Research on the health and development of babies. Covers motor development, maternal-infant health, cochlear implants, and infant nutrition.
A new study shows that infants as young as five months old have established neural pathways to sense looming danger. As they become more mobile, their ability to process this information improves, with more mature infants able to respond faster.
Researchers at the University of Iowa challenge previous studies on social cues in babies and dogs, finding that distractions from adults lead to poor performance in a classic toy-hiding game. Computer simulations support this explanation, showing that attention and memory are key factors in the task.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a handheld device that uses SD OCT to create 3-D images of the retina, allowing for early detection of retinopathy of prematurity. The technology can snap pictures up to 40 times faster than previous versions and is being used to analyze data on over 20 infants.
A recent study found that intermittent preventive malaria treatment in African infants is both safe and effective, with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine providing protection for up to 6 weeks. However, the use of this drug is limited by potential resistance and its risks. New long-acting antimalarial drugs are urgently needed for this strategy.
A new study found that supplementing babies' formula with DHA boosts their cognitive development. The research, published in Child Development, showed that babies who received formula supplemented with high concentrations of DHA performed better on a problem-solving test and displayed more intentional behaviors.
A study by University of North Carolina researchers found that giving insecticide-treated bed nets to nearly 18,000 mothers in the Democratic Republic of Congo prevented an estimated 414 infant deaths from malaria. The intervention also reduced long-term disability and was more cost-effective than prevention measures in the US.
A new study found that priming affiliation in infants as young as 18 months increases their tendency to be helpful. Infants who saw images of two dolls facing each other were three times more likely to spontaneously offer help than those who saw different background images.
A study by Russell Belk explores how societal changes impact sharing, highlighting threats like individualization and decline of public education, but also finds healthy models in online communities and forums. Belk suggests promoting sharing through an expanded sense of self and shared ownership.
Microbiologists at the University of Texas Health Science Center have discovered a cellular molecule called NOD2 that recognizes two common respiratory viruses and directs cells to mount a defense. The finding holds promise for new therapies against human RSV and influenza A, particularly among vulnerable populations.
A study found that persistently present levels of unmetabolized folic acid in the population indicate that mandatory fortification may result in an excessive effect. Most Irish people already get enough folic acid from voluntarily fortified foods, suggesting mandatory policies may be unnecessary.
The study found a significant decrease in delivery-related perinatal deaths in term infants, with a 38% reduction in overall mortality rates. The largest contributor was a decline in oxygen deprivation cases, which dropped by 48%.
A two-week course of erythropoietin injections has shown promising results in preventing brain damage in oxygen-deprived newborns. The treatment, which can be started up to two days after birth, improves the prognosis and reduces side effects compared to cooling.
A new method for improving quality of care has reduced hospital-acquired infections by 32% and respiratory distress by 15%. The method, developed by researchers at the Canadian Neonatal Network, enables hospitals to select practice changes pertinent to their specific needs.
A study by Case Western Reserve University Psychologist Joseph Fagan found an association between early ability to process information and IQ scores later in life. Infants who processed new information well at 6- and 12-months-old showed higher levels of academic achievement as young adults.
A new UAB study found that novice parents identified less than half of the safety hazards in a simulated home environment. Parents recognized only 47% of the hazards and considered their own children as being invulnerable to injuries.
A systematic literature review found that mothers who bottle-feed with infant formula do not receive adequate information and support from healthcare providers, putting their babies' health at risk. The International Formula Council offers online resources, including video and print information, to help meet this need.
Researchers at UT Health Science Center at Houston have identified an organism called Klebsiella that may be sparking inflammation and gut issues in colicky infants. The study found a link between the bacterium and gut inflammation in colic sufferers, potentially paving the way for treatment with probiotics.
A study led by University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill investigators found that giving daily antiretroviral syrup to breastfeeding infants or treating their HIV-infected mothers with highly active antiretroviral drugs is safe and effective in preventing mother-to-child HIV transmission through breast milk.
Researchers identified three cases of likely HIV transmission to infants via pre-chewed food, suggesting caution for HIV-positive caregivers. The study highlights the need for more data and education on culturally sensitive issues related to infant feeding practices.
A study suggests that 19th century infant deaths attributed to smothering and overlaying were likely caused by Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The analysis of mortality schedules from 1850-1880 found that these deaths shared similar characteristics with known SIDS cases, including age, gender, and racial patterns.
Researchers have identified protein Nox4 as crucial for hemangioma growth and found a potent inhibitor fulvene-5 to substantially inhibit its growth. This discovery suggests targeting Nox4 using fulvene derivatives may attenuate hemangioma growth.
A study found that reduced-dose schedules of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV-7) significantly reduce vaccine serotype pneumococcal carriage in children. The 2-dose and 2 + 1-dose schedules were shown to be effective in reducing pneumonia and infection risks in infants.
Infants with low birth weight are at a higher risk of developing respiratory problems that persist into adulthood. Researchers found that those with very low birth weight were twice as likely to be hospitalized for asthma or respiratory infection, and 2.6 times more likely to require mechanical ventilation.
Researchers found a strong association between congenital brain defects and preterm birth in a study of over 1,000 infant autopsies. Brain malformations were significantly associated with preterm birth, with certain types of malformations having stronger associations than others.
Researchers found that screening all babies with a physical clinical exam and ultrasound can significantly decrease the chance of developing early arthritis. Infants with hip dysplasia are at risk of long-term complications if left untreated, emphasizing the importance of early detection and treatment.
A study of 201 newborns found that high phthalate levels were consistently associated with low birth weight, highlighting the potential environmental risk factor for infant health. The research supports efforts to minimize phthalate exposure and reduce its impact on newborns.
A study published in Nutrition Journal found that many parents misinterpret common baby behaviors as milk intolerance and needlessly switch formulas. The randomized study demonstrated no difference in infant tolerance of two cow milk formulas over a 60-day feeding trial.
A recent study found that parental presence at bedtime has a greater negative impact on infant sleep than actual co-sleeping. Children who slept in separate rooms obtained more sleep, woke less at night, and had fewer sleep problems.
A large cohort study found that metoclopramide poses no significant risks for fetal development when used to relieve morning sickness nausea, supporting its safe use during pregnancy. The study analyzed data from over 80,000 infants born to mothers who received the medication during the first trimester.
A study analyzing tickle-induced vocalizations in infant and juvenile great apes, as well as human infants, found a common evolutionary origin for laughter. The researchers discovered that laughter evolved gradually over the last 10-16 million years of primate evolution, with humans exhibiting acoustically distinct features.
A recent study by Dr Edward J Mills and colleagues found that ratifying human rights treaties does not affect health indicators such as HIV prevalence and child mortality. High-income countries have made greater health gains despite treaty ratification, highlighting the need for adequate monitoring and tracking of interventions.
A Swedish study found that 70% of extremely preterm infants born alive between 22-26 weeks survived at least one year. Proactive perinatal management likely contributed to this outcome, making it crucial to reassess decision-making for these infants.
A recent study published in Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine found that every hour of TV exposure is linked to a 7% decrease in the number of words an adult says to an infant. This reduction in verbal interactions also affects the length and frequency of child vocalizations and conversational turns between adults and children.
A new study found that longer breastfeeding duration and higher-quality weaning diets can shape a child's body composition. Children who were breastfed for longer periods had lower fat mass, while those with higher quality weaning diets had greater lean mass at four years of age.
Researchers found that Inuit infants are four times more likely to be admitted for LRTI than mixed or non-Inuit infants, with risk factors including smoking during pregnancy, overcrowded living conditions, and not being breastfed. Immunizing rural Inuit infants with the Palivisumab vaccine could save up to $8,000 per admission avoided.
The study explores the therapeutic process of mother-infant psychotherapy, highlighting its unique catalytic factors that promote change and growth through relational connection and the 'now moment'. The findings emphasize the importance of observing and responding to infant behavior, recognizing maternal experiences and capacities, an...
Researchers found that students speaking East Asian tone languages fluently scored nearly 100% on a perfect pitch test, while those who were only fairly fluent or not fluent at all performed worse. The study suggests that nurture may play a significant role in developing this rare ability.
The SIESTA II project aims to understand the role of parenting in infant sleep development, exploring how parents' emotional availability affects their child's sleep quality. The study will investigate how consistent bedtime rituals, parental support, and stress levels impact infant sleep habits.
Research suggests that mothers who miss signs of satiety in their infants tend to overfeed them, leading to excess weight gain. The study found that maternal sensitivity to infant signals at 3 and 6 months predicted infant weight gain from 6-12 months.
The study found that dephytinization significantly increased mineral cell uptake efficiency, retention, and transport efficiency of iron and zinc. Calcium bioavailability also showed a significant increase after phytate removal from most samples. This research provides valuable insights for infant nutrition and mineral absorption.
A study by University of Georgia researchers found a rise in homicidal poisonings, with infants being the most common victims. The majority of these cases are likely negligent homicides committed by parents or caretakers, rather than premeditated crimes.
Researchers at Northwestern University found that infants as young as five months old can distinguish between liquids and solids based on movement cues. This suggests that babies are not blank slates but rather active learners who perceive the world in a similar way from infancy throughout life.
Studies found that even mildly premature infants have a higher risk of medically attended RSV infection, especially those exposed to supplemental oxygen. Researchers detected an increased risk even in babies born at 37 weeks.
A recent study found that even mild prematurity increases risk of medically attended RSV infection, with highest risks among babies born between 33-36 weeks gestational age. This research contributes to growing evidence that late-preterm infants face greater morbidity and healthcare costs.
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, have identified a potential new treatment for retinopathy in premature infants using JNK1 inhibitors. The study found that inhibiting JNK1 reduced abnormal blood vessel growth and vision loss in mouse models of ROP.
Infants born to mothers with depression experience significant sleep disturbances from 2 weeks postpartum until 6 months of age. The study suggests that maternal depression may affect infants' sleep patterns and increase the risk of developing early-onset depression in childhood.
A bedtime routine significantly reduces problematic sleep behaviors in infants and toddlers, while also improving maternal mood and increasing sleep continuity. The study's findings highlight the importance of creating a consistent bedtime routine as a preventative measure for young children with sleep problems.
Lisa Mauer, a Purdue University researcher, has developed an inexpensive and rapid method for detecting melamine in infant formula using infrared lasers and light spectroscopy. The technique can identify trace amounts of melamine at one part per million, significantly reducing the risk of contamination.
A study of 50,806 cesarean deliveries found regional anesthesia reduced infant intubation and poor Apgar scores. This suggests that regional anesthesia may be the preferred choice for most cesarean sections.
The new AAP clinical report offers guidance on secure transport and advises parents to use car safety seats only for travel, while car beds are recommended for infants with breathing difficulties. The guidelines recommend placement of car seats in the rear seat and use of rolled blankets for support.
A new study from Lucile Packard Children's Hospital and Stanford University School of Medicine reveals that infants with bowel disease may have two distinct disease processes with different origins. The research suggests that premature infants, heart defect patients, and others with NEC may be affected by reduced blood flow to the bowe...
A new study from the University of Gothenburg suggests that tracking a preterm infant's weekly weight gain can identify those at risk of developing eye disease ROP. The simple method could save money and allow for earlier detection, reducing the need for costly ophthalmological exams.
Studies link periodontal disease to infant prematurity, diabetes, and stroke. Treating pregnant women with scaling and root planing can save nearly $14 million worldwide.
Researchers developed a test to detect early evidence of amblyopia in infants with hemangiomas of eyelids, which can lead to permanent reductions in vision. The 'sweep visual evoked potential vernier acuity' test identified abnormal brainwave responses in the eyes affected by hemangiomas.
A study found that maternal smoking is associated with an impaired infant arousal process, which may increase the risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The study suggests that maternal smoking can impair the arousal pathways of seemingly normal infants, explaining their increased risk for SIDS.
Research suggests that preconceptional psychological distress is a strong predictor of infant night waking, increasing the risk by 23% at 6 months and 22% at 12 months. This can lead to sleep problems in early childhood, affecting learning abilities and behavior.
A study found a strong association between birth defects and increased pesticide levels in surface water across the US, particularly for women conceiving in April to July. Elevated pesticide concentrations coincided with peak birth defect rates, suggesting a potential link between pesticide exposure and birth defects.
A new Harvard Medical School study reveals that infants who experience rapid weight gain in the first six months of life are at a higher risk of developing obesity by age three. The research suggests that early interventions may help prevent long-term health consequences.
Researchers found that individuals with autism tend to stare at people's mouths rather than their eyes due to the attraction of audiovisual synchrony. This phenomenon is more pronounced in toddlers with autism, who exhibit a strong preference for lip-sync, whereas unaffected peers focus on socially meaningful movements.
A study found that visually examining newborns for jaundice is an unreliable method of predicting the risk of hyperbilirubinemia, a potentially life-threatening condition. Only infants with no visible jaundice can confidently have a very low risk.