Research on the health and development of babies. Covers motor development, maternal-infant health, cochlear implants, and infant nutrition.
A new Northwestern University study reveals that introducing a novel word for an impending event enhances infants' tendency to imitate unconventional behavior. Infants as young as 14 months old coordinate their insights about human behavior and language to discover which actions are worth imitating.
The OU research team is combining robotics, machine learning, and brain imaging to assist infants with cerebral palsy in mastering crawling behavior. The project aims to develop new robot platforms that can enhance infant mobility and delay cognitive development delays.
Developed at Nationwide Children's Hospital, the Small Baby Guidelines have shown significant improvement in the lives of extremely premature infants. By standardizing care and ensuring every baby receives the same treatment, survival rates have increased and hospital stays have decreased.
A study found two distinct patterns of language, social and motor development in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). By the third birthday, the level of impairment between early- and late-emerging ASD symptom groups is comparable. Early signs of delay were not easily detected using existing clinical tests.
A new study suggests that high-glitz child pageants are more about satisfying parents than the children's needs. Participation can lead to harm in children's health and self-esteem due to pressure for physical perfection and objectification. The author warns of 'princess by proxy' distortion where parents prioritize their own achieveme...
A new HIV test developed at Northwestern University is being tested in Mozambique to deliver a diagnosis in under an hour. The test has a 95% accuracy rate and could significantly improve the rates of infected infants being diagnosed and treated, potentially saving thousands of lives.
Lifting age restrictions on rotavirus vaccination in low- and middle-income countries could prevent up to 203,000 rotavirus deaths while potentially causing 547 intussusception deaths. The World Health Organization supports removing age restrictions where benefits outweigh risks.
Research by Dr. Joel Ray found that infants are 28 times more likely to die if both they and their mother are admitted to ICUs around delivery time. Maternal death rate is 330 times higher in co-ICU situations compared to non-co-ICU scenarios. Researchers attribute increased mortality risk to diseases of the placenta.
A free iPhone app helps parents with infant and toddler sleep issues, but its limitations highlight the need for greater accessibility to health information. The most common questions asked pertain to sleep problems and night wakings, often submitted in evening and overnight hours.
New research suggests that in vitro fertilization (IVF) is associated with a higher risk of birth defects, including those of the eye, heart, reproductive organs, and urinary systems. The study found that IVF infants were 1.25 times more likely to experience birth defects compared to naturally conceived infants.
A new study found that newborn rats' whisker twitches are linked to bursts of brain activity, suggesting a crucial role in developing sensorimotor systems. The discovery sheds light on the importance of involuntary movements during sleep in infant brain development.
A study by the University of Iowa found that infants who form a secure relationship with either parent during the first two years of life are less likely to experience emotional and behavioral problems later on. The researchers discovered that being attached to one parent is just as beneficial as being close to mom, and that this bond ...
A randomized controlled trial of 377 premature infants found no significant differences in clinical outcomes between fresh and standard red blood cell transfusions. The study suggests that prolonged RBC storage may not have as great an impact on neonatal illness and death as previously thought.
Researchers found that baboon females with 'nice' personalities formed strong social bonds, which led to better health and reproductive outcomes. In contrast, those with 'aloof' or 'loner' traits had weaker social connections and lower fitness levels.
University of Miami researchers identified a link between early non-verbal communication skills and the risk of developing autism. The study found that babies as young as eight months old who showed lower levels of referential communication were more likely to exhibit severe autism symptoms by age three.
Bilingual infants demonstrated an ability to discriminate between two unfamiliar languages using visual cues, suggesting that early exposure to multiple languages improves perceptual sensitivity. Skilled deaf readers showed enhanced perceptual span in reading, contrary to previous hypotheses that suggested this might hinder reading abi...
A study found that infants with regulatory problems and/or maternal psychiatric issues may develop unexplained physical symptoms like headaches and fatigue in later childhood. Mothers with depression or anxiety during their infant's first year were 7 times more likely to have children with FSS at age 5-7.
Researchers found that urban infants had lower rates of human rhinovirus and respiratory syncytial virus infections than suburban infants. Adenovirus infections were more common in urban babies, suggesting a potential link to altered lung development or airway function.
Researchers found that premature infants who received Kangaroo Mother Care had better brain functioning in adolescence, comparable to those born at term. The technique, which provides skin-to-skin contact with the parent's chest, promotes immediate and future brain development.
A team of astronomers has spotted a potentially most distant galaxy ever detected, which existed 500 million years after the Big Bang. The discovery opens up a window into the deepest, remotest epochs of cosmic history, providing insights into the universe's earliest objects and the Dark Ages.
Researchers found that heavy pacifier use in young children is linked to poor emotional maturity and lower perspective-taking scores. The study suggests that girls may be less affected due to societal expectations of emotional sophistication. Parents are advised to limit pacifier use to promote healthy emotional development.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that Enfamil Human Milk Fortifier Acidified Liquid promotes significantly higher weight, length, and head circumference growth in preterm infants compared to powdered fortifiers. The ultra-concentrated liquid fortifier is well-tolerated and safe for use in neonatal care settings.
A University of Illinois metabolic engineer has synthesized a key breast milk ingredient, 2-fluoro-lactose (2FL), which could lead to the development of infant formula. This breakthrough allows researchers to study the role of 2FL in infant nutrition and make recommendations for its addition to infant formula.
Research shows that nearly 20% of young children with cancer develop posttraumatic stress disorder, exhibiting symptoms such as flashbacks and anxiety. The study highlights the need for child-friendly treatment procedures and psychological support to prevent prolonged disorders that impair development.
A cluster of five incidents involving toddlers swallowing liquid detergent capsules has prompted a call to action for improved safety warnings and childproof packaging. The incidents resulted in airway blockage, swelling, and ulceration, highlighting the need for urgent action to prevent potential life-threatening injuries.
The University of Leicester has received a unique piece of retinal imaging equipment through charitable donations. The handheld scanner will enable researchers to study nystagmus in infants and young children, improving medical understanding and treatment for this condition.
A research team found that infants' cortisol levels rise after waking up, with shorter pregnancies linked to lower cortisol rises. This new method could lead to diagnosing illnesses in hormone-producing organs and understanding the stress system's development in humans.
Scientists at Duke University Medical Center found that breast milk fosters colonies of microbiotic flora in a newborn's intestinal tract, while infant formulas do not. This unique property of breast milk aids nutrient absorption and immune system development, suggesting potential approaches for developing substitutes.
A study of over 10,000 children found a correlation between early antibiotic exposure and increased body mass percentile in childhood. Children exposed to antibiotics from birth to 5 months old were more likely to be overweight by 38 months of age.
A new study found that infants learn to avoid drop-offs while crawling due to their motor abilities, but this knowledge doesn't transfer to walking. The findings suggest that what infants learn is related to their ability to crawl or walk, not a generalized fear of heights.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine warns that declining US infant male circumcision rates could lead to significant healthcare costs. The researchers estimate that each uncircumcised male would incur $313 more in illness-related expenses, totaling $4.4 billion over the next decade.
A new study found that VLBW infants fed more than 75% human milk grew slower than those fed less than 75%. Fortifying human milk with protein and calories can help improve growth rates. The research suggests that a balanced approach is necessary to provide the benefits of human milk without sacrificing growth.
A new study has found that heavy prenatal alcohol exposure leads to growth restrictions that persist through to nine years of age, as well as a delay in weight gain during infancy. The effects were exacerbated by iron deficiency, and children with fetal alcohol syndrome had leaner body composition.
Recent studies from New Zealand's University of Otago challenge the idea that infants as young as six months possess an innate moral compass, instead suggesting their preferences may be driven by interesting events. Researchers found that infants' choices could be explained by simple associations with specific visual stimuli.
Infants born to mothers who received chemotherapy during pregnancy had lower birth weights but no higher risk of birth defects or blood disorders. The study suggests that breast cancer treatment during pregnancy is possible and prioritizing full-term delivery may be crucial for minimizing risks.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic and University of California, San Francisco found that infantile hemangiomas, also known as 'strawberry' birthmarks, grow rapidly in infants between 5.5 and 7.5 weeks old. Early referral to dermatologists for further evaluation is recommended to prevent potential complications.
Research finds that bifidobacteria can process complex glycans linked to proteins in breast milk, providing a new source of energy for at-risk infants. The discovery could lead to the development of probiotics to support premature or malnourished children.
Research led by the University of Sheffield aims to improve treatment for babies lacking cortisol, a critical stress hormone. A new hydrocortisone preparation is being developed specifically for neonates and infants, addressing current challenges in administering medication.
A U-M study reveals that natural killer cells, a crucial part of the immune system, are not fully matured until adulthood. By blocking a specific cell signaling pathway, infants' immune systems can be boosted, potentially reducing their susceptibility to infections.
A study found that 43.5% of websites provided accurate information on infant sleep safety, while 28.4% offered irrelevant information. Healthcare providers are recommended to use trusted websites like HealthFinder and Medline Plus for reliable information.
A study found that 43.5% of websites providing search results for infant sleep safety provided accurate information, while 70% of adults relied on internet health information without verifying its accuracy.
A new study associates excess maternal iodine supplementation with congenital hypothyroidism, a condition that can lead to neurocognitive impairments if left untreated. The research highlights the potential hazard of exceeding the safe upper limit for daily iodine ingestion during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Researchers used piglets in mazes to study human cognitive development, finding that environmental insults can affect brain structure and function. The piglet model allows for the testing of learning and memory tasks, providing insights into how stressors impact brain development.
A recent study found that premature babies born in high-tech, high-volume hospitals have a higher chance of survival compared to those born in non-specialized facilities. The research, analyzing over 1.3 million births, revealed a 300% improvement in survival rates for preterm infants.
Infants as young as one year old can detect how speech communicates unobservable intentions, according to a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. By recognizing patterns in spoken descriptions, infants can acquire knowledge about matters beyond their direct experiences.
A 2010 California whooping cough epidemic highlighted the importance of vaccination for adults, pregnant women, and infant contacts. The disease had the highest incidence in infants under 6 months, with Hispanics being most affected in this age group, while Whites were most affected among children and adolescents.
A study of 192 families found that fathers' involvement in early interactions with their infants is linked to fewer behavioral problems later on. The researchers suggest that interventions aimed at improving parent-child interaction may be beneficial to the child's behavior, and highlight the importance of early parental engagement.
A recent study from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston found that delivering a high-birth-weight infant more than doubles a woman's breast cancer risk. The researchers suggest that this increased risk is due to an elevated hormonal environment during pregnancy, which creates a pro-carcinogenic effect.
Two studies found that infants exposed to the H1N1 vaccine in utero did not have a significantly increased risk of major birth defects, preterm birth, or fetal growth restriction. However, adults exposed to the vaccine were at a small increased risk of Guillain-Barre syndrome during the 4-8 weeks after vaccination.
Researchers detected significant differences in brain development in high-risk infants who developed autism starting at age 6 months. White matter tract development was found to be the key difference between those with and without autism.
A new UCLA-led study shows that a two- or three-drug combination given to infants within 48 hours of birth can reduce the risk of mother-to-child HIV transmission by about half compared to AZT alone. The study found that this combination significantly reduced HIV transmission, while also being less toxic to the infants.
Adding nevirapine to the regimen of newborns born to HIV-positive mothers halves their risk of contracting the virus, according to a recent study. The research found that the two-drug combination is effective in preventing mother-to-child HIV transmission and is relatively easy to administer.
Research found that infants consistently choose larger sets over smaller ones when both are above four, but struggle with comparisons involving one large and one small item. The study's findings could lead to improvements in early education programs by understanding how infants develop number representation skills.
Young children are happier when giving treats to others than receiving them, according to a new UBC study. Toddlers under two years old display greater happiness when sharing their own treats with a puppet compared to receiving identical or provided treats.
A study has determined that human herpesvirus-6B (HHV-6B) is linked to mesial temporal lobe epilepsy in infants and children. HHV-6B can cause limbic encephalitis, a condition that frequently progresses to epilepsy.
A new study finds that nearly half of infants who survive GBS meningitis experience developmental delays, with 56% having age-appropriate development and 19% having severe impairment. Long-term follow-up evaluations are crucial to identify subtle developmental delays and address them early.
The American Academy of Neurology has issued an updated guideline outlining the best treatments for infantile spasms. The hormone therapy adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) may be effective for treatment, with low-dose ACTH showing similar effectiveness to high-dose and potentially lower risk of side effects.
Researchers investigated children's performance on a drawing game and found that referencing social groups can lead to poor performance. Additionally, infants help others due to genuine concern for the person in need, not seeking credit. Childhood poverty is linked to elevated stress markers in adolescence.
Infant mortality rates remain high in Appalachia, with white infants facing disproportionately higher deaths compared to non-Appalachian regions. Poverty and limited access to physicians contribute to the deficit, emphasizing the need for improved prenatal care and healthcare policies.
Research indicates that algal DHA supplementation during pregnancy increases DHA blood levels in both mother and newborn, as well as infant birth weight, length, and head circumference. Additionally, studies suggest that DHA deficiency during pregnancy may limit infants' development potential.