Research on the health and development of babies. Covers motor development, maternal-infant health, cochlear implants, and infant nutrition.
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.
A large clinical trial shows that clopidogrel does not effectively reduce shunt-related blood flow issues in infants with congenital heart diseases. Aspirin alone may be effective in reducing the risk of clot formation, while switching to Plavix is not recommended.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that twice weekly iron supplementation is equally effective to daily supplementation in improving birth weight and infant growth outcomes. In contrast, it showed improved cognitive development in infants aged six months and higher adherence rates among pregnant women.
A new study found a link between fetal exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) and lower levels of insulin-like peptide 3, a key testicular hormone. This could be a co-factor in the development of cryptorchidism, a common birth defect in boys.
A new study has identified corticosterone as a potential biomarker of fetal stress during labor and delivery. Corticosterone concentrations increased by 148% compared to cortisol, suggesting that it may serve as an indicator of infant distress.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that healthy, full-term babies secrete higher levels of corticosterone during labor and delivery compared to their mothers. Corticosterone concentrations increased with fetal distress and were linked to the method of delivery, with vaginally delivered infants producing more cortisol.
Researchers found that 10-month-old infants preferentially reach for the victim rather than the aggressor in an animated sequence test. This suggests that infants may exhibit rudimentary sympathy toward others in distress based on their evaluation of roles in interactions.
A Swedish study found that maternal overweight and obesity during pregnancy are associated with an increased risk of preterm delivery, particularly extremely preterm deliveries. The study analyzed over 1.5 million deliveries and found that women with higher BMI were at a greater risk of preterm birth.
Researchers found that normal-weight babies plateaued at about two months and rarely deviated from their weight over height until age 5. In contrast, overweight or obese babies crossed the 17th percentile much later and continued an upward climb.
Women with obesity have a higher risk of giving birth to preterm infants, particularly those born extremely preterm. Obesity-related diseases and increased inflammation contribute to this increased risk.
Researchers found that partial livers from deceased adult and teen donors have become less risky for infants, saving their lives. The study's findings suggest that the use of partial grafts from deceased donors has increased significantly over time, accounting for up to 32% of liver transplants in children.
A new study found that formula-fed rhesus monkeys experienced metabolic stress, similar to those who were breastfed, which may explain the link between early feeding practices and chronic diseases. Reducing protein content in infant formula could be beneficial in reducing metabolic stress.
Astronomers studied young star TW Hydrae to understand the birth of our Sun, finding it was clumpy and episodic in accretion. The study revealed that accretion drove magnetic activity on TW Hydrae.
A new study by University of Alberta researcher Johanna Darrah found that babies' rolling abilities have not been impaired by the 'back to sleep' campaign. The study of 725 Canadian infants aged one week to eight months confirms that gross motor skills emerge in the same order and at the same ages as 20 years ago.
A new study from Brigham Young University suggests that infant feeding practices are a significant factor in childhood obesity. Babies predominantly fed formula were 2.5 times more likely to become obese toddlers than breastfed infants.
A new Kaiser Permanente study published in Pediatrics found that whole-cell pertussis vaccines were more effective at protecting against pertussis than acellular pertussis vaccines during a large recent outbreak in California. The study examined 138 individuals with confirmed pertussis and found that teenagers vaccinated with four dose...
A University of Michigan-led study challenges prevailing theories on whooping cough's resurgence by showing vaccines offer long-lived protection and reduced transmission. The study highlights the success of Thailand's childhood immunization program in reducing pertussis cases, especially among infants.
A study of 16 newborns with posterior fossa subdural hematoma (PFSDH) found that most infants survived and had relatively minor neurological abnormalities, even in severe cases. Surgery was successful in eliminating the hematoma and normalizing intracranial pressure.
Researchers used MRI to identify disrupted brain processes in premature infants, showing a link between preterm birth and impaired cognitive function. The study found that cortical development was reduced in premature infants, with the greatest effect in the most premature babies.
A large analysis published in BMJ Open found that bed sharing with parents increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) by fivefold. The study advises against bed sharing for babies under three months old, citing a significant reduction in SIDS deaths when babies sleep on their backs in a cot.
A study published in Early Human Development found that massage therapy increased heart rate variability in male preterm infants, similar to term infants, suggesting improved stress response. However, female preterm infants did not show a significant increase in HRV after massage therapy.
Researchers at UC San Francisco found that giving small amounts of formula to infants experiencing high early weight loss can increase the length of time their mothers end up breastfeeding. This study provides evidence for the benefits of 'early limited formula' in some newborns.
A study published in PLOS Computational Biology found a link between the composition of an infant's gut microbiota and their growth rate. The researchers identified specific bacterial groups associated with expected or reduced growth rates, shedding light on the potential impact of early life gut microbiota on infant development.
A Swedish study found that children whose parents sucked on their pacifiers had a lower risk of eczema at 1.5 years old. The researchers believe that oral commensal microbes are transferred from parent to infant when they suck on the same pacifier, promoting healthy maturation of the immune system.
A new solid-state controllable light filter has been developed to shield preterm infants from most wavelengths of visible light, promoting better maturation. The device switches between blocking out all light and allowing red light through, enabling medical staff and parents to monitor the infants without disrupting their sleep.
A new study finds that preterm infants require a daily dose of 800 IU of vitamin D3 to reduce the risk of vitamin D insufficiency. Higher doses led to better bone mineralization, but excess levels caused no major effects.
A randomized trial found targeting oxygen saturations of 85-89% compared to 91-95% had no significant effect on death or disability in extremely preterm infants at 18 months. The study included 1,201 infants with gestational ages of 23-27 weeks and monitored them until postmenstrual age of 36-40 weeks.
Researchers from the University of Manchester have found that babies born with abnormal fetal growth are at a higher risk of developing Autism Spectrum Disorder. The study analyzed data from over 40,000 child health records in Sweden and found that larger or smaller babies were more susceptible to autism.
A study found that genetic variants in the OPRM1 and COMT genes are associated with shorter lengths of hospital stay and less need for treatment in infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome. The findings may provide insight into the mechanisms underlying NAS, a disorder caused by in utero opioid exposure.
A study found that no vitamin D dosage maintained plasma concentrations within the recommended range by pediatric societies, but all dosages raised levels within a lower range. The 1,600-IU/d dosage was discontinued due to elevated plasma 25(OH)D concentrations, indicating the need for further studies on optimal dosages.
A new study by McGill University confirms that a daily dose of 400 IU vitamin D is sufficient for infants under 1 year of age. The research followed 132 infants and found no additional benefits from higher doses.
Researchers found that an interpersonal-based intervention program reduced the incidence of PPD by 50% among adolescent mothers. The REACH program, delivered over five one-hour sessions during pregnancy and postpartum, improved communication skills and helped girls manage stress, develop a support system, and set goals.
Researchers assessed 491 extremely preterm children at 2.5 years and found that overall 42% had no disability, with moderate or severe disabilities increasing with decreasing gestational age. The study suggests that improved neonatal care may lead to better neurodevelopmental outcomes for these children.
Researchers at UCSB's Koegel Autism Center successfully treat autism in infants by replacing distressing games with preferred activities and teaching parents how to implement the protocol. The study found significant improvements in infant reactions to stimuli, with two out of three infants having normal reactions and one showing very ...
Researchers observed 'striking' fickleness in male monkeys when copying the behaviour of others in new groups. The study provides rare experimental proof of cultural transmission in wild primates and sheds light on the evolution of human desire to seek out local knowledge.
Researchers found that infants who sweat less in response to scary situations at age 1 show more physical and verbal aggression at age 3. The study suggests a possible early indicator of aggressive behavior in children.
A study by RIKEN Brain Science Institute researchers found that human babies and mouse pups relax when carried due to a combination of nervous, motor, and cardiac responses. This infant calming response is beneficial for both mother and child, reducing maternal burden and promoting interaction.
Infants experience an automatic calming reaction upon being carried, characterized by slowed heart rates, reduced movement, and cessation of crying. This phenomenon, observed in both human and mouse babies, is mediated by the parasympathetic nervous system and may have implications for parenting strategies to prevent child abuse.
A recent study found that children with migraines are more likely to have experienced infantile colic as infants. The researchers also discovered a correlation between pulsatile pain and infantile colic in migraine sufferers. Longitudinal studies are needed to further explore the association between colic and childhood migraines.
A study published in Microbiome identified two distinct microbial imbalances in the digestive tract that precede necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants. The findings suggest a predictive value of over 80% for NEC using a simple urine analysis.
Researchers found that premature babies with abnormal gut bacteria are at risk of necrotizing enterocolitis. The study identified specific bacteria, including Firmicutes and Enterobacteriaceae, that can be detected through a simple urine test.
A study by University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio found that baby marmoset monkeys who started eating solid food earlier were more likely to become obese by age one. The research also showed metabolic damage such as insulin resistance and poor blood sugar control, setting the stage for future obesity.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is often over-diagnosed and over-treated in infants, increasing the risk of unnecessary medication use. A recent study found that when physicians label common symptoms in infants as GERD, parents are more likely to request medication even if it's ineffective.
A new study finds that frequent use of the gastroesophageal reflux disease label in infants leads to overuse of medication, causing needless expenses for families. The researchers concluded that parents' expectations of medication are driven by the doctor's words, which can make a normal process seem like a disease.
A new Northwestern University study reveals that infants acquire both nouns and verbs in a more nuanced way than previously thought. The research suggests that the ability to map nouns to objects is robust across languages, but verb mapping is more variable and influenced by linguistic context.
Despite declining fertility, women over 40 require effective contraception to avoid pregnancy. The research highlights the benefits of birth control in reducing symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding and hot flashes, while also decreasing the risk of endometrial cancer by 50%.
A study found that babies respond to angry tone of voice, even when asleep, and exhibit greater brain activity in stress-related areas. This suggests that exposure to parental conflicts may impact the way infants process emotions and stress.
A study found that infants with a higher risk of developing autism take longer to shift their gaze, indicating possible differences in brain structure and organization. The research suggests that this measurable delay could be a precursor to well-known symptoms of autism.
According to the study, nearly 75% of commercial pre-packaged meals and savory snacks for toddlers are high in sodium. The American Heart Association recommends limiting sodium consumption to less than 1500mg per day. Parents can choose healthier options by reading nutrition labels on baby and toddler foods.