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Infant gut microbiota links gestation duration, delivery method, healthy weight gain

A study reveals that infants with a mature gut bacteria profile at an early age tend to have normal levels of body fat by 18 months, while those with less mature profiles are more likely to have lower body fat. The research found that gestational duration and delivery method influenced the rate of bacterial colonization in the infant gut.

SourceBiomedical Sciences Institutes (BMSI)·JournalmBio·DateFeb 3, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Birth method, gestation duration may alter infants' gut microbiota

Researchers found that vaginally delivered infants with longer gestations tended to develop more mature gut microbiota faster, while those born via Caesarean section took longer to acquire a healthy gut microbiota, leading to differences in body fat at 18 months.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateFeb 3, 2015

Babies can follow complex social situations

Infants as young as 13 months old can comprehend complex social scenarios, taking into account who knows what about whom. They are able to make inferences about others' behavior based on the information they have learned, indicating that they are developing essential skills for assessing social situations and making relevant judgments.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 2, 2015

Survival of very premature infants is improving in France

The EPIPAGE 2 study found a significant improvement in the survival of premature infants in France, with survival rates increasing by 14% for infants born between 25-29 weeks. However, results for extremely premature infants show little progress, highlighting the need for better care and monitoring.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJan 29, 2015

Infants create new knowledge while sleeping

Research found that infant brain activity changes during sleep, forming categories and transferring learned names to similar objects. Infants who slept showed better categorization skills than those who stayed awake, suggesting a significant impact of sleep on memory consolidation.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 29, 2015

Dutch babies trump US peers in laughing, smiling, cuddling

A new study found that Dutch babies laugh, smile, and cuddle more than their US counterparts. US infants were typically more active and vocal, while Dutch babies demonstrated greater expressions of happiness during routine activities and were easier to calm when upset.

SourceWashington State University·JournalEuropean Journal of Developmental Psychology·DateJan 28, 2015
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Study shows salivary biomarkers predict oral feeding readiness in preterm newborns

A study published in the Journal of Pediatrics identified salivary biomarkers that can accurately predict oral feeding readiness in preterm newborns. The researchers found that a combination of gene amplification techniques and advanced computational analysis tools can identify specific genes associated with oral feeding success.

SourceTufts Medical Center·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateJan 27, 2015

Infant failure to thrive linked to lysosome dysfunction

A recent study published in PLOS Genetics reveals that lysosomal dysfunction may be the underlying cause of infant failure to thrive. This condition occurs when infants are unable to absorb essential nutrients, leading to delayed growth and weight gain issues.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJan 27, 2015

In infants, pain from vaccinations shows up in brain activity

A new study found that infants show specific brain activity patterns when receiving vaccinations, which may help develop improved vaccination techniques and pain-relieving treatments. The researchers used EEG measurements to identify these patterns, which appeared earlier in younger infants and were more consistent in older children.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPain·DateJan 26, 2015

Mothers don't speak so clearly to their babies

New research published in Psychological Science suggests that mothers may speak less clearly to their infants than they do to adults. The study found that mothers tend to use cutesy words and a sing-song voice when talking to babies, but still pronounce sounds slightly less distinctly than when addressing adults.

SourceRIKEN·JournalPsychological Science·DateJan 23, 2015
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Study finds infants can learn to communicate from videos

Babies as young as 15 months can learn communicative skills from commercial videos, recognizing and producing signs with similar accuracy to parents' instructions. The study contradicts previous research on limited learning potential in this age group.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalChild Development·DateJan 22, 2015
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

The Lancet Psychiatry: Video-based therapy might benefit babies at risk of autism

New research published in The Lancet Psychiatry suggests that video-based therapy can modify the emergence of autism-related behaviors and symptoms in infants at risk of autism. The therapy showed improvements in infant engagement, attention, and social behavior, with a moderate effect on reducing some children's risk of autism.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateJan 21, 2015

Paradox revealed: Cues associated with infant abuse may help reduce stress in adult brain

Researchers discovered that trauma-related cues from infancy can lower depressive-like behavior in adults, contrary to previous expectations. The study found that these cues altered the brain's serotonin levels, leading to mood uplift and alleviating depression in grown rats.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 14, 2015
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Napping helps infants' memory development

A new study from the University of Sheffield found that daytime naps of 30 minutes or more help infants retain and remember new behaviors. Infants who did not nap showed no evidence of remembering the new information and behavior.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 13, 2015

Sleeping after learning is important for infants' long-term memory

Infants who slept for at least half an hour within four hours of learning reproduced significantly more actions than those who did not sleep. Timely sleep facilitates declarative memory consolidation in infants, according to a study by Ruhr-University Bochum researchers.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 13, 2015

CU Denver study shows direct link between ethnic discrimination and health

A CU Denver study reveals that experiencing racial discrimination during pregnancy can significantly impact a woman's physical health and pass these effects on to her infant. The research found an association between maternal ethnic discrimination and increased levels of stress hormones in pregnant women and their infants.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateJan 8, 2015
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Human speech's surprising influence on young infants

Researchers find that listening to human speech promotes infants' cognitive, social psychological capacities and has positive developmental consequences. Infants as young as 2-3 months old benefit from tuning in to speech, leading to better understanding of patterns, recognizing partners, and establishing coherent categories.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·DateJan 5, 2015

Current Biology reviews the biology of fun

The journal presents studies on playfulness in dogs, dolphins, frogs, and octopuses, as well as its connection to humor, social bonding, and creativity. Researchers investigate how experiences in infancy shape a person's sense of humor and how playfulness affects adaptability and social success.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 5, 2015

Helping parents understand infant sleep patterns

Researchers highlight four areas of concern for parents and practitioners: normal sleep patterns, nightwakings, parental presence at bedtime, and safe sleep training. The study aims to educate nurse practitioners on sharing current knowledge with parents to promote healthy nighttime care choices.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners·DateDec 19, 2014
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Show us how you play and it may tell us who you are

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.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalJournal of Comparative Psychology·DateDec 15, 2014

New floor covering can lead to breathing problems in babies

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.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalEnvironment International·DateDec 15, 2014

Higher rate of asthma seen in toddlers who share a bed with their parents

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.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateDec 10, 2014
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Certain factors influence survival and prognosis for premature infants

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.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Perinatology·DateDec 9, 2014

Finding infant earths and potential life just got easier

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.

SourceCornell University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateDec 4, 2014
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Overweight and obesity in pregnancy linked to greater risk of infant death

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.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 2, 2014

Nearly 55 percent of US infants sleep with potentially unsafe bedding

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.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateDec 1, 2014

Boy moms more social in chimpanzees

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.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 24, 2014
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Babies remember nothing but a good time, study says

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.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalInfant Behavior and Development·DateNov 24, 2014

Unstable child care can affect children by age 4

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.

SourceFrank Porter Graham Child Development Institute·JournalEarly Childhood Research Quarterly·DateNov 20, 2014
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Premature infants benefit from early sodium supplementation according to new research

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.

SourceAmerican Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (A.S.P.E.N.)·JournalJournal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition·DateNov 18, 2014
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Puree helps kids make smooth transition to vegetables

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.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalAppetite·DateNov 12, 2014
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Archaeologists discover remains of Ice Age infants in Alaska

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.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 10, 2014

World birth-weight curves better to assess risk in newborns of immigrants

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.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateNov 10, 2014

Breastfeeding: Shame if you do, shame if you don't

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.

SourceWiley·JournalMaternal and Child Nutrition·DateNov 4, 2014
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

What do American babies eat? A lot depends on Mom's socioeconomic background

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.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateOct 30, 2014
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Discovery of how newborn mice repair bone fractures could improve treatments

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.

SourceCell Press·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateOct 27, 2014

Whites of their eyes: Study finds infants respond to social cues from sclera

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.

SourceUniversity of Virginia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 27, 2014

Wayne State researcher finds key signaling pathway in cause of preeclampsia

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.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 23, 2014

Baby cries show evidence of cocaine exposure during pregnancy

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...

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 22, 2014
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Peanut in house dust linked to peanut allergy in children with skin gene mutation

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.

SourceKing's College London·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateOct 21, 2014