Research on the health and development of babies. Covers motor development, maternal-infant health, cochlear implants, and infant nutrition.
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.
Researchers have identified microRNA 876-3p as a strong predictive biomarker for bronchopulmonary dysplasia in extremely low birth-weight infants. The biomarker is associated with inflammation and impaired lung development, and its presence can help guide targeted therapies to prevent or lessen BPD.
A phase III clinical trial in Thailand tested TDF therapy against standard preventative measures, finding no significant reduction in infant infection rates. The study suggests that adding TDF may have little effect on mother-to-child transmission rates already at low levels.
A new study from the University of Georgia highlights the need for humanitarian aid groups to be trained in safe infant and young child feeding protocols following natural disasters. Exclusive breast-feeding is recognized as the safest form of infant feeding, but alternative formula feeding can be dangerous due to contamination risks.
Researchers at Nationwide Children's Hospital found clinically significant improvements in ASD symptoms in toddlers who received a daily omega fatty acid supplement. The study suggests that omega fatty acids may help reduce inflammation and improve behaviors in children with ASD symptoms.
Research finds that mothers who continue to co-sleep with their babies past six months are more likely to feel depressed, criticized, and anxious about their baby's sleep. Despite the trend to discourage co-sleeping, experts emphasize the importance of finding a sleep arrangement that works for everyone in the family.
A study found that oxytocin increased brain activity in response to infant and adult faces in mothers, indicating a stronger neural connection. This research explores the role of oxytocin in early parent-infant interaction and its potential benefits for parenting.
A study found that premature birth impacts brain function in infants, particularly in the frontal lobe, which is crucial for cognitive development. The research used EEG signals to measure functional networks in infant brains, revealing selective effects on cognitive functions.
In a series of experiments, researchers found that infants prioritize ingroup support over fairness when resources are limited. The study involved 72 participants aged 18-20 months and 48 participants aged 25-33 months, who observed resource-allocation events involving a puppet distributor and two potential recipients.
A landmark study found that maternal immune system activation during pregnancy can shape brain development in infants, influencing the functioning of the salience network. Elevated inflammatory markers were correlated with changes in brain regions and persisted into toddlerhood.
Researchers at Northwestern University found that infants as young as 3 months old can detect and generalize visual patterns, solving a puzzle about their cognitive abilities. The study demonstrates that infants are capable of learning abstract rules visually, indicating an early origin in infancy.
A new study found that C-section deliveries and changes in gut bacteria increase the risk of childhood obesity. Overweight mothers who gave birth via C-section had children who were three times more likely to be overweight or obese by age three.
A new study has found that safe-sleep recommendations for infants have not reduced sudden deaths in the first month of life. The researchers identified factors that may contribute to the persistent risk of sudden death during the early weeks of life, including suffocation and asphyxiation.
A new study by Weill Cornell Medicine researchers found that levetiracetam is more effective than phenobarbital in treating nonsyndromic epilepsy in U.S. infants, with 40% of treated infants experiencing no further seizures within three months.
A multicenter observational study has revealed that levetiracetam is more effective than phenobarbital in treating infants with nonsyndromic epilepsy. After six months of single-drug treatment, 40% of infants treated with levetiracetam achieved a successful outcome, compared to only 16% of those treated with phenobarbital.
A study published in Fertility and Sterility found that infertility is significantly associated with a shorter gestation and diminished birth size. Infertile women's infants weighed less, were shorter, and had smaller head circumferences compared to non-infertile women.
A new trial shows that family-integrated care in neonatal intensive care units leads to improved weight gain, breastfeeding rates, and reduced parental stress among preterm infants. The program also may have long-term benefits for neurodevelopmental outcomes.
International experts discuss six fetal growth size standards, their strengths and limitations. The INTERGROWTH-21st standard assumes uniform fetal growth rates across ethnic groups, while the customized GROW standard considers maternal and fetal characteristics.
A new study by NYU College of Global Public Health researchers finds that misleading labeling on toddler drinks lacks oversight, leading to confusion among parents. The American Academy of Pediatrics and World Health Organization do not recommend these products, but manufacturers make health claims that are not supported by evidence.
Researchers created human intestinal 'mini-guts' to study the immune response to bacteria at different developmental ages. The study found that premature infants have an exaggerated immune response, contributing to NEC's pathogenesis.
A new supplement in Pediatrics synthesizes research on congenital Zika syndrome, exploring prevention, development profiles, and family support. It highlights the need for accurate information, active surveillance, and formal support services to address the ongoing health impact of Zika virus.
Infants can generalize beyond their native language to recognize that all languages can allow people to communicate. By 12 months, infants understand that non-native languages can transfer information to others, even if they don't understand the words themselves.
A new study suggests that infants who pay little attention to synchronous sights and sounds may be at elevated risk for developing autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The researchers found significant group differences in the infants' gaze patterns, with those with ASD showing no preference for audiovisual synchrony.
Infants born in opioid withdrawal after utero exposure show a significant increase in torticollis and plagiocephaly. These abnormalities can be prevented with early preventive measures, such as occupational and physical therapy.
New research shows that babies' babbling has a significant impact on their language development, with mothers responding more often to speech-like sounds. The study found that infants who babble more effectively learn words and vocabulary earlier in life, highlighting the importance of social feedback in language acquisition.
Researchers found that most babies develop new skills in irregular bursts, while their brain activity grows steadily behind the scenes. This study supports long-standing theories about infant development and provides insight into what's happening beneath the surface.
A study found that prebiotics in infant formula can enhance memory and exploratory behavior in piglets, suggesting a potential link between gut health and brain development. The researchers also discovered changes in volatile fatty acid concentrations and serotonin levels in the brains of pigs fed with prebiotic supplements.
Researchers used brain imaging techniques to study how infants process touch, finding that 7-month-old babies have a basic connection between 'self' and 'other.' This connection allows them to imitate and learn from others, and eventually develop empathy.
A new study found that preterm babies experience delays in auditory brain development, which are associated with speech and language impairments at age 2. The researchers used diffusion neuroimaging to track the development of the primary and nonprimary auditory cortex in the brains of preterm infants.
A brain imaging study found that preterm infants with developmental disturbances in the Heschl's gyrus, a part of the brain involved in speech and language, exhibit reduced expressive language ability. The study suggests that preterm birth may impact language development due to altered auditory cortex maturation.
A new study found that babies' crawling movements kick up high levels of dirt, skin cells, bacteria, pollen, and fungal spores, which can be detrimental to adult health. However, researchers suggest that this exposure may actually stimulate the immune system and reduce the risk of asthma and allergies later in life.
A new study found that both type 2 and type 1 diabetes are associated with complications during pregnancy, including stillbirths, emergency Caesarean sections, and infant mortality. The research also found a significant increase in high birth weight and preterm delivery among babies born to mothers with diabetes.
A study on bonobos reveals they consistently prefer hinderers over helpers, unlike human infants who naturally favor helpers. This finding suggests that the motivation to cooperate may be uniquely human and could have evolved after our species diverged from other apes.
A recent study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that over half of US infants are introduced to complementary foods before six months, while 16.3% are introduced before four months. This deviation from current recommendations may lead to nutrient deficiencies, allergies, and poorer diets later in ...
A new study suggests that consuming sufficient amounts of choline during pregnancy can lead to enduring cognitive benefits in offspring. Half of the women in the study consumed 480mg/day and the other half 930mg/day, with faster information processing speeds seen in those who received more choline.
A new population of ancient Native Americans has been identified through genetic analysis of a 6-week-old infant found in an Interior Alaska archaeological site. The Ancient Beringians are believed to have split from East Asians around 35,000 years ago and lived in the Far North for thousands of years.
A large-scale international randomized trial showed that weaning to an extensively hydrolyzed casein formula during infancy did not reduce the incidence of type 1 diabetes. The study, TRIGR Study, followed infants for at least 10 years and found no evidence to revise current dietary recommendations.
A study of NYC hospitals found that black and Hispanic preterm infants are more likely to be born at hospitals with higher morbidity-mortality rates, contributing to racial disparities in neonatal deaths and severe complications. These differences explained 39.9% of the black-white disparity and 29.5% of the Hispanic-white disparity in...
A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital investigators found that taking topiramate in early pregnancy increases the risk of oral clefts, particularly at high doses. The risk is approximately three times higher for women who took topiramate compared to those who did not take anti-epileptic medications.
A study found that preterm infants have significantly lower nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal volumes compared to full-term peers. This suggests that the risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may be confined to the upper airway.