Articles tagged with Infants
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.
Researchers found that 8-month-old infants categorize objects as animals and assume they have insides, even when shown hollow ones. This suggests that babies possess a core understanding of biology in addition to physics and psychology.
A study found UK commercial baby foods lack essential nutrients, being predominantly sweet and similar in energy content to breast milk. They are often introduced too early, conflicting with government recommendations for exclusive breastfeeding until six months.
A recent study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that birth defects and poor fetal growth are the most common risk factors for cerebral palsy and infant death. The research suggests that these risk factors, rather than asphyxial birth events, may contribute to the development of cerebral palsy and infant mortality.
The NIH-funded program aims to expand and improve newborn healthcare through genomic sequencing. The four grantees will investigate the use of genome and exome sequencing to diagnose disorders and conditions at birth, as well as their clinical and ethical implications.
The study found that different PCV immunization schedules resulted in similar antibody levels in infants, with some schedules being superior for specific serotypes. The researchers conclude that optimal timing of the primary series is crucial to maintain optimal antibody levels during the period between the primary series and the boost...
A new study led by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that a proven drug effective for adults and children with sickle cell anemia reduced hospitalizations and medical costs for young children by 21% annually.
Researchers found that non-human primate vocalizations promoted object categorization in 3- and 4-month-old infants, similar to the effects of human speech. By six months, however, this effect disappeared, suggesting a specific link to human language has been established.
A meta-analysis of nine studies found that extremely preterm infant survivors have a substantial likelihood of developing moderate to severe impairment. The study also showed a statistically significant absolute decrease in impairment between each week of gestation, suggesting improved outcomes as gestational age advances.
A new study found that early temporary ART for HIV-infected infants can delay the need for life-long treatment and prevent damage to their immune system. Infants who received short-term ART delayed the start of long-term treatment by 33 weeks, while those who received longer-term ART delayed it by 70 weeks.
New study published in Journal of Hospital Medicine outlines top recommendations for improving healthcare value, including reducing unnecessary tests and procedures. The recommendations aim to lower costs and lead to better care for patients, particularly children and adults hospitalized with respiratory illnesses.
A large new study found that current non-invasive techniques for respiratory support are less effective in reducing severe lung injury in very premature infants. The study refutes the common assumption that these therapies are reducing severe lung injury and BPD in tiny babies.
A study by Michigan State University found that participation in a Medicaid-eligible pregnant women's program leads to improved health care during pregnancy and after birth. Women in the program had 25% more postnatal visits than those not enrolled, promoting healthy pregnancies and infant outcomes.
Infants fed with DHA-enriched formula from birth to 12 months showed accelerated development and better performance on intelligence tests, including the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test and Weschler Primary Preschool Scales of Intelligence.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry demonstrates support for the DSM-5 symptom structure for toddlers with autism spectrum disorder. The researchers found that the DSM-5 model was a better fit to the data than other models used during toddler assessment.
Research found that C-section infants had a narrower range of beneficial bacteria in their guts compared to vaginally delivered infants. This has implications for the development of their immune systems and risk of allergies. The study also found lower levels of Th1 chemical messengers, which can contribute to allergic diseases.
Research on Malagasy black-and-white ruffed lemurs found that communal nesting and creches significantly improve infant survival rates. Female lemurs can spend less time at their nests, increasing opportunities to feed elsewhere.
The American Thoracic Society has released new clinical practice guidelines for the classification, evaluation, and management of chILD in infants. The guidelines include recommendations for diagnosis, management, and research priorities.
The Saving Lives at Birth partnership has announced 22 Round 3 award nominees for innovative solutions to prevent infant and maternal deaths. These nominees present cutting-edge technologies and innovative approaches to delivering services, including family planning, nutrition, and HIV prevention.
The study reveals that male infanticide is the key driver of monogamy in humans and other primates. By caring for young, fathers can protect infants from rival males and share childcare burdens. This leads to a reduction in infant dependency and allows females to reproduce more quickly.
Researchers found that Goffin cockatoos solve spatial memory tasks comparable to those of great apes and four-year-old human toddlers. The birds' performance was surprising, given the complexity of these tasks and their potential ecological implications.
Infants develop wariness of heights after gaining locomotor experience, contradicting the idea that they follow a maturational script. The study suggests that exploration and movement strategies are crucial in developing skills and learning to adapt to terrain.
A new national study by University of Virginia researchers found that infants spending at least one night per week away from their mothers had more insecure attachments compared to those with fewer overnights or staying with fathers during the day. This raises concerns about the impact of parental separation on children's emotional con...
Research from the University of Warwick found that most very preterm and low birthweight infants were securely attached to their parents. However, they had a higher risk for disorganised attachment due to underlying neurological abnormalities. This contradicts the assumption that disorganised attachment is solely linked to parental sen...
Researchers developed a computer-based tool to analyze babies' cries for subtle acoustic features that can indicate neurological problems or developmental disorders. The new analyzer uses machine learning algorithms to evaluate over 80 parameters, offering non-invasive ways to measure disruptions in young babies' brains and behavior.
The University of North Carolina will assist the President's Maternal Health and Safe Motherhood Initiative by designing maternity homes, training healthcare providers, and establishing a residency program. The grant aims to reduce maternal and infant deaths in Malawi, which has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world.
Scientists have discovered oligosaccharides in breast milk that confer protection by feeding beneficial intestinal bacteria, crowding out harmful E. coli strains. This research aims to develop probiotics to prevent life-threatening intestinal diseases in premature babies.
Researchers found that infants with later-diagnosed autism had excessive cerebrospinal fluid and enlarged brains, raising the possibility of using these as potential biomarkers. These anomalies were detectable by MRI at 6-9 months and remained elevated between 18-24 months.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found both early and late first exposure to solid food is associated with an increased risk of developing Type 1 diabetes. Early introduction to fruit and late introduction to rice/oat were linked to higher risk, while breastfeeding during wheat/barley introduction may decrease the risk.
A 25-year follow-up study reveals chronic iron deficiency in infancy is associated with poorer cognitive, motor, and social-emotional outcomes, including reduced educational attainment and lower emotional health.
Researchers found that infants as young as 5 months can match positive and negative emotional cues, including facial expressions and vocalizations. This groundbreaking study sheds light on early infant development and suggests babies are more attuned to emotions than previously thought.