Research on the health and development of babies. Covers motor development, maternal-infant health, cochlear implants, and infant nutrition.
A new NIH-funded study aims to develop evidence-based treatments for neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, a condition affecting newborns exposed to opioids during pregnancy. The Advancing Clinical Trials in Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (ACT NOW) project will evaluate treatment options and develop research protocols.
Researchers found that formula-fed or cesarean-delivered infants had altered bacterial colonization trajectories compared to vaginally-born and breastfed babies. This could have implications for their future health, particularly in the development of food allergies.
Infants who observe adults pushing through failure are more likely to try again, a study found. Babies as young as 15 months old absorb abstract concepts about behavior by watching tenacious grown-ups.
A new study by the University of Utah and CDC estimates that employer-sponsored health plans spent $6 billion on premature infants in 2013. Infants born prematurely are at increased risk for developing lifelong physical, cognitive, and social challenges, with birth defects accounting for a substantial portion of expenses.
Research reveals that breast milk components vary with mother's circadian rhythm, potentially impacting infant health. The study suggests that this variation can produce circadian stimuli improving the well-being of breastfed infants.
Researchers found an association between infant mortality rates and the differences in costs between higher and lower priced cigarettes in 23 EU countries from 2004 to 2014. Increasing cigarette prices reduced infant mortality, with a one Euro increase per pack associated with fewer deaths per 1,000 live births.
A new study found that hospitals caring for high fractions of black infants are more likely to miss critical nursing care, which can affect survival and development. This missed care often involves teaching and counseling parents, as well as preparation for discharge, highlighting the need for supportive care environments with adequate...
A new study found that overall child passenger safety education programs are successful, with improved placement of infants and toddlers in car seats. The research reviewed trends in child safety practices from 2009-2015 and identified areas for improvement, such as increasing top tether use and booster seat use.
A study by Children's National Hospital found that nearly half of parents whose children were in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) experienced postpartum depressive symptoms, anxiety, and stress after discharge. Parents who were the most anxious also reported the highest levels of depression.
Researchers analyzed data from 222 babies with NAS and 490 without, finding that 100% of mothers of infants with NAS tested positive for substance use. However, 26.7% of control group mothers also used substances, highlighting the need for better access to addiction treatment for pregnant women.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide have confirmed that abnormalities in serotonin, a key neurotransmitter, are linked to SIDS deaths. The study found that altered serotonin expression in the brainstem is associated with some SIDS cases.
Two new studies published in the Journal of AAPOS found that all 70 infants with suspected and confirmed CZS had visual impairment, regardless of ocular abnormalities. Cortical visual impairment may be the most common cause of blindness among children with CZS.
Researchers have developed a new testing regime to diagnose severe combined immune deficiency (SCID) syndrome faster, enabling more infants to receive life-saving treatment within a critical timeframe. The regime uses a checklist of potential SCID markers, including family history, candidiasis, and low absolute lymphocyte counts.
A new study from Columbia University Irving Medical Center identified a potential biomarker that predicts atypical development in 1- to 2-month-old infants at high familial risk for developing autism spectrum disorders. Infants at high risk have elevated 'noise' and increased randomness in their spontaneous head movements during sleep.
A smartphone application developed by Osaka University aims to address Japan's sleep deprivation issues in infants. The 'NEN-NE Navi' app connects caregivers with pediatric experts, providing personalized advice to improve infants' sleep habits and reduce parenting stress.
Scientists identified network inefficiencies in six-month-old infants who later developed autism, with these abnormalities linked to severity of symptoms at 24 months. This study brings us closer to understanding the pathology of autism and developing effective interventions.
A Stanford University School of Medicine study found that infants' racial and ethnic identities influence the quality of medical care they receive in California's neonatal intensive care units. White infants generally received better care than those from vulnerable populations at some hospitals, while others received worse care.
A Michigan State University doctor and professor teamed up to document high rates of Group B Streptococcus colonization in Nigeria. They identified new risk factors, allowing for effective treatment and significantly reducing infant mortality rates.
Exposure to a complex environment with new sights, sounds, and experiences can strengthen infants' developing brains, helping maintain a smooth neural network. Environmental enrichment also plays a crucial role in strengthening motor and cognitive function in both children and adults.
A study found that mothers who respond with less physiological regulation and more emotional neutrality when their infants are distressed are more likely to have insecurely attached babies. This suggests that a muted maternal response can lead to increased infant distress.
Researchers found that certain gut bacteria, such as Bacteroides and Clostridium, can predict brain metabolites like serotonin and myo-inositol, which are altered in individuals with autism. The study suggests a potential mechanism by which the gut microbiome communicates with the brain through cortisol.
A Yale University study finds that caregiver attitudes and subjective norms significantly influence the use of safe sleep positions for infants. Only 44% of mothers practice the recommended back-to-birth position consistently, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
The study estimates that 23.3 million infants were born small for gestational age in 2012, with 606,500 newborn deaths attributed to this condition. Implementing proven interventions, such as continuous skin-to-skin contact and breast feeding support, can prevent approximately 250,000 newborn deaths annually
Researchers have successfully used an artificial womb to incubate healthy baby lambs for a week, paving the way for potential treatment of extremely premature infants. The technology, known as ex-vivo uterine environment (EVE) therapy, aims to improve lung development and reduce ventilation-derived injury.
A recent study found improved survival rates among premature babies, with increased rates of survival without neuromotor and sensory disabilities at 2 years of age. However, a significant risk of developmental delay remains for children born between 24-34 weeks' gestation, with language development delays being the most common concern.
Research reveals distinct molecular patterns in premature infants' cerebellum, indicating a cellular response to interrupted development. The findings may offer insights into long-term complications of pre-term birth and potential interventions to improve outcomes.
Dr. Dasgupta is recognized for his work improving public health globally, including a new method for measuring blood in dry blood spot analysis and an implantable shunt flow monitoring system for hydrocephalus patients. He has also made significant contributions to environmental and astrochemical research.
A new approach to assess renal function in term newborns with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy identifies early stages of AKI. Approximately 69% of infants did not develop kidney failure, while 19% showed a slower serum creatinine decline rate matching those with established AKI.
A newly discovered infant ape skull from 13 million years ago provides insights into the evolution of human ancestors. The fossil, nicknamed Alesi, reveals a brain cavity, inner ears, and unerupted teeth that indicate it belonged to a new species, Nyanzapithecus alesi.
Scientists found that babies associate words with content between 6-8 months old during a midday nap, while awake they can't connect new objects to the corresponding name. This early word learning ability suggests that children hold real word meanings in their long-term memory much earlier than previously assumed.
Researchers found that bilingual infants can differentiate between words in different languages, even at a young age. The study suggests that bilinguals have an efficient processing strategy to prioritize the currently heard language when switching between languages.
A new mobile program significantly improved adherence to recommended safe sleep habits for infants, including back sleeping and room-sharing without bed-sharing. The program's rates were higher than those achieved by interventions tested in previous research.
A new study suggests that electrical grounding can moderate preterm infants' electromagnetic exposure in the NICU, improving their health outcomes. Vagal tone, measured by heart rate variability, increased by 67% after grounding, indicating improved autonomic nervous system function.
Researchers will analyze adaptive immune responses of infants with different HIV exposure in utero, comparing those exposed to low and high levels of HIV infection. The goal is to understand the mechanism of increased susceptibility to infections and develop strategies for improving infant health.
Babies born to kidnapped brides in Kyrgyzstan have lower birthweights due to maternal stress, according to a new study. Infants born to kidnapped brides weighed 80-190 grams less than those born in arranged marriages.
A study found that infants with inhibited temperaments are more likely to be hesitant when trying new foods, while those with exuberant temperaments tend to accept new foods. Researchers observed infant reactions to new toys and food throughout the first 18 months, finding a consistent relationship between temperament and eating behavior.
A study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that infants with positional plagiocephaly who receive helmet therapy at a younger age have higher treatment success rates. The study analyzed the effects of age and severity on the duration and effectiveness of helmet therapy.
Researchers at the University of Washington found that toddlers as young as 17 months old can recognize dominant individuals and anticipate them receiving more rewards. The study used puppets to test toddlers' reactions to different social scenarios, revealing their expectation that dominant individuals receive more resources.
A new study suggests that infants are able to recognize patterns of behavior and make judgments about people's preferences as early as 8 months old. The research found that babies look for consistent patterns of behavior and adjust their expectations when they encounter inconsistent choices.
Research finds that breast-specific sensuality is better with lumpectomy, correlating with improved sexual function post-operatively. Women with breast cancer report decreased sensuality regardless of surgical modality, but lumpectomy has the best reported outcomes.
A mobile health intervention improved adherence to safe sleep practices among mothers of healthy term newborns, with higher rates of supine positioning and no soft-bedding use. The study found that 79% of mothers in the intervention group had placed their infants supine, compared to 80% in the control group.
A new study suggests that maternal postpartum depression is associated with difficult infant temperaments when maternal sensitivity is low, but not when it is high. Family functioning also plays a critical role in shaping an infant's behavioral style.
A review of studies suggests infants with autism siblings have less advanced linguistic and motor skills, detectable from 12 months. Differences in language skills were larger than those in motor skills until they were 3 years old.
Researchers found that babies as young as 7 months can learn a second language with just one hour of play-based exposure per day. The study used an English-language method and curriculum in Madrid's public infant-education centers, showing significant improvements in English comprehension and production.
A study found that 21.4% of infants born to mothers with confirmed Zika virus infection had sight-threatening eye abnormalities, including optic nerve and retinal issues. Screening eye exams are recommended regardless of CNS abnormalities or timing of maternal infection during pregnancy.
A new study has identified a tool to detect signs of autism in high-risk infants with TSC, a genetic disorder. The Autism Observation Scale for Infants (AOSI) was found to be a useful clinical tool in determining which infants are at increased risk of developing ASD.
A study by UC Davis researchers found that mountain gorillas harbor a strain of lymphocryptovirus 1, similar to the Epstein-Barr virus in humans. The virus is widespread among infant gorillas, infecting 52% of those studied, with no symptoms reported in live gorillas.
Researchers propose a potential connection between carnitine deficiency and mild forms of autism, which disproportionately affect males. They suggest that supplementing infants with carnitine could prevent up to 10-20% of cases of autism.
Researchers found that by one year old, infants prefer speakers of their native tongue but not unfamiliar languages. Infants also form positive biases toward prosocial behavior from familiar language speakers, suggesting an innate preference for similar groups.
A new study shows that preschool children learn fewer words from storybooks with double-page illustrations compared to single-spread books. The effect can be reversed if the reader gestures to the correct page while reading.
Researchers found that infants born with high birthweight were at risk of obesity from an early age, highlighting the importance of early attention and lifestyle changes. The study suggests that pediatricians may counsel parents of high birthweight babies to prevent weight gain and related health problems.
A recent study by University of Kent researchers has found that premature babies have longer telomeres than their term-born counterparts, contradicting the expectation. This finding suggests other factors may influence telomere length in premature infants and raises the possibility that prematurity affects aging rate.
A new study documents preeclampsia's alarming rise, with the condition costing $2.18 billion in healthcare expenditure in the first 12 months after birth. Mothers and infants affected by preeclampsia face increased risks of adverse health events, including cardiovascular disease and respiratory distress syndrome.
A randomized clinical trial investigated whether allowing infants to self-feed solid foods reduces the risk of overweight. The study found that a baby-led approach did not improve energy self-regulation or body weight but showed benefits in attitudes towards food.
Breastfeeding peer support services vary across UK regions, with only 56% of NHS areas offering them. Mothers from poorer areas often face challenges in accessing these services, exacerbating existing health inequalities.
A new study found that distractions occurred in almost half of feedings, with technology-based distractions being the most common. Mothers enrolled in WIC reported better feeding interactions, but frequent engagement in distractions was predicted by having more children or certain infant characteristics.
A Georgia State University study found that early-life inflammatory pain increases sucrose intake and decreases memory-related protein expression in adult rats, with female rats showing more pronounced effects. The study suggests that preventing pain in premature infants may reduce the risk of obesity.
A study funded by NIH found that 31% of SIDS infants had elevated serotonin levels in their blood, suggesting an underlying vulnerability to the condition. Researchers propose testing blood samples for serotonin to distinguish SIDS cases from other infant deaths, but caution that more research is needed.
The infant mortality rate for black infants decreased from 14.3 to 11.6 per 1,000 births from 2005 to 2012, then plateaued before increasing again from 2014 to 2015. In contrast, white infant mortality rates declined steadily over the same period. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions, particularly reducing preterm b...
A study published in PNAS found that early environmental exposures predict DNA methylation of inflammatory genes, leading to increased inflammation and disease risk in adulthood. Nutritional, microbial, and psychosocial factors in infancy are associated with epigenetic changes that shape inflammation and health.