlier birth, and increased irritability in later infancy.
A new study by Vanderbilt researchers found that infants treated with medication as outpatients had a shorter hospital stay but longer treatment duration compared to inpatients. This highlights the need for a coordinated approach to treatment plans throughout pregnancy and childhood.
New research reveals that infants have a strong preference for vocal sounds from their peers, even before they can babble. This discovery sheds light on how infants develop their understanding of spoken language, suggesting that access to infant speech plays a significant role in shaping their speech development.
Women experiencing vaginal bleeding for more than one day during the first trimester may have smaller babies. Infants born to these women are at twice the risk of being small for gestational age.
Targeted probiotic supplementation in breastfed infants reduces antibiotic resistance genes by 87.5%, including genes associated with respiratory, intestinal, urinary infections, chlamydia, and acne.
Infants who develop autism react more strongly to sudden changes in light at 9-10 months old, according to a new study. The findings support the role of sensory processing in autism development and provide insights into early detection.
Researchers found that attempted VBAC is linked to higher relative rates of severe adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes compared to elective repeat cesarean delivery. This is particularly concerning for women with a history of single previous cesarean section, where predicting successful VBAC can be challenging.
A recent study found that late preterm infants (LPTs) are at a higher risk of morbidities and hospital stays due to their physiological immaturity. The research investigated the role of indications of delivery in determining common neonatal morbidities, with results showing that LPTs experience different outcomes despite experiencing s...
Research suggests that the volume of carbohydrates, proteins, and calories consumed by very low birthweight preemies significantly contributes to increased brain volume and white matter development. However, specific nutritional approaches to support these infants' developing brains require further investigation.
A recent study found that mothers of infants born with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) have a higher prevalence of mental health diagnoses in the first two months postpartum. Mothers with a history of substance use disorders are more likely to experience co-occurring psychiatric and mood disorders.
A recent study found that hepatitis C cases among infants are increasing due to the opioid epidemic, with a significant proportion remaining undiagnosed. The study suggests that improved screening and testing protocols are needed to address this growing public health concern.
A machine learning algorithm diagnosed retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) with comparable or better accuracy than human experts, based on 5,511 images. The study aimed to improve diagnosis, which is currently highly subjective and variable.
Researchers developed algorithms to analyze EEG signals from infants at high risk for autism, accurately predicting ASD with over 95% accuracy by 9 months. Early detection may lead to better outcomes and prevention of behaviors associated with ASD.
A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that introducing pureed pork as a complementary food to formula-fed infants can support early growth and development. The research suggests that meat-based diets may be beneficial for linear growth, with no increased risk of overweight at 12 months of age.
A new study from UCSF reveals the fetal immune system can trigger preterm labor when it mistakenly identifies the mother's cells as foreign. The researchers found activated immune cells in the cord blood of preterm infants and higher levels of inflammatory chemicals, leading to uterine contractions.
A new $1.9 million grant will help researchers discover ways to prevent Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) in premature infants, a deadly disease affecting thousands annually. The study aims to create the first predictive test for NEC using fecal bile acid levels and intestinal microbiome analysis.
Researchers will use naturalistic approach with video vignettes and head-mounted cameras to measure infant eye direction and analyze their visual attention. The study aims to understand how young learners generate data for optimal language learning.
Research reveals that HIV-1 viruses transmitted from mother to child during delivery are more resistant to maternal antibodies than non-transmitted variants. A new vaccine aims to boost maternal antibody attack, reducing transmission risk during delivery.
A new study reveals that only 52 out of 548 infant and toddler foods sold in the US contain single-vegetable products, with dark green vegetables being largely absent. This lack of variety may contribute to low vegetable consumption rates among children.
A study examining prenatal SSRI exposure and its effects on fetal brain development found associations between selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor use and increased gray matter volume in the amygdala and insular cortex. The study also linked prenatal SSRI exposure to enhanced white matter structural connectivity between these regions.
A Northwestern University study links infant skin exposure and genetics to food allergy development, providing potential ways to intervene early. Limiting use of infant wipes with soap and washing hands before handling babies may help avoid developing food allergy.
Researchers at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg have identified a new molecular cause of aggressive infant leukemia in children. The study found that changes in genes in white blood cells disrupt cell growth control, leading to the production of abnormal proteins that facilitate leukaemia.
Researchers found that three-month-old infants can learn same and different relations in just six trials, with better performance when presented with fewer examples but more comparison opportunities. This finding suggests that humans' talent for relational learning is present from infancy and may even be a precursor to language learning.
A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that rear-facing car seats are effective in reducing injuries and fatalities in rear-impact collisions. The study's findings align with crash data, highlighting the importance of following recommended guidelines for car seat selection based on child height, weight, and age.
A study of over 10,000 infant deaths found that many were caused by unsafe sleep positions or environments. Licensed childcare providers were more likely to follow safe sleep guidelines than babysitters, relatives, and friends. The researchers urge parents to educate anyone caring for their children on safe sleep practices.
A recent study concludes that natural population turnover, incomplete vaccination coverage, and waning protection from a highly effective yet imperfect vaccine explain the resurgence of whooping cough in the US. The disease's high contagiousness and potential for fatal complications make it essential to understand its causes.
Scientists have discovered higher levels of humanin in placentas of women who gave birth to underweight infants. This protein may play a role in protecting the fetus during placental failure. The study highlights the importance of understanding the causes of low birthweight and its potential impact on adult health.
A new study found a staggering 433% increase in U.S. infants diagnosed with opioid withdrawal symptoms between 2004 and 2014. Medicaid-covered infants showed even more severe symptoms, resulting in $462 million in healthcare costs and approximately $2 billion in excess Medicaid costs over 10 years.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham are developing a new neonatal transport system to reduce vibration and stress on premature babies. The system aims to improve neurological outcomes and long-term quality of life for these vulnerable infants.
A state-by-state analysis found that sudden unexpected death of infants (SUDI) is the most common cause of full-term infant mortality in the US. The study suggests that interventions to reduce SUDI risk could lead to a major reduction in infant mortality.
A Canadian study found that mothers living in households with food insecurity are less likely to breastfeed their infants exclusively for six months. The research, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, highlights the negative impact of food insecurity on breastfeeding duration.
High-birthweight infants who were exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life had a significantly lower risk of becoming overweight or obese by age 6. This protective effect was observed in a large retrospective cohort study of over 38,000 Korean children.
A study shows preverbal infants can make logical deductions by conducting process of elimination, as seen in toddlers. Infants stare longer at unexpected outcomes and their pupils dilate when watching movies requiring rational thinking.
Infants fed soy-based formula had differences in reproductive-system cells and tissues, including subtle estrogen-like responses, compared to those on cow-milk formula or breastfed. Further investigation is needed to understand the long-term effects of exposure to estrogen-like compounds.
A study published in Animal Behaviour examined the acoustic behavior of North Atlantic right whales, finding that their calls change as individuals age. Similar to human infants, younger whale calls are shorter and less structured, but develop into clearer sounds with better defined structure as they mature.
Researchers have developed a new method to precisely map brain folds in premature infants, which could lead to early detection of developmental disorders. The technique uses 3-D imaging and computer algorithms to identify subtle patterns of growth and folding, providing a unique fingerprint for each infant's brain development.