Research on the health and development of babies. Covers motor development, maternal-infant health, cochlear implants, and infant nutrition.
A randomized controlled trial found that a triple-drug regimen during pregnancy and breastfeeding significantly reduces HIV transmission to infants. The study's findings support the use of long-term treatment for women with low CD4 cell counts and ARV prophylaxis for all breastfeeding mothers.
A recent study suggests that baby-led weaning, where babies feed themselves solid foods, is a feasible approach for most infants. However, it could pose nutritional risks for those who develop at a slower pace. The research recommends combining self-feeding with traditional spoon feeding to ensure balanced nutrition.
Researchers at UC San Diego found that babies over a year old process words with adult-like brain structures and meanings, challenging previous theories on infant language development. The study used MEG and MRI to map brain activity in infants and confirmed the same left frontotemporal areas activated in adults for word meaning.
A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that domestic violence against mothers increases the risk of death among female children, but not male children, in India. The researchers attribute this disparity to lower investment in girl children, leading to a higher mortality rate for girls.
A randomized controlled trial found that parent education programs increased parent-child interactions and reduced media exposure in infants in at-risk families. The Video Interaction Project and Building Blocks interventions improved verbal interactions and reading activities, while also decreasing TV time.
Researchers found that parent education programs delivered through pediatric primary care offices increased verbal interactions between parents and children, leading to improved school readiness. The Video Interaction Project (VIP) and Building Blocks interventions showed significant benefits, including reduced infant television exposure.
Researchers found 94% of samples contained bacterial remnants from previous infection, with seasonal differences between dry and rainy seasons. Environmental factors, such as cow dung and animal exposure, may contribute to the development of hydrocephalus.
Infant formula type affects weight gain rates, with protein hydrolysate formulas influencing slower growth compared to cow's milk-based formulas. Protein hydrolysate infants exhibit similar growth patterns to breast-fed infants, suggesting potential benefits for infant health.
Woolly mammoths living north of the Arctic Circle began weaning infants up to three years later than modern African elephants, potentially contributing to their eventual extinction. This adaptation to harsher environment and prolonged nursing may have made them more vulnerable to climate change and human hunting.
Researchers used near-infrared spectroscopy to investigate 7-8 month old infants' brain activity while perceiving their mother's face and female strangers. The study found increased hemodynamic responses in the bilateral temporal cortex for mothers, but only in the left temporaI cortex for maternal recognition.
A Michigan State University study found that mothers' own eating habits and perceptions of their child as a 'picky eater' significantly impact whether their toddler consumes enough fruits and vegetables. Health professionals must consider these factors when developing strategies to promote healthy eating in children.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that neonatal intensive care provides substantial population health benefits in Mexico relative to its costs, even for very premature babies. The study suggests that including neonatal intensive care in Mexico's Seguro Popular program is highly efficient in terms of overall benefits provided com...
Researchers found that vaccinating pregnant women against influenza prevents hospitalization in infants by 91.5%. This effective strategy protects young infants without a vaccine, and is cost-effective as it protects two individuals.
A new UCLA study warns that mandatory genetic screening of newborns for rare diseases is creating unexpected upheaval for families whose infants test positive but show no immediate signs of the diseases. The study found that parents are often left in limbo, waiting months for conclusive evidence and facing trauma as a result.
A new UCLA study reveals that mandatory genetic screening of newborns for rare diseases is creating unexpected upheaval for families whose infants test positive but show no immediate signs of the diseases. The study found that these families are often left in a state of uncertainty, with parents experiencing anxiety and trauma as they ...
The US Department of Health and Human Services has set ambitious targets to improve breastfeeding rates in the country. The Healthy People 2020 goals aim to increase the percentage of Baby Friendly Hospitals and workplaces that accommodate working mothers, as well as reduce formula supplementation during maternity hospital stays.
A new study suggests preterm infants are at risk of invasive pneumococcal disease despite receiving the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. Early effective immunization is crucial, as they have lower levels of maternally derived antibody than full-term infants.
Infants demonstrate ability to compare quantities, such as liquids, with research finding they choose larger amount in food-related tasks. This contradicts previous studies suggesting infants are unable to quantify non-cohesive substances.
Infants have more efficient bacteria to digest milk due to specific bacterial strains dominating their digestive tracts. These strains, such as Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis, enable efficient growth on human milk oligosaccharides.
Studies examine how people perceive gaze direction, detect kinship, and identify objects in space. Researchers find that subordinates' perceptions are generally more accurate than those of their bosses, while firstborns may struggle with detecting kinship among strangers.
Children with severe congenital heart defects are twice as likely to experience anxiety at 18 months old compared to healthy peers. The research, conducted by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, also found that maternal anxiety and depression contribute to these emotional problems.
A longitudinal study found that infants who get most of their sleep at night perform better in skill areas such as executive functioning, which includes controlling impulses, remembering things, and showing mental flexibility. The research suggests that good nighttime sleep in infancy sets the stage for later executive skills.
A University of Michigan study found that contact patterns among different age groups can explain the observed shifts in whooping cough prevalence and incidence. The research suggests that blanket booster-vaccination programs for adults may not be an efficient strategy for controlling the disease.
Researchers have developed a new type of heart pump to improve the survival rate for infants undergoing surgeries to correct univentricular circulation. The innovative 'viscous impeller pump' can be inserted through a catheter and expands to form two cones, spinning at 10,000 rpm to efficiently pump blood.
Researchers used NIRS to investigate infants' hemodynamic responses to happy and angry faces, finding that positive expressions elicited continuous neural activation, while negative expressions triggered more rapid decreased activity. The study suggests hemispheric lateralization of facial expression processing develops by 6 months.
Dr. Vinita Goyal, a Women's Reproductive Health Research Scholar at Care New England, is conducting research into the accessibility of contraception services for female military veterans within the US Department of Veterans Affairs. Her study aims to identify gaps in women's healthcare services and inform policy improvements.
Research reveals widespread internal exposure of humans to cosmetic UV filters, found in 85% of human milk samples, comparable to PCBs. The presence of UV filters is correlated with the use of cosmetic products containing these filters.
A UMass Medical School study found a genetic link in apnea of prematurity (AOP), with identical twins showing an 87% correlation. The research suggests heredity may play a strong role in determining an infant's susceptibility to AOP, leading to the development of more effective treatments and screening methods.
Researchers found that an infection late in pregnancy or after birth may trigger autoimmune process attacking the bile ducts, leading to scarring and blockage. This discovery points to new diagnostic tests and improved treatment options for biliary atresia.
Research suggests that substantial amounts of fluoride through infant formula and toothpaste may cause mild fluorosis in young children. However, the American Dental Association recommends continued use of fluoridated water and toothpaste due to their proven effectiveness in preventing tooth decay.
The Program in Women's Oncology at Women & Infants Hospital will receive a $5,000 donation from Pink Heals Rhode Island to support the Patient Advocate Program. The program helps eliminate obstacles and stresses for women battling breast cancer by arranging transportation, financial assistance, and other services.
A new research center will study the effects of bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates on infant and adolescent development, cognition, and behavior. The center aims to determine if exposure to these chemicals alters hormone signaling and affects sex differences in brain development and behavior.
A new clinical trial at The Children's Hospital at OU Medical Center aims to detect Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) in premature infants through a novel technique. If successful, the method could prevent blindness and save $1 million per child in lifetime support costs.
Dr. Edward Chien's $3.7M NIH grant will recruit up to 700 pregnant women to develop more accurate algorithms for tracking fetal development and predicting healthy small fetuses. The study aims to identify pathologic versus normal growth patterns in both singletons and twins.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have successfully tested a semi-synthetic opioid called buprenorphine to treat opioid withdrawal symptoms in infants. The treatment reduced days of hospital stay by 40% and showed promise in reducing healthcare costs, which could save up to $1 billion annually.
A study found that maternal influenza vaccination during pregnancy is associated with lower rates of flu infection and hospitalization in infants. Infants born to vaccinated mothers had higher levels of flu antibodies, providing protection against severe illness.
Children aged 12-23 months can reach the top of a standard kitchen countertop, surpassing expected milestones and increasing scald-related burn risks. Parents are urged to place hot objects closer to the back of the counter to minimize hazards.
A novel approach to improving health literacy has been developed and evaluated through the ESCUCHE Program, a 10-week curriculum targeting Spanish-speaking radio audience. The program resulted in significant improvements in science literacy across educational levels, with the greatest gains among high school-educated participants.
Researchers at Nationwide Children's Hospital are developing a new method to distinguish between bacterial and viral infections in infants using RNA biosignatures. The five-year study aims to improve diagnosis and treatment for serious bacterial infections such as bacteremia and meningitis, which can be life-threatening.
A recent study in the Journal of AAPOS found that feeding premature infants one hour before their retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) examination unexpectedly reduced stress levels. The researchers also discovered that this practice did not increase vomiting or gastric aspirates, contrary to current practice.
The Program for Fertility Preservation at Women & Infants Hospital offers fertility preservation options to young cancer survivors, including freezing ovarian tissue and eggs for future use. This experimental program aims to provide hope and promise of fertility to those affected by childhood cancer.
A randomized trial of chest physiotherapy in infants hospitalized with acute bronchiolitis found no reduction in recovery time. The study suggests that routine chest physiotherapy may not be necessary for this population.
The hospital is studying embryo, placenta and heart development, susceptibility to infection in newborns, and effects of intrauterine development on later outcomes. Researchers aim to improve care for vulnerable children by optimizing both the intrauterine and postnatal environment.
A new PhysiScore system developed by Stanford researchers can accurately predict the health of premature infants with a high degree of accuracy, potentially reducing healthcare costs. The system uses real-time data and machine learning algorithms to identify subtle patterns in the complex data about these young patients.
A study found that infants receiving pneumococcal conjugate vaccination (PCV-7) at 2, 4, and 11 months had a higher likelihood of acquiring pneumococcal serotype 19A, a multiresistant strain. The study's findings suggest that PCV-7 may facilitate the acquisition of this strain.
A new study found that children treated with protease inhibitors and then switched to Nevirapine were more likely to maintain low virus levels. The switch regime is easier for parents to adhere to, saving money, but requires adequate monitoring of virus levels.
A study published in Archives of General Psychiatry found that toddlers with autism spend more time examining dynamic geometric patterns than social images. This preference was observed as early as 14 months in infants at-risk for autism, and was associated with a higher risk of developing an autism spectrum disorder.
A new study found that high-risk infants, those with a sibling with autism, showed infrequent gazing at caregivers when unprompted. Despite this, they demonstrated typical cause and effect learning skills. The study suggests that early exposure to simple cause and effect opportunities can aid in development.
A study published in The Lancet reveals that giving newborn babies oral sucrose does not relieve pain, but rather changes their facial expressions. Researchers administered sucrose or sterile water to 59 infants before undergoing heel lances and found no significant difference in brain activity or spinal reflex withdrawal, but a lower ...
Very low birthweight and preterm infants are more likely to die without access to specialized NICU care. A regionalized system of NICUs has improved infant mortality rates since its inception in the 1970s, but progress has been hindered by a decline in Level III hospital births.
A meta-analysis of previous research reveals that very low-birth-weight and very preterm infants have a higher likelihood of neonatal and predischarge death when born at less-specialized hospitals. The study found a significant increase in mortality rates for these high-risk infants, emphasizing the importance of hospital level of care.
Infants born at 37-38 weeks or after 42 weeks have a higher risk of cerebral palsy compared to those delivered at 40 weeks. The risk is significantly higher for babies born at 37 weeks, with a 3.7 times increased risk of cerebral palsy.
A University of Illinois professor has developed a nutritious salmon baby food for toddlers, citing the importance of omega-3 fatty acids for brain development and preventing coronary artery disease. The product's taste was found to be mild and appealing to parents, with an encouraging sensory panel response.
Research suggests that responding to infants' cues is key to better sleep outcomes, contradicting past findings on physical contact. Parents who show disinterest or gentle interactions help children fall asleep faster, while those using stern directives hinder sleep.
A new study has found that male infants are easier to arouse from sleep than female infants at 2-4 weeks of age, but this difference resolves by 2-3 months. The study suggests that the increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in males may not be due to differences in arousability.
A study of over 200,000 deliveries found that late preterm births (34-37 weeks) are associated with a higher risk of severe respiratory illness. The risk decreases with advancing gestational age, with the lowest risk at 38-40 weeks. Early ultrasound confirmation and mode of delivery may help prevent neonatal morbidity.
Babies born between 34 and 37 weeks gestation are more likely to experience respiratory issues, with risks decreasing as gestational age approaches full term. Respiratory distress syndrome was found in 11% of 34-week deliveries and transient tachypnea in 6.4% of the same group.
Research published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found that maternal affection at 8 months predicts emotional distress in adulthood. The study tracked 482 participants from childhood to adult life, revealing a strong correlation between mother's warmth and child's emotional well-being.
A new research paper proposes a six-step decision-making approach to facilitate shared decision-making between parents and physicians for infants born with genetic or anatomical anomalies in sexual development. The process aims to clarify reasons, identify gaps in understanding, and explore values underlying decisions. By working on th...
A randomized controlled trial found that nitric oxide treatment did not improve overall survival or reduce poor lung development in preterm infants. However, black babies showed a higher survival rate compared to non-black babies. The study suggests that ethnic origin may affect the response to nitric oxide treatment.