Blood test may help identify fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
Researchers identified a blood test that predicts infant outcomes and classifies FASD subpopulations. The test uses biomarkers in maternal plasma miRNAs to predict infant health.
Infants
Articles tagged with Infants
Blood test may help identify fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, research shows
Researchers identified a blood test that may predict infant disability caused by prenatal alcohol exposure. The study found that moderate to high levels of alcohol exposure during early pregnancy resulted in differences in circulating microRNAs in maternal blood.
Supplemental, nutrient-enriched donor milk does not improve neurodevelopment in VLBW infants
A study published in JAMA found that VLBW infants who received supplemental, nutrient-enriched donor milk did not exhibit improved neurodevelopment compared to those receiving preterm formula. However, the use of nutrient-fortified donor milk was shown to reduce the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis.
Female chimpanzees employ babysitters to wean young faster
A University of Toronto study found that infant handling and natal attraction had a significant impact on the weaning process in female chimpanzees. Infants who were held and carried more by babysitters nursed less often and drank less milk, becoming nutritionally independent sooner.
New study: Male chimpanzees can be players and good fathers
A new study reveals that male chimpanzees prioritize their offspring over building relationships with females, contradicting the long-held assumption that they are solely focused on mating. The researchers found that males spend time with non-mating female chimpanzees caring for their offspring and exhibit paternal behavior towards them.
Drug shows promise for preventing pre-term birth
Researchers have successfully tested a drug that shows early promise in preventing pre-term birth, which is the major cause of death in children under five years old. The drug, (+)-naloxone, was found to provide complete protection against pre-term birth and lead to normal development in infants.
Despite clinical and cost evidence, barriers remain to feeding mother's own milk in NICU
Despite extensive research supporting mother's own milk as most effective option for low birthweight infants, numerous barriers persist in NICUs. Common issues include ineffective breast pumps, inadequate freezer space, and lack of investment in evidence-based practices to optimize milk volume.
Early planned birth linked to risk of poor child development
A study of 153,000 Australian children found that planned births before optimal time had poorer child development. Children born vaginally at full term had a lower risk of developmental issues compared to those born via planned birth or labor induction.
Study: Graphic pictures on cigarette packs would significantly reduce smoking death rate
Researchers estimate that implementing pictorial warnings on cigarette packs could prevent 652,800 smoking attributable deaths and 46,600 low-birth weight cases by 2065. The study, published online Nov. 3 in the journal Tobacco Control, suggests a direct association between graphic pictures and increased smoking cessation.
Infections during infancy more closely associated with childhood obesity risk
A study of over 260,000 infants found that untreated infections during infancy increased the risk of childhood obesity by 25%. The research suggests that reducing infant infections may be a key strategy for preventing childhood obesity.
What's the best treatment for positional plagiocephaly in infants? CNS publishes new guidelines
The new guidelines provide recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of positional plagiocephaly in infants, emphasizing the importance of physical therapy with helmet therapy. The guidelines are based on a comprehensive review of research and aim to provide a safe and effective approach for managing this common disorder.
AAP announces new safe sleep recommendations to protect against SIDS
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends sharing a bedroom with parents but on separate surfaces, avoiding soft bedding and exposure to smoke, alcohol, and illicit drugs. The updated policy also emphasizes skin-to-skin care and breastfeeding for added protection against SIDS.
Researchers assess impact of exome sequencing on newborns and their families
Early results from the BabySeq Project suggest some utility in genetically sequencing newborn infants and offer new insights into parental attitudes toward the procedure and results. The study identified potentially harmful variants in two healthy infants sequenced without a family history of genetic disease.
Shorter-time between bariatric surgery and childbirth associated with increased risk of complication
A study found that mothers who underwent bariatric surgery less than two years before childbirth had higher risks for prematurity, neonatal intensive care unit admission, and small for gestational age status compared to those with longer intervals. The optimal timing between bariatric surgery and conception is undefined.
Deadly intestinal disease in preemies may be caused by genetic deficiency
Researchers found a link between necrotizing enterocolitis and mitochondrial metabolism, which generates energy for cells. The study suggests a genetic deficiency may trigger the disease, which affects up to 10% of premature infants and is fatal 25-35% of the time.
Lack of health insurance and low socioeconomic status increase mortality in newborns
A nationwide study found that infants from families with no health insurance or low income have a higher risk of death from sepsis. Those with severe illness and low birth weight were at the highest risk, with odds ratios as high as 36.1 and 4.8, respectively.
Infant nose, lung cells possess remarkably similar RNS patterns
Researchers have discovered that infant nose cells possess remarkably similar RNS patterns to those found in the lungs, enabling non-invasive diagnostic methods and potential therapeutics for pediatric lung diseases. This breakthrough could improve diagnosis and treatment of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and other infant lung disea...
Research to evaluate treatment strategies for perinatal brain injury
Researchers at Women & Infants Hospital have received NIH grants to evaluate treatment strategies for perinatal brain injury. The studies aim to prevent or decrease brain damage in infants at risk for cerebral palsy and other developmental disabilities.
'Don't hit your brother' -- moms are strictest on their infants' moral wrongdoing
Research shows that mothers respond strongly to moral faults in their infants, using high-intensity interventions like physical restraint and commands. In contrast, pragmatic and prudential transgressions are met with lower-intensity responses. Infants are more likely to comply with moral commands and less likely to protest verbally.
Even partial steroid treatment can benefit extremely preterm infants, NIH study suggests
A new study by the NIH found that even partial steroid treatment can have significant benefits for extremely premature infants. The research showed that infants exposed to partial treatment in the womb had better outcomes than those not exposed, with lower rates of brain and nervous system impairment.
The importance of loving care within children's institutions
A newly released Pitt study finds that nurturing caregiving in early childhood institutions improves physical, cognitive, and social development. Infants and toddlers with responsive caregivers exhibit fewer aggressive behaviors and externalizing problems after transitioning to family care.
Great apes can 'read minds'
Researchers found great apes can predict false beliefs and actions, similar to human infants, indicating a shared cognitive skill that may be millions of years old. This challenges the notion of human exceptionalism and opens up new avenues for studying animal cognition.
Breast milk protein safely reduces hospital infections in preemies
Researchers found that lactoferrin, a protein in breast milk, reduced hospital-acquired infections by 50% among premature infants. The study also measured the safety of feeding lactoferrin to newborns, with no adverse effects identified.
Touchscreens may boost motor skills in toddlers
UK toddlers show increased fine motor control when using touchscreens from a young age, with actively scrolling screens correlating to improved skill development. The study found no link between touchscreen use and language development or walking abilities.
Study shows infants pay more attention to native speakers
A study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that infants as young as 5 months old give more attention to objects presented by their native speaker. This preference for native language is thought to aid infants' quick acquisition of societal knowledge and cultural adaptation.
Infants use prefrontal cortex in learning
Researchers found that infants as young as 8 months use the same circuits as adults when learning simple hierarchical rules. Their brains are properly adapted to handle essential elements in their world, suggesting a more mature prefrontal cortex than previously thought.
Newborn gut microbiome predicts later allergy and asthma, study finds
A study by researchers at UC San Francisco found that a particular pattern of microbes in newborns' guts triples their risk of developing asthma by age four. The abnormal gut microbiome produces molecules that reduce the abundance of key immune cells, leading to a hyperactive immune system and chronic inflammation.
Study looks at how parents use newborn screening results
A study found that parents want to know if they're carriers of genetic diseases, despite international guidelines against identifying infant carriers through newborn screening. Many parents don't use the information or use it inappropriately, sharing news with extended family members without consent.
How effective is a smartphone app in teaching sexual health to teen girls?
A new smartphone application was found to be an effective tool for teaching comprehensive sexual health to adolescent girls. The study, published in the Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, shows a significant increase in participants' knowledge and practical use of contraception after using the app.
Infant circumcision can be safely performed in rural Africa
A new study shows early infant circumcision can be safely performed by trained nurses with low rates of adverse events. The procedure resulted in high maternal satisfaction and healed wounds within four weeks.
Asthma gene's effect on respiratory symptoms in infancy depends on breastfeeding status
A new study found that breastfeeding can decrease respiratory symptoms in infants with asthma-related genetic profiles by 27%. The study, which included 368 infants from Switzerland, sheds light on how gene-environment interaction can be modified by breastfeeding.
The Lancet: Baby simulator program may make teenage girls more, not less, likely to become pregnant
A randomized controlled trial tested the effectiveness of a teenage pregnancy prevention programme involving an infant simulator and found it did not reduce the risk of pregnancy. In fact, the study showed that teenage girls who took part were more likely to become pregnant compared to those who did not take part.
Studies explore use of genetics to help determine appropriate treatment for fever in children
Two studies explore the use of genetic tests to identify bacterial infections in children with fever. Researchers identified specific host genes that distinguish bacterial from viral infections, and found that these signatures can be used to diagnose bacterial infections. The study has potential for a clinically applicable test using c...
Specialized test detects bacterial infections in youngest infants with fever
A new diagnostic test analyzes ribonucleic acid (RNA) expression in the bloodstream to distinguish bacterial infections from other causes of fever in infants up to 2 months old. The test has shown high sensitivity and specificity, potentially reducing painful exams, unnecessary antibiotic treatments, and hospitalizations.
Fussy infants find food more rewarding, putting them at higher risk for obesity
A University at Buffalo study finds that fussy infants who find food more rewarding are at a higher risk of obesity. The research assessed infant temperament through a questionnaire, measuring cuddliness and food reinforcement.
Infants develop early understanding of social nature of food
A new study found that infants expect people to share food preferences unless they belong to different social groups. However, disgust reactions are expected to transcend social boundaries. This early understanding has important implications for public health policies on obesity.
Maternal language shapes infants' cry melodies
Researchers found that infants whose mothers speak tonal languages exhibit higher melodic variation in their cries, which sounds like chanting. This suggests that babies are learning language patterns from the womb and can mimic them in their early vocalizations.
Babies' spatial reasoning predicts later math skills
A longitudinal study found that infants' spatial reasoning abilities measured as young as six months predict their math skills at four years of age. The researchers also discovered that individual differences in spatial aptitude are present earlier than previously thought, highlighting the potential for early intervention to improve ma...
Steroid treatment in very low birth weight infants may contribute to vision problems
A new study published in the Journal of AAPOS found a modest but significantly increased risk of retinopathy in very premature infants who received steroid treatment. The study analyzed data from 1,472 neonates and found that steroid-treated infants had a higher incidence of ROP than untreated infants.
Going the distance: Babies reach farther with adults around
Research reveals that 8-month-old infants are more likely to reach for distant toys when an adult is present, indicating they understand the social context and plan their actions. The study suggests that babies perceive adults as expanding their ability to act in the world.
'Cultural learners' in the cradle
Researchers found that infants selectively paid attention to native speakers of their language, even when the information was not transmitted through verbal speech. This behavior was replicated with 5-month-old infants and suggests that children use native speakers as a way to efficiently learn relevant cultural knowledge.
Research evaluates 18-month neurobehavioral outcomes in single-family room NICU
A new study published in The Journal of Pediatrics found that maternal involvement is the greatest contributor to long-term neurobehavioral development in preterm infants, with a single-family room NICU allowing for greater and most immediate opportunities for maternal involvement.
LISA best strategy to prevent chronic lung disease in preterm infants
The study compared seven ventilation strategies and found that LISA, a non-invasive ventilation strategy, was the most effective in preventing death and/or chronic lung disease in preterm infants. On average, LISA resulted in 164 fewer preterm babies dying or having long-term breathing problems.
Mom's high-fat diet may have a lasting impact on baby's gut
A study found an association between maternal high-fat diets and changes in infant gut microbiomes, affecting energy extraction and immune development. The researchers discovered that high-fat diets were linked to reduced numbers of Bacteroides microbes, which play a crucial role in breaking down carbohydrates.
Could thiamine-fortified fish sauce help fight infant beriberi in Southeast Asia?
A clinical trial found that thiamine-fortified fish sauce improved erythrocyte thiamine diphosphate concentrations in lactating women and their breastfed infants. The study suggests that fortified fish sauce could be a simple and sustainable vehicle for thiamine fortification throughout Southeast Asia.
Inspired by evolution: A simple treatment for breathing problem among premature infants
Researchers developed a noninvasive device that tricks premature infants' brains into thinking they're running, reducing apnea of prematurity incidents and low oxygen levels. The device uses vibrating disks on the skin to stimulate nerve fibers, promoting increased breathing.
Discovery of infants' airway microbiomes may help predict lung disease
Researchers found that infants' airways are colonized with bacteria or bacterial DNA at birth, which could predict severe lung disease. The 'healthy' pattern of colonization seen in BPD-resistant infants is protective, with increased abundance of Lactobacillus.
Smiling baby monkeys and the roots of laughter
Researchers at Kyoto University observed spontaneous smiles in newborn Japanese macaques, suggesting that this behavior has been present for over 30 million years. These early smiles are believed to be related to the development of cheek muscles, enabling the production of real smiles and laughter.
Handheld device takes high-resolution images of children's retinas
Researchers at Duke University developed a handheld device capable of capturing high-resolution images of infants' and toddlers' retinas. The device overcomes previous limitations in imaging the retina, allowing for detailed structural information about the eyes to be gathered.
Breastfeeding associated with better brain development and neurocognitive outcomes
A new study of 180 pre-term infants found that those who received predominantly breast milk during their NICU hospitalization had larger deep nuclear gray matter volume and better IQs, academic achievements, memory, and motor function. Breast milk intake correlated with improved cognitive outcomes at age 7.
Acute kidney injury identifiable in preterm infants
A study published in Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that preterm infants with acute kidney injury have distinct protein profiles in their urine compared to those with healthy kidneys. This discovery could help physicians diagnose kidney health in newborns and improve treatment outcomes.
Urinary markers may indicate kidney injury in preterm infants
A new study found that preterm infants with acute kidney injury (AKI) have higher levels of certain proteins in their urine compared to healthy infants. This could lead to better diagnostics and treatment for AKI in newborns, which is a common complication in premature infants and can predict poor clinical outcomes.
Maternal HIV status may disrupt normal microbiome development in uninfected infants
A study found that maternal HIV infection influences the microbiome of uninfected infants, leading to a relatively immature and dysbiotic microbiome. This disruption can compromise the infant's immune system development. Researchers propose providing beneficial bacterial and prebiotics to improve long-term outcomes.
Could microbiome disruptions explain HIV-exposed babies' poor health?
HIV-infected mothers' breast milk alters oligosaccharide composition, leading to less diverse and immature gut microbiomes in their uninfected infants. This study suggests preventing microbiome disruptions may improve HIV-exposed babies' health.
Developmental differences in late preterm babies may not emerge until after age 2
Late preterm babies, born between 34 and 36 weeks, were developmentally on track with peers at age two. However, by preschool and kindergarten, they showed less than optimal math and reading scores compared to full-term infants.
Protein in breast milk reduces infection risk in premature infants
Researchers at the University of Missouri discovered that a manufactured form of lactoferrin can help protect premature infants from staph infections. The study found that giving very-low-birth-weight premature infants lactoferrin virtually eliminated germs responsible for staph infection.
Background noise may hinder toddlers' ability to learn words
A new study found that background noise in homes and schools impairs toddlers' word learning skills. However, providing additional language cues can aid young children in overcoming this difficulty. The research suggests that reducing background noise or highlighting important information can help children learn effectively.
New review on optimal first foods for babies reveals gap between research and reality
A recent review paper highlights the importance of choosing nutrient-dense, soft, and neutral-tasting foods for infants, with avocados emerging as a suitable first food solution. The study suggests that caregivers often opt for sweet foods, which can lead to early preferences and nutritional deficiencies.
Infrared imaging technologies offer reduced costs, improved quality of life
Near-infrared spectroscopy technologies offer improved quality of life through portable, sensitive, and non-invasive diagnosis and treatment of diseases. The latest advances enable researchers to investigate complex illnesses and dysfunctions.
Home-cooked meals for infants not always better than shop-bought ones
Research suggests that home-cooked meals designed for infants and young children often exceed energy density and dietary fat recommendations, yet are cheaper than commercially available baby foods. The study found that commercial products met dietary recommendations on energy density more frequently than home-cooked meals.