Articles tagged with Infants
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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.
A study found that corpus callosum length, thickness of genu and splenium can be used to evaluate premature infant's neurological development. Monitoring corpus callosum development may predict future abnormal neurobehavioral development.
A 3-year-old Mississippi child born with HIV continues to show no signs of active infection 18 months after stopping treatment. The case suggests that prompt antiviral therapy may help infants clear the virus and achieve long-term remission, potentially paving the way for a sterilizing HIV cure.
A new study suggests that babies as young as 6 months old exhibit a primitive number sense, which can predict their future mathematical abilities. The research found that infants with stronger innate number sense skills performed better on standardized math tests, even before learning to count or use Arabic numerals.
A study found that over three-fourths of breast milk samples purchased online contained bacteria that can cause illness, with high levels of contamination linked to poor shipping practices. Milk banks, which provide pasteurized milk from carefully screened donors, are a safer alternative for sick babies.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that bottle feeding may play a role in the development of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS), a form of stomach obstruction. The incidence of HPS decreased during the study period, while breastfeeding prevalence increased, suggesting a possible link between bottle feeding and HPS risk.
Research finds that maternal smoking impairs infant immunity, leading to a broad range of respiratory and non-respiratory infections. Infants born to smokers are 50% more likely to be hospitalized or die from infectious diseases compared to those born to non-smokers.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that widespread vaccination of adolescents for pertussis was linked to a modest reduction in infant hospitalizations. The research suggests increasing vaccination rates among teens and adults is crucial to stem the ongoing pertussis epidemic among infants.
Research suggests that NICU environments may affect premature infants' developmental outcomes. Private rooms showed lower language scores and motor skills in some children at 2 years old. Further research is needed to determine the optimal environment for premature infants in the NICU.
Researchers at UC Davis found that probiotics containing Bifidobacterium infantis effectively prevent necrotizing enterocolitis in premature infants. The study showed increased bifidobacteria levels and decreased harmful bacteria in breastmilk-fed babies, indicating potential benefits of probiotic therapy.
As chimpanzees grow from infant to juvenile, they develop increased susceptibility to human yawn contagion. Researchers found that yawning but not nose-wiping was contagious for juvenile chimpanzees, while infants found neither contagious. The results suggest a general developmental pattern shared by humans and other animals.
Researchers found that two HIV vaccine trials stimulated a critical immune response in infants, which has been linked to reduced HIV infection. The findings suggest that infant vaccination can elicit a robust anti-HIV envelope IgG immune response and highlight the importance of including pediatric populations in vaccine studies.
A study published in the Canadian Journal of Economics found that contaminated water is linked to lower birth weights and prematurity, especially among less-educated mothers. Infants exposed to contaminated water are also more likely to have mothers who are younger, less educated, or African-American.
The research team will investigate ways to reduce the burden of illness associated with prematurity by improving air-breathing transition and delaying umbilical cord clamping. They aim to develop strategies to prevent brain injury and long-term consequences such as cerebral palsy.
A systematic review of 12 trials found that probiotics reduced crying in six out of the 12 trials. Probiotics were effective in treating colic in breastfed babies, but had limited effectiveness in formula-fed babies. Larger and more rigorous clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings.
Research by neuroscientists at SISSA found that adults' preference for their native language's word order affects language learnability. Infants as young as 8-month-old prefer artificial languages mirroring their native structure, while adults tend to stick to their native scheme.
A study by Tel Aviv University researchers reveals that nearly all pediatricians in Israel strongly support the vaccination of infants, with 92% agreeing it is in their best interest. However, 37% also agree that parents have a right to decide on medical care for their children.
A study found that bed sharing increased among black and Hispanic families, with black infants sharing beds most often. The percentage of black infants usually sharing a bed increased from 21.2% in 1993 to 38.7% in 2010.
The incidence of baby bed-sharing has more than doubled since 1993, with black and Hispanic infants at higher risk of SIDS. Healthcare provider advice plays a key role in educating caregivers about safe sleep practices.
A new Indiana University study found that preterm birth is strongly linked to infant and young adult mortality, autism, and ADHD. However, it also suggests that other associated issues, such as severe mental illness and economic woes, may be related to shared family factors rather than preterm birth itself.
A study found that frequent bedsharing between mothers and infants was associated with longer breastfeeding durations. However, researchers also warned about the increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) related to bedsharing.
A study of nearly 2500 US children under age 5 found high omega-6 to omega-3 PUFA ratio and low DHA intake, which could impact childhood development and disease risk. Fish was a rich source of PUFAs in their diets.