Articles tagged with Infants
Researchers characterized the gut bacteria of premature infants who developed sepsis, suggesting a new approach to early detection and prevention. Genetic matches were found between bacteria in stool samples and those in blood samples, indicating that gut bacteria are responsible for these infections.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine found three types of potentially harmful gut microbes in preterm babies who developed late-onset sepsis: E. coli, group B strep, and S. marcescens. These findings suggest new strategies to detect and prevent severe bloodstream infections in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
A new study found that many parents, regardless of their race or ethnicity, engage in
A recent NIH study found that contact lenses are safer and just as effective as permanent lenses for infants under seven months old after cataract surgery. The study showed more post-surgical complications and repeat surgeries in the IOL group compared to the contact lens group.
Group A streptococcus (GAS) infection can be life-threatening in pregnant women, with associated mortality rates of 30-50%. Dr. Brenna Anderson provides recommendations for rapid diagnosis and treatment of GAS infections in pregnant and postpartum women.
Researchers at Northwestern University discovered that infants can use known verbs to learn new nouns by paying attention to how words are used in sentences. This suggests that word learning occurs naturally and can be facilitated by everyday conversations.
A study reveals that military fathers returning from combat deployment struggle to reconnect with their young children, who may not remember them. The researchers emphasize the need for support and resources to help these families rebuild their relationships.
A recent study found that reproductive coercion and co-occurring intimate partner violence are prevalent among women in this demographic. The study's results suggest that healthcare providers should address reproductive coercion with their patients, tailoring family planning discussions and recommendations accordingly.
Researchers at NYU's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development found no evidence that baby media products teach reading skills to infants. However, the study did reveal an undeniable effect on parents - their increased confidence in their children's vocabulary development
According to a national survey study, the US obesity prevalence has remained high, affecting approximately one-third of adults and 17% of children. The prevalence of obesity among youth and adults showed no significant change from 2003-2004 through 2011-2012.
A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that pregnant and postpartum women with bipolar disorder experience significant mental health problems, including self-harm, substance abuse, and complications during delivery. Researchers emphasize the importance of proper diagnosis and treatment to mitigate these risks.
Research published in Pediatrics shows that premature babies who hear more adult talk in the NICU have higher language and cognitive scores at 18 months. The study found that every increase in adult word count per hour during the recording period was associated with a two-point increase in the language score.
Researchers have developed a biologic drug that prevents the production of HE4 protein, allowing ovarian cancer cells to grow aggressively and resist chemotherapy. The novel biologic has shown promising results in cell and animal models, increasing the potential for improved treatment and survival rates for women with ovarian cancer.
Loyola researchers have identified a marker to predict necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a life-threatening condition affecting up to 10% of extremely low birth weight infants. Simple changes to blood transfusion practices and feeding patterns may significantly reduce NEC incidence.
Studies reveal that infants with a heartier appetite grow more rapidly, potentially putting them at increased risk for obesity. Additionally, children with lower satiety responsiveness are more likely to have genetic predisposition to obesity, highlighting potential targets for pharmacological and behavioral interventions.
Research at The University of Manchester found that moderate to heavy alcohol consumption in early pregnancy can reduce cell growth in the placenta. Drinking levels equivalent to half or one standard drink did not have a harmful effect, but reduced taurine transport from mother to baby was observed.
Research by Anne Fernald shows a significant gap in language development between rich and poor children emerges during infancy, with child-directed speech playing a crucial role. Infants who hear more child-directed speech develop greater efficiency in language processing and learn new words faster.
A study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital identified an immune signature that predicts poor flu outcomes in patients, who are more likely to develop severe symptoms and suffer from complications. The findings also explain why infants and toddlers are at elevated risk for flu-related issues.
Researchers found that intratracheal transplantation of human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells can prevent or treat bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in very preterm infants. The treatment also showed a lower incidence of retinopathy of prematurity requiring surgery.
A study reveals that average US job tenure has been surprisingly stable over time, but there are divergent trends among men and women. Married mothers experienced a significant increase in job tenure due to changes in labor market expectations and workplace accommodations.
Researchers found that 6-month-old infants later diagnosed with autism diverted their gaze from facial features when a face was speaking. This suggests that these infants had difficulty maintaining attention to relevant social information from an early age, which could impact their social development and communication skills.
A new study explores contributors to excess infant mortality in the US South, finding prematurity and Sudden Unexpected Infant Death as top causes. The research also highlights racial disparities in infant mortality rates, with non-Hispanic black births facing higher mortality rates in certain states.
A study found that pre-term infants with severe retinopathy of prematurity are at a higher risk of developing non-visual disabilities, including motor impairment and cognitive impairment. These findings may help improve counseling for parents and selecting high-risk infants for long-term follow-up.
A new study by CU-Boulder researchers suggests that shy toddlers may not be delayed in language acquisition, contrary to common assumptions. The study found consistent evidence that shy toddlers understand what's being said, but are reticent to speak.
A study published in Psychological Science found that infants can pick up on their mother's stress and show corresponding physiological changes. Infants of mothers who received negative feedback during an evaluation session showed significant increases in heart rate relative to baseline.
Infants prefer fruits from plants over man-made objects after an adult demonstrates edibility. Younger infants also exhibit plant-based bias due to social learning mechanisms.
Researchers have developed a new methodology to measure brain activity in newborns and children, particularly those born prematurely. The technique uses Event-Related Potential (ERP) and is child-friendly, allowing for the investigation of cortical processing of touch and speech sounds.
Researchers developed a reliable 3-D MRI imaging technique to study premature brain development. This allows for early identification of delayed tracts and potential treatments, enabling proactive therapies within weeks of birth.
A study found that giving probiotics to infants during the first three months of life can prevent gastrointestinal disorders like colic, acid reflux, and constipation. This approach results in lower healthcare costs for families.
Nine-month-old infants can infer whether people are friends or not based on their reactions to shared evaluations, such as eating the same food. This suggests that infants track social relationships from an early age and make inferences about others' behavior.
A decade-long study shows that providing maternal-newborn skin-to-skin contact enhances child physiologic organization and cognitive control, leading to better neuroendocrine response to stress. The intervention, called Kangaroo Care, also improves children's functioning in systems sensitive to early maternal deprivation.
A new study by Michigan State University researchers found that the black-white infant mortality gap remained stable for two decades after accounting for observable factors, leaving 74% of the gap unexplained. The gap declined by 2.6 deaths per 100,000 live births between 1983 and 2004.
A new Duke study found that nurse home visiting programs can reduce healthcare costs by $3 for every $1 spent, while also improving health and parenting outcomes. Participating families had lower rates of maternal anxiety and safer home environments than non-participating families.
A 35-year study of ring-tailed lemurs at the Duke Lemur Center found that infants born to older mothers are less likely to get hurt than those born to younger mothers. The results suggest that older moms may be better at fending off attackers or protecting their infants during fights.
Researchers have identified two biomarkers, low N-acetylaspartate/choline and rising choline/creatine, that are significantly correlated with developmental delays in premature infants. These chemical ratios at birth can predict the likelihood of motor development problems one year later with 70 percent certainty.
A new CU-Boulder study found that toddlers who go to bed later than their melatonin increase have difficulty settling down at night. Toddlers with longer intervals between melatonin release and bedtime take longer to fall asleep and experience increased bedtime resistance.
Research reveals that African-American college students are aware of the benefits of breast-feeding for infants, yet many hesitate due to social stigma and discomfort in public. The study suggests that early education and exposure can encourage positive attitudes towards breast-feeding among young Black women.
A study found that toxigenic C. difficile bacteria persistently colonize infants' guts for more than six months, posing a risk of spreading to vulnerable adults. The bacteria can cause severe disease in elderly individuals and those undergoing broad-spectrum antibiotics.
Research published in Diabetologia shows that pre-existing diabetes in pregnant women significantly increases the risk of fetal and infant death. The study found a four-and-a-half times higher risk of fetal death and an almost doubling of infant mortality compared to women without diabetes.
A study using MR spectroscopy found that preterm infants' brains develop differently than full-term infants, with a disruption in the timing and synchronization of white and gray matter maturation. This false start in brain development may contribute to long-term problems such as autism and ADHD.
Researchers found that giving an iodine capsule to breastfeeding mothers is more effective in providing their babies with the essential trace element than administering it directly to the infant. However, both methods have limitations and do not guarantee sufficient iodine intake for both mother and child.
Researchers found brain growth differences in infants carrying APOE-E4 gene, which increases risk for late-onset Alzheimer's. The study suggests early changes may provide a 'foothold' for disease pathologies.
Researchers discovered two garlic compounds that significantly reduce Cronobacter sakazakii contamination in dry infant formula powder. These compounds have the potential to eliminate the pathogen before it reaches consumers, easing concerns for new mothers who opt not to breastfeed.
Breastfeeding and introducing solid foods between 17-24 weeks of age can help develop a stronger immune system against food allergies. This approach is supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics and European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology recommendations.
Researchers will study 1,000 babies born before 30 weeks gestation using the NNNS exam to predict developmental impairment. The goal is to identify infants at greatest risk and provide early intervention and follow-up programs.
Researchers identified a genetic signature for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which causes severe pneumonia and bronchiolitis in infants. The discovery will help develop a vaccine and improve disease severity prediction using RNA profiles.
A study by Indiana University cognitive scientists reveals that 1-year-olds and their parents coordinate visual attention to objects through hand-eye coordination, rather than just following gaze. This new mechanism has implications for language learning and the treatment of children with early social-communication impairment.
A study by Boston Children's Hospital reveals that brainstem abnormalities are present in infants who die suddenly and unexpectedly, regardless of their sleep environment. The researchers found that these abnormalities impair breathing, heart rate, and temperature control during sleep, making the babies vulnerable to sudden death.
Researchers identified declining attention to others' eyes in infants later diagnosed with autism, starting from 2 months old. This finding has profound implications for early intervention strategies and suggests that interventions could build on existing levels of eye contact.
High-quality interactions between children and adults foster growth in early language and communication skills. The study recommends ten practices to support the development of these skills, including responding to vocalizations, eliciting conversations, and using complex grammar and rich vocabulary.
Researchers have identified a steady decline in attention to others' eyes in 2-6 month old infants later diagnosed with autism. This finding suggests that social engagement skills are intact shortly after birth in children with autism, and could lead to early diagnosis and treatment.
The US preterm birth rate has dropped to its lowest level in 15 years, but the country still earns a 'C' grade. Since 2006, about 176,000 fewer babies have been born too soon, potentially saving $9 billion in health and societal costs.
New research reveals that newborns are born without the toll-like receptor 3, a key protein needed to protect against viruses. This impairment makes newborn immune cells unable to recognize and react to certain viruses, increasing their susceptibility to infections like herpes simplex virus.
A new study from UMass Medical School reveals that human cytomegalovirus rapidly evolves as it spreads from mother to fetus, providing genetic targets for new therapeutics. The researchers found a specific window of gestation during which CMV is most vulnerable, suggesting an opportunity for preventative treatments.
Research published in PLOS ONE found that infant brains activate the same areas used for movement when observing others. This suggests a neurobiological foundation for imitation and cultural learning in young children.
Research at Georgia State University reveals that infant pain can permanently alter future responses to anxiety, stress, and pain. The study found site-specific changes in brain receptors that affect behavioral sensitivity to stressful situations.
Low birth weight infants exhibit microbiome differentiation in their mouths, gut, and skin by day 15 after birth. The gut microbiome plays a significant role in this process, with changes driven by bacterial types associated with newborn infections and necrotizing enterocolitis.
A Stanford-led study of pesticide exposure and hypospadias in male infants found only weak evidence of an association. The researchers analyzed thousands of birth records and commercial pesticide application records for eight counties in California's Central Valley, identifying 15 chemicals with possible associations with the condition.
A researcher at Miriam Hospital has been awarded a $2.9 million NIH grant to investigate the physiological impact of maternal smoking on fetal development. The study will use ultrasound technology to identify real-time fetal markers of risk among pregnant smokers, with the goal of predicting infant neurobehavioral deficits.
A resurgence in swaddling has raised concerns about developmental hip problems in babies, with a link to osteoarthritis and hip replacement in middle age. Swaddling can be safe if done correctly, but delaying natural development of the hip joints is a risk factor.