Research on the health and development of babies. Covers motor development, maternal-infant health, cochlear implants, and infant nutrition.
Children account for 18% of HIV-related deaths and 15% of infections annually, highlighting the need for improved testing. New approaches, such as routine newborn testing, could help detect more children with HIV in resource-limited settings.
Two studies examine the effects of oral steroids and propranolol on infantile hemangiomas, revealing potential side effects and complications. Researchers aim to develop safer treatment options for this common childhood skin disorder.
A study found that only 51% of HIV-exposed infants in African countries received a minimum dose of nevirapine to reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission. The study highlights the need for improved service coverage and counseling services to maximize prevention efforts.
A new study from Tel Aviv University suggests that mothers who feed their babies cow's milk in the first 15 days of life may be protecting them from developing an allergy to cow's milk protein later in life. The study found that babies who were fed cow milk protein early, in the form of infant formula, were almost completely protected ...
A new study finds that teaching parents to feed their infants 'responsively' promotes higher acceptance of vegetables and novel foods, while also improving growth patterns among infants. The one-year intervention has implications for long-term obesity prevention by fostering healthier eating habits in early childhood.
A study found that the human brain regions growing during infancy and childhood are similar to those with the most changes when comparing humans to apes and monkeys. This research helps assess adverse effects of premature birth on brain development, including increased risks of learning disabilities and cognitive impairments.
Researchers at The Chinese University of Hong Kong have identified biomarkers in preterm infants' blood that can detect late-onset septicemia and necrotizing enterocolitis. These findings may help diagnose preterm infants requiring urgent treatment, reducing the risk of life-threatening conditions.
Cincinnati Children's Hospital researchers have identified molecular signatures that can classify the vast majority of patients with biliary atresia as inflamed or fibrotic. This helps determine the 'stage' of liver disease, allowing for tailored treatments and potential new therapies.
Women who enrolled in WIC during their first or second trimester were less likely to introduce cow's milk too soon than those who enrolled later. This study highlights the importance of timely nutrition reinforcement for low-income mothers and their children's health.
A recent study by University of Calgary professor Charlene Elliott found that 53% of baby and toddler foods have excessive sugar content, with over half meeting the criteria for poor nutritional quality. The study also revealed a 'halo effect' in adult perceptions of these products, highlighting the need to carefully examine ingredient...
Research published in Archives of Disease in Childhood found that informal childcare arrangements significantly reduced the likelihood of breastfeeding, affecting all strata of society. Around a third of infants were breastfed for at least four months.
A new study indicates that babies born vaginally have bacterial communities resembling their mother's vaginal bacteria, while C-section newborns have common skin bacterial communities. This finding has potential implications for infant health as they grow and develop.
A study by Dr. Regina Sullivan and colleagues reveals that abusive mothering in rat pups leads to disrupted social behavior and increased engagement of the amygdala, a region involved in regulating stress and emotion. The findings provide insights into the neurobiological origins of psychopathology stemming from abuse.
A 10-year study of a chimp community in Uganda found that chimpanzees violently kill individuals from neighboring groups to expand their own territory. The researchers witnessed 18 fatal attacks and found signs of three others, with the Ngogo chimpanzees expanding their territory by 22%.
A new study suggests that a father's involvement before birth may play an important role in preventing death during the first year of life. Infants born to absent fathers were more likely to experience lower birth weights, preterm births, and small size, as well as higher rates of neonatal mortality.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that giving antiretroviral drugs to HIV-infected breastfeeding mothers is as effective as administering an HIV-fighting syrup to their babies in preventing HIV transmission. Both methods were shown to increase infant HIV-free survival rates.
A study on child survival in rural Bangladesh found that mother's death massively reduces child's chances of survival to age 10 years. The father's death has a negligible effect on child mortality rates, with the greatest impact seen in children aged 2-12 months whose mothers had died.
A study by the American Society of Nephrology found that growth hormone therapy improved growth and bone mineral density in infants with chronic kidney failure. Infants treated with growth hormone grew an average of 5.7 inches, while those without treatment grew only 3.7 inches.
A national study found that continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment may be a viable alternative to routine intubation and surfactant administration in preterm infants. Infants treated with CPAP required less frequent intubation, fewer days on ventilators, and fewer steroid drugs after birth.
A new meta-analysis of individual patient data found that high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) has outcomes comparable to conventional ventilation for preterm infants, without increased risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia or brain damage. The study included 3229 participants and analyzed 10 randomized controlled trials.
A recent study by Nationwide Children's Hospital sheds light on the deadly bowel disease necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in infants born with complex congenital heart disease. The research reveals that neonates undergoing the hybrid procedure have a lower risk of NEC compared to those receiving the Norwood procedure.
A study published in JAMA found that respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most commonly detected virus among Kenyan children with severe pneumonia. RSV was associated with increased risk of admission with severe disease, suggesting that vaccination may offer significant public health benefits.
Research published in PLOS Medicine found an association between greater early-infancy gains in weight and length and genetic markers for adult obesity risk. Early infancy weight gain is also linked to increased risk of overweight and obesity in children globally.
Researchers found RSV was the predominant virus detected among infants and children hospitalized with severe pneumonia in Kenya. The study suggests that RSV vaccination may offer considerable public health benefit, potentially reducing all-cause clinically severe or very severe pneumonia admissions by one-third.
USF researchers recommend delaying umbilical cord clamping to increase the transfer of stem cells, which may help prevent anemia and other health problems in newborns. The study suggests that this delay can be beneficial for pre-term infants and those born in areas with limited access to healthcare.
A study found that three commonly used symptom-reflux association analysis (SAA) parameters often disagree on diagnosing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in infants. The results show a significant discrepancy between the parameters, highlighting the need for a combination of diagnostic methods to accurately diagnose GERD in infants.
Researchers discovered that newborns can learn and respond to tones while asleep, a finding that could lead to early identification of infants at risk for developmental disorders such as autism and dyslexia. The study used EEG recordings to measure brain waves and found that 24 of 26 babies showed neural activity during sleep.
Researchers found that higher oxygen levels in preterm infants improve survival rates, but also increase the risk of retinopathy of prematurity. A new treatment using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is as effective as traditional ventilator therapy and may result in fewer complications.
Research published in Archives of Disease in Childhood found that giving infants a small amount of sucrose or glucose before immunization significantly reduced crying and pain. Healthcare professionals are recommended to consider using these solutions as an analgesic during painful procedures.
A University of Illinois study reveals that breast milk induces unique genetic pathways in infants, differing from those in formula-fed babies. The discovery sheds light on the immune-protective components of breast milk and its role in intestinal development.
Rotavirus vaccination effectively reduces cases of severe rotavirus disease by 72-93% and all cases of diarrhoea by 76-67%. The vaccines are not associated with increased serious adverse events.
A new study published in Psychological Science found that physical contact from a female experimenter increases financial risk taking in adults. The researchers suggest that this effect is due to the way mothers use touch to make their babies feel secure, creating a sense of attachment and increased willingness to take risks.
A recent study found that surgical lens replacement in infants with congenital cataract leads to more complications than contact lenses. The study, which included 114 infants, showed no short-term visual benefit from implanted lenses and increased risk of additional operations.
Scientists present evidence that imprinted genes from the father may promote excessive resource allocation to the fetus, while those from the mother are more conservative. This could lead to sex-dependent differences in disease risk and outcomes.
Researchers found that giving breastfeeding mothers DHA supplements increased DHA levels in their breast milk by almost 12 times, providing a boost to premature infants' brain development. This effective way of providing DHA supports optimal growth and neurodevelopment for preterm babies.
A randomized, controlled study found that probiotics supplemented in enteral feedings of extremely low birthweight infants (ELBW) led to better weight gain compared to those without supplementation. No adverse effects were reported.
Researchers have identified key eye characteristics to determine which premature infants are most likely to benefit from early treatment for retinopathy of prematurity, resulting in improved vision and reduced risk of blindness. This new approach aims to improve the lives of thousands of children born prematurely each year.
A clinical study found that intensive breastfeeding support for obese women significantly improves breastfeeding success rates and infant health outcomes, including lower hospitalization rates for respiratory infections. The study involved 154 overweight or obese women who received either standard information or intensive peer counseli...
A study published in Experimental Biology and Medicine reports the discovery of periodic heart rate decelerations in premature human infants. The researchers developed a mathematical model based on Hopf bifurcation theory to describe the dynamics of these decelerations, which are statistically correlated with impending sepsis in neonates.
Research found that extremely preterm infants have abnormal lung function and are twice as likely to have asthma. Lung function impairment persists into middle childhood, especially those with bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Early monitoring and treatment can minimize long-term respiratory problems.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found a successful pilot program increasing HPV vaccination rates from 0 to 44% among post-partum women. The study suggests that OB/GYN clinics can play a key role in vaccinating eligible adults, particularly pregnant and post-partum women.
Experts recommend including interventions that reduce weight gain in mothers-to-be and increase breastfeeding time to create a comprehensive anti-obesity program. This approach has the potential to alter the course of the childhood obesity epidemic, particularly among low-income children and ethnic minorities.
A study found that DNA analysis of dried blood samples from newborns did not effectively identify an infection causing congenital CMV, leading to sensorineural hearing loss. Current methods for screening newborns for this infection have low sensitivity and specificity.
Researchers confirm that early treatment for selected infants with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) improves their vision through 6 years of age. Doctors can identify high-risk infants by examining certain eye characteristics, such as blood vessel appearance and location.
Researchers at Queen's University found that toddlers as young as 21 months can be selective in their helping and reward good intentions. In three experiments with infants and two actresses, 75% of toddlers helped the actress who made an effort to help, even if they didn't receive a toy.
Researchers found that 16% of 6-month-olds were obese, highlighting the need for early detection and prevention strategies. Exclusive breastfeeding and adequate fiber intake can help prevent obesity in infants.
Researchers found that words significantly impacted 3-month-old infants' cognitive performance in a categorization task. Infants who heard words showed evidence of forming the fish category, while those who heard tones did not.
Research found that 18-month-old gesturing in brain-injured children can predict later vocabulary delays; the study suggests that gesture may be a diagnostic tool for identifying children who will experience persistent language delay. The findings have both therapeutic and diagnostic implications.
Researchers found that infants as young as 7 months old display sensitivity to human voice and emotional prosody in their brains, mirroring adult brain activity. The study suggests that critical neurodevelopmental processes underlying impaired voice processing in disorders like autism may occur before 7 months.
Researchers found that infants are more likely to help an actress who has previously shown good intentions, even if they were unable to provide a toy. This suggests that by 21 months, infants display selective helping behavior based on their previous interactions with others.
Researchers at University Clinic in Leuven, Belgium successfully treated premature infants with constricted aortas using bailout stenting. The procedure resulted in better surgical outcomes and improved hemodynamic stability for patients.
A recent study assessing nasal ventilation in newborns reveals that nearly 1 in 7 infants (12%) develop internal nasal complications while receiving oxygenation and ventilation support. The primary external complication found was columellar necrosis, which can lead to adverse cosmetic results if left untreated.
Infants as young as five months old show a strong response to music's beat, moving in sync with the rhythm. This innate ability may be linked to human evolution and music processing.
A study presented at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons meeting found correlations between maternal and infant cobalt and chromium levels in patients with metal-on-metal hip implants. Elevated ion levels were detected in infants, suggesting the placenta modulates metal ion transfer to the fetus.
Janet Golden is researching how demographic factors and cultural expectations shape infant care practices in the US. She will analyze baby books and family papers to understand changes in American life over the past century.
A study published in Journal of Dental Research found that successful periodontal treatment significantly lowers the risk of preterm birth. Pregnant women with periodontal disease who received scaling and root planing had a lower rate of prematurity compared to those without periodontal disease.
Researchers at Charles Drew University and UC Irvine will develop a mobile app to collect daily observations on low-birth-weight babies and their parents. The system aims to improve healthcare outcomes by enabling earlier diagnoses and better quality of care.
Jennifer C. Hirsch, M.D., M.S., receives the Nina Starr Braunwald award for her work developing an assessment tool for infants' sensory and motor skills following congenital heart defects surgery. The award supports research and education for women in cardiac surgery.
Researchers found that higher-energy milk from heavier mothers with previous pregnancies led to more confident, active, and curious infants. In contrast, lower-energy milk was associated with less confident and less active infants when separated from their mother.
A Japanese team has developed an emotion detector for babies that can accurately classify their cries as 'normal' or in pain. The device uses a statistical analysis of audio spectra and achieved a 100% success rate in its validation tests.