Articles tagged with Infants
Research suggests that talking to babies and naming things in their world can help them make connections between what they see and hear. Training with individual-level labels in infancy leads to long lasting learning effects that generalize from the trained images to human faces.
Research shows adding chemotherapy drug carboplatin or blood vessel-targeting drug bevacizumab to standard preoperative chemotherapy increases pathologic complete response rates for women with basal-like triple-negative breast cancer. The drugs also showed benefits in certain gene signatures associated with aggressive disease.
Researchers found that parrots and crows, particularly New Caledonian crows, Goffin cockatoos, Black Palm cockatoos, and Kea, demonstrated complex object-object combinations during play. These species also combined their toys with playground objects at high rates.
A study by Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research found that exposure to volatile organic compounds from new flooring before and after birth can cause breathing problems in early childhood. Renovations during pregnancy significantly increase the risk of wheezing in infants, particularly those with asthma or allergies.
A new study published in the European Respiratory Journal suggests that toddlers who share a bed with their parents are more likely to develop asthma in later childhood. Researchers found an association between bed-sharing at two years old and increased wheezing symptoms in early childhood.
A study published in the American Journal of Perinatology found that severely premature infants (23 weeks gestation) have higher death rates if born male, as multiples or without access to neonatal care. Lower birth weights and lack of steroid exposure before birth also increase disability risk.
New research reveals RSV mortality rates are significantly lower than previously estimated, affecting mostly premature babies and those with preexisting conditions. Most hospitalizations due to RSV can be managed with minimal complications.
Researchers found that on young worlds, the Habitable Zone is located farther away from the star than previously thought. This means that infant planets can be spotted earlier by next-generation telescopes when their star is still young.
A Swedish-US research team analyzed over 1.8 million births to find that maternal overweight and obesity increase infant mortality risk, with grade 2-3 obesity linked to more than doubled infant deaths. The study found modest increased risks for overweight mothers and significant increases for those with severe obesity.
A recent study found that nearly 55 percent of US infants sleep with potentially unsafe bedding, increasing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. The researchers analyzed data from over 20,000 caregivers and reported a decline in safe sleep practices despite awareness campaigns.
Research on Tanzanian chimpanzees reveals that the mothers of sons are 25% more social than those of daughters. They spend more time with other adults and associate with more kin, which helps their young males develop social skills. This finding suggests a potential link between early social exposure and gender-typical behavior in humans.
Babies as young as five months old can recall positive emotional interactions with caregivers, but struggle to remember negative ones. Researchers used eye-tracking tests to measure infant memory, finding that happy voices and emotions significantly improved shape recognition and recall.
A new study from UNC's Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute reveals that disruptions in child care negatively affect children's social development as early as age 4. However, the effects of child care instability are not unduly large, and some types of instability appear to have no negative impact on children.
Researchers at UTHealth will study the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri to prevent and ease NEC in animal models. The study aims to decipher the optimal dose and mechanism of action of the probiotic and its effects on intestinal inflammation.
Researchers presented findings on the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in infants, which showed promise for improving survival rates. Additionally, studies investigated the long-term cardiac risk in survivors of the Fontan operation for congenital heart disease, revealing a significant risk of late myocardial infarction.
New wearable baby monitors are marketed as a solution to reduce parents' fears of SIDS, but no medical evidence supports their effectiveness. Experts call for prominent disclaimers and caution against relying on these devices for health benefits.
A recent study published in JPEN found that premature infants who received sodium supplementation gained weight faster, had lower rates of hyponatremia, and no increased risk of prematurity-related morbidities. The researchers recommend further studies to determine the optimal dose and duration of sodium therapy.
A study led by NYU Langone Medical Center found that a mother's soothing presence can alter gene activity in an infant's brain, reducing pain and promoting emotional development. This research offers new insights into the short-term effects of maternal caregiving on a developing brain.
A new study found a strong link between environmental exposure to peanut protein during infancy and an allergic response to peanuts in children who have eczema early in life. Exposure to peanut in dust doubled the risk of peanut allergy, particularly in children with a history of eczema.
Researchers have found that premature infants are exposed to unsafe levels of di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), a chemical used in many plastic devices. The study suggests that this exposure may contribute to illness and long-term health problems.
New research from the University of Leeds shows that adding vegetable puree to milk during weaning can significantly increase infants' vegetable intake. The study found that babies who consumed milk with added puree ate nearly half as many vegetables as those who only had plain milk.
The discovery of two Ice Age infant remains at the Upward Sun River site in Alaska offers a rare glimpse into the lives of early human societies. The burials, dated to around 11,500 years ago, include grave offerings such as hafted compound weapons and provide insights into funeral practices and social organization.
A large study found that using world region-specific birth-weight curves for immigrant mothers and their babies can predict adverse outcomes more accurately than Canadian curves. This method may help avoid unnecessary interventions and reduce parental stress.
The national preterm birth rate fell to 11.4% in 2013, beating the federal Healthy People 2020 goal seven years ahead of schedule. Despite this progress, the US still ranks among high resource countries with one of the highest preterm birth rates.
A new study reveals breastfeeding mothers experience shame due to exposure, while those who don't breastfeed face judgment and condemnation for perceived failures. The study emphasizes individualized support and addressing cultural constraints associated with infant feeding.
A Florida State University study reveals that parent-led social intervention can improve developmental levels, social communication skills, and autism symptoms in toddlers. The treatment model is affordable, efficient, and accessible to any early intervention system.
Researchers at the University at Buffalo found that infant dietary patterns are influenced by mothers' socioeconomic backgrounds and racial identities. Babies whose diet included more breastfeeding and solid foods adhering to international guidelines were associated with higher household income and mothers with higher education levels.
A new acoustics study suggests that mothers alter their speech patterns to both babies in a twin pair, even if only one infant has hearing loss. Mothers use lower pitch and more variable intonation with the normal-hearing twin compared to the hearing-impaired twin.
A study on newborn mice reveals a previously unknown mechanism involving bone growth and muscle contraction that rapidly realigns fractured arm bones. This finding could lead to alternative approaches for treating fractures in adults, improving treatment outcomes by reducing side effects like muscle atrophy.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that infants at 7 months old can distinguish between fearful and non-fearful eye expressions, indicating an early ability to detect social cues. This suggests that brain processes for automatic eye recognition develop during infancy.
Researchers have found that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) can stimulate soluble sFlt1 production in the placenta, contributing to the development of preeclampsia. Elevated VEGF levels during early pregnancy can cause severe placental damage and embryonic lethality.
A new study found that babies whose mothers used cocaine during pregnancy have increased amounts of hyperphonation in their cries, indicating nervous system damage. The researchers also identified a similar spectral characteristic in rat pups treated with prenatal cocaine exposure, paving the way for translational analyses to detect is...
A study published in Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found a strong link between early-life exposure to peanut protein in household dust and peanut allergy in children genetically predisposed to a skin barrier defect. Exposure to peanut protein was associated with a three-fold increase in risk of school-age peanut allergy.
A genetic analysis of childhood obesity found a strong link between genetic susceptibility and body size, shedding light on the causes of this complex condition. The study identified specific genetic markers associated with increased risk of obesity in children, highlighting the importance of early intervention.
A standardized slow enteral feeding protocol significantly reduces necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and accompanying death in infants with extremely low birth weight. Infants on the slower protocol showed comparable weight gain, head growth, and NICU stay without increased mortality.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that frontline health workers can accurately diagnose bacterial infections in young infants, but access to antibiotics is limited. The study suggests that improving diagnosis and antibiotic access can help reduce neonatal deaths in low- and middle-income countries.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that children raised in institutional settings had reduced cortical thickness and greater ADHD symptoms. The study suggests a mechanism linking institutional rearing to compromised brain development.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is revisiting its policy on toddler screen time as technology advances. Pediatricians Dr. Dimitri Christakis and Dr. Donald Shifrin will debate the topic at the AAP National Conference & Exhibition, with both agreeing that hard rules are challenging to implement.
Researchers found that toddlers use visual and social cues to understand the motivations of people around them, and their impulsive tendencies influence their behavior. The study suggests that early self-control skills are crucial for children's development, with individual variability predicting later school readiness and behavior.
The partnership aims to identify and support sustainable approaches to protect and nurture early brain development, ultimately increasing human capital by transforming impoverished communities. Funding of $2.9 million supports 19 projects in 8 countries, with a focus on improving maternal, newborn, and child health.
The UCLA Children's Discovery and Innovation Institute has named three recipients of the inaugural Harry Winston Fellowships, supporting young pediatric physician-scientists conducting research to prevent, treat, and cure diseases in children. Dr. Kristina Adachi, Dr. Leslie Kimura, and Dr. Edward Talya will receive funding for their p...
The article presents a framework for future development of fetal interventions while minimizing maternal risk. Experts highlight the need to limit the number of fetal surgery centers due to high costs and rare conditions.
An international study found that introducing gluten at different ages has no effect on developing celiac disease, and genetic factors are the primary risk factor. The study's results suggest a blood test for HLA genotype could determine high-risk infants, paving the way for preventive interventions.
A Rutgers researcher trained 4-month-old babies to recognize important sound patterns, accelerating the development of their brain maps. This allowed them to process language more efficiently and accurately at 7 months old.
Researchers are developing a fingerprint-based recognition method to track vaccination schedules for infants and toddlers, increasing immunization coverage in developing countries. Fingerprints can accurately record immunizations, overcoming issues with lost or destroyed paper documents.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine advocate for standardized assessment tools and evidence-based treatment choices for infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome. Nonpharmacologic interventions like breastfeeding may also help decrease NAS symptoms.
A UGA study reveals that socio-economic concerns drive mothers' decisions to bed-share. Salm Ward recommends personalized options and harm-reduction techniques to educate the population about safe sleep.
Researchers found that infants with profound hearing loss who received cochlear implants reached vocalization levels of their hearing peers. This suggests that hearing is a critical aspect of motivation for making early sounds, and that auditory feedback plays a dynamic role in infant behavior.
A prospective, longitudinal study found that single family room NICUs provide optimal levels of maternal involvement, developmental support, and staff involvement, leading to better medical and neurodevelopmental outcomes for preterm infants. Infants cared for in single family rooms had improved weight gain, fewer medical procedures, l...
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found a strong link between cytomegalovirus (CMV) and maternal breast milk in very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants. CMV was detected in 76% of mothers, with 27 out of 28 postnatal infections occurring among infants fed CMV-positive breast milk.
A new study confirms that maternal breast milk is a primary source of postnatal cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in very low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants. The researchers found that CMV-seronegative and leukoreduced blood transfusions effectively prevent transmission, but breastfeeding from CMV-positive mothers poses a significant risk.
Research finds HE4 hormone plays key role in modulating ovarian cancer response to hormones and therapies. The study identified a mechanism by which hormonal therapies like Tamoxifen and Fulvestrant restore sensitivity to chemotherapy in HE4-overexpressing tumors.
Researchers found that toddlers' abilities to accurately guess word meanings increase with age, while social cues become less effective. Children can retain around three new words per day, highlighting the importance of rich word-learning environments.
Researchers discovered a genetic link between changes near the ROBO2 gene and the number of words spoken by children in early stages of language development. The study found significant association between genetic variations and expressive vocabulary in infancy, suggesting a strong role for genetics in early language skills.
A study analyzed the economic and health services of singleton, twin, and higher-order multiple births, finding that twins and HOMs were at higher risk for stillbirth, neonatal death, prematurity, and low birth weight. The average hospital costs for these groups were significantly higher than those for singletons.
A new study found that hearing diverse languages in infancy can make babies more open-minded in their social learning. Infants from diverse neighborhoods were more likely to imitate actions from a non-English speaker than those from less diverse areas.
A new study found that mothers with positive childhood experiences and those who have come to terms with negative ones are more infant-oriented when seeing videos of crying babies. Mothers who responded negatively to crying were more likely to focus on themselves, indicating a need for stress management support.
A new grant-funded program seeks to expand a 5-year-old autism early detection model, which assesses toddlers for ASD around their first birthday. The program's goal is to reduce the mean age of ASD diagnosis in multiple cities across the U.S., with potential benefits for children's brain development.
A six-month infant intervention program eliminates symptoms of autism and developmental delay by 3 years old. Parents played a crucial role in the success of this early treatment.
University of Alberta researchers have developed a new resuscitation method that combines oxygen flow and chest compressions, increasing survival rates for newborn babies. The technique has already helped save the lives of eight infants in a clinical trial.