Research on the health and development of babies. Covers motor development, maternal-infant health, cochlear implants, and infant nutrition.
A new screening program using digital cameras and the Internet effectively identifies early childhood dental caries (ECC) in 40% of toddlers. The program, developed by University of Rochester Medical Center researchers, uses photos taken by child care center health assistants to detect ECC before it becomes a painful problem.
Researchers have confirmed that infants can detect arithmetic errors, challenging the idea that executive attention systems develop later in childhood. The study used brain-monitoring technology to analyze infant responses to math problems, finding that they looked longer at screens with incorrect solutions.
A mother's attentiveness to her baby's distress is more important than positive feedback for secure attachment. Researcher Nancy McElwain found that sensitivity during times of distress, not nondistress, predicts attachment security at 15 months.
The study found that inhaled nitric oxide reduced the risk of chronic lung disease in premature infants by 7.1 percentage points at 36 weeks. Lung disease was also less severe in treated infants, with shorter hospitalizations and less need for mechanical ventilation or oxygen therapy.
Inhaled nitric oxide significantly reduces chronic lung disease and brain injury risk in very low birthweight premature infants. The therapy, given within the first few weeks of life or within 48 hours after birth, appears to protect against long-term breathing problems and brain damage.
Research finds that reducing child-to-caregiver ratios from five to three improves emotional support, structure, and instruction in childcare settings. This leads to better behavior and well-being in children, particularly infants.
Researchers at UIC University found a link between maternal smoking during pregnancy and behavior problems in toddlers. The study, published in Child Development, found that prenatally exposed children were nearly 12 times more likely to show clinical levels of behavior problems.
A study published in Neurology reports four cases of MECP2 gene mutations in infant males with progressive encephalopathy, challenging the assumption that these mutations are always lethal before birth. The researchers encourage neonatologists and pediatricians to consider MECP2 as a possible cause of severe neurological abnormalities.
A recent study found that toddlers exposed to cigarette smoke in utero show higher levels of behavior problems from 12 through 24 months. The research indicates an association between prenatal exposure and specific types of disruptive behavior, particularly social aspects such as aggression and refusal to follow directions.
A recent study published in the European Heart Journal found that routine ECG screening for newborns can identify life-threatening genetic conditions like long QT syndrome, which can be prevented with medication. The cost-effectiveness analysis suggests that this program could save up to 27 lives per year in Italy.
Researchers tracked brain activity in newborns, 6-month-olds, and one-year-olds using magnetic field technology. The study found that the areas responsible for listening and speaking in the brain are linked by age, indicating that infants form connections between perception and production of speech through experience.
A study found that diphenhydramine hydrochloride did not improve infant sleep or parents' happiness with their children's sleep. Parents who took the medication experienced no significant difference in nighttime awakenings or parental satisfaction with their child's sleep.
A new study shows that a single dose of an anti-malarial drug can significantly lower the risk of malaria in infants. Infants given this treatment had a one-fifth reduction in hospital admissions compared to those receiving a placebo.
A new study used 'diffusion tensor' MRI to track brain development in infants with and without perinatal hypoxic ischemia. The results showed distinct fiber patterns in the brains of affected infants, which often persisted into later childhood and correlated with motor problems.
Safe sleep practices, such as placing infants on their backs to sleep, can significantly reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. The study emphasizes the importance of ensuring a safe sleep environment, including avoiding soft bedding and overheating.
A study published in The Lancet found that delaying umbilical cord clamping for two minutes at birth significantly increases a child's iron status, particularly among those with low birth weights or iron-deficient mothers. This efficient and low-cost method can help prevent iron deficiency before 6 months of age.
Astronomers using gravitational lensing to study distant galaxies behind massive clusters, which act as giant cosmic telescopes. The ACS team has found three candidate galaxies that could provide the clearest view yet of the youngest galaxies ever seen.
Researchers found that developmental red flags, such as poor eye contact and language delay, can be identified at 14 months and worsen by 24 months. Early intervention could improve outcomes for children with autism.
Two surgical interventions, primary peritoneal drainage and laparotomy, were compared in a clinical trial involving 117 preterm infants with perforated NEC. The study found that the type of operation performed did not influence survival or other clinically important outcomes.
The study found that Aboriginal infants had more preventable deaths and higher disparities in death rates compared to non-Aboriginal peers. The researchers emphasize the need for effective maternal and infant services to address these disparities and promote long-term Aboriginal health and well-being.
A multicenter randomized controlled trial involving 117 premature infants found that laparotomy and bowel resection and peritoneal drainage surgical approaches have essentially the same major outcomes in terms of patient survival. The study ends three decades of speculation and debate over which approach is more effective.
Researchers identified two genes, CAV3 and RyR2, linked to SIDS. The study found molecular and functional evidence in these genes suggesting a possible explanation for the condition. The findings point to the heart as a critical area of investigation for SIDS.
Toddlers learn more effectively from interactive videos that engage in conversation and use social cues, rather than passive videos. The study found that non-interactive videos were dismissed by toddlers due to the lack of perceived interaction.
Researchers propose criteria for standardizing newborn hearing screening, including molecular genetic testing to identify common causes of birth-Expressed deafness. Prompt confirmation of abnormal results can dramatically improve educational outcomes for deaf infants.
Researchers found that toddlers prefer learning from videos with two-way interaction and social cues, such as eye contact. The study suggests using interactive video in educational television for young children, providing a more engaging and effective learning experience.
Researchers argue for alternative approach to vaccine distribution, considering individual's degree of life investment and life expectancy. Healthy people from early adolescence to middle age are prioritized for vaccination, aiming to maximize years of life.
A year-long treatment improved neurologic outcomes for infants and children with toxoplasmosis. Seventy-two percent of those with moderate or severe disease had normal long-term cognitive outcomes. Comprehensive screening for pregnant women and newborns is recommended to prevent this acute parasitic infection.
Researchers studied 140 infants with mild bilirubin levels and found no significant differences in IQ, behavior, or neurological diagnoses compared to control group. The study suggests proper treatment can prevent long-term neurological issues, providing reassurance for parents.
A new study found a strong connection between colic and postpartum depression in demographically diverse women. 19% of mothers reported moderate to severe symptoms of postpartum depression, while 8% reported their babies were difficult to console.
Researchers found that infants can group visual stimuli by brightness, shape, and proximity at four months, challenging previous assumptions about individual differences in attention. This discovery has implications for understanding cognitive development and potential interventions for developmental disorders.
Infants born to mothers with extremely short or long intervals between pregnancies face increased risks of preterm birth, low birth weight, and small for gestational age. Short intervals (less than 6 months) result in a 40% increase in preterm birth risk, while long intervals (more than 59 months) lead to a 20-43% higher risk.
A new analysis reveals that combination vaccines significantly increased on-time immunization rates in infants. The study found that the combination group had a 42.7% on-time rate for the HEDIS Combo 2 series, compared to 34.9% in the component group.
Improved breastfeeding rates over the past 25 years have led to high infant iron levels; human milk provides essential nutrients. Complementary foods in older infants' diets require improvement to meet nutritional needs.
Since the introduction of PREVNAR, antibiotic-resistant invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) has decreased by 87% among all ages, 98% among children under two, and 79% among adults over 65. The vaccine has also reduced IPD caused by penicillin-resistant strains targeted by the vaccine.
A study published in Liver Transplantation found that pediatric liver transplant patients waited significantly longer than in the past, with an average waiting time of over 10 years. The number of pediatric patients on the waitlist increased only slightly, while the mortality rate remained high, particularly among young children.
A study of over 6 million births found Asian-Indian women were more than twice as likely to have low birth weight infants as white women. U.S.-born Mexican-American women also faced health challenges, despite higher completion rates and earlier prenatal care.
Researchers found that 10-month-old infants can learn two new words in a single session, pairing words with the object they find most interesting. This discovery suggests that babies are actively listening and learning language from birth, highlighting the importance of talking about their interests to aid language development.
Researchers found that 10-month-olds attach more importance to the object's interest than a speaker's attention. Parents can use this insight to start conversations with their infants, increasing language learning speed.
Scientists have new evidence for the 'inflation' scenario that describes the universe's sudden growth from submicroscopic to astronomical size in its first trillionth of a second. The WMAP satellite data show a faint polarization signal, which was weaker than expected, but still supports the inflation prediction.
The study found that combination vaccine groups had significantly higher coverage rates for various vaccines, including DTaP, polio, and hepatitis B. Additionally, children in the combination cohort received their vaccinations on time more frequently than those in the component cohort.
Researchers used dual-energy X-ray absorpiometry (DXA) to measure adiposity, finding no significant difference in fat mass between breastfed and non-breastfed children. Early introduction of complementary foods did not lower fat mass either. Breastfeeding still provides numerous benefits for mother and child.
Research finds that postpartum depressive symptoms in mothers are associated with reduced breastfeeding rates, less frequent playtime, and reduced interaction with infants. The study emphasizes the need for pediatricians to screen for maternal depressive symptoms and provide guidance on interactive parenting practices.
A study by Felix Warneken and Mike Tomasello found that children as young as 18 months willingly helped complete strangers, even without any reward. The children's ability to infer when someone needed help suggests a natural inclination towards altruism.
Researchers propose that social systems arose as a group defense mechanism against predators, citing studies on male muriqui networks and affiliative hormones in primate species. Positive behaviors like grooming and physical touch increase levels of social bonding hormones.
Researchers found that newborns (10-72 hours old) prefer speech over nonsensical words in a study led by Dr. Athena Vouloumanos. The infants showed increased sucking behavior when hearing human speech compared to speech-like analogues, suggesting an experience-independent component to their preference for speech.
Healthy preterm infants have reduced lung function, according to a study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. The researchers found that male sex and lower gestational age were significantly associated with reduced expiratory flows in this group.
Pittsburgh researchers found biomarkers in infant blood that can identify possible cases of shaken baby syndrome, a traumatic brain injury often misdiagnosed. The study's findings have significant implications for decreasing morbidity and mortality in infants with SBS.
A study by the University of Toronto found that morphine and a combination of morphine and tetracaine are effective in treating pain in newborns undergoing central line placements. The study also identified potential side effects of these medications.
The incidence of pertussis has increased in Canada, particularly among young infants, adolescents, and adults. Authorities have recommended booster doses for adolescents since 2004 to combat the disease.
A study conducted by researchers at the NIH found a strong association between H2 blocker treatment and necrotizing enterocolitis in premature infants. Infants treated with H2 blockers were 1.71 times more likely to develop the condition, which can be life-threatening.
A significant majority of ELBW young adults have overcome earlier difficulties to become functional members of society. The study found no statistically significant differences in education achieved or employment status between ELBW and NBW participants at young adulthood.
A study by McMaster University found that extremely low birth-weight infants are achieving similar levels of education, employment, and independence as normal birth-weight infants by young adulthood. The study's results show no statistically significant differences in these areas between the two groups.
A study of 120 babies found that antidepressant use during pregnancy was associated with a 30% risk of neonatal abstinence syndrome. Infants exposed to SSRIs exhibited common symptoms such as tremor, gastrointestinal problems, and sleep disturbances.
A recent investigation by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission found that home paper shredder injuries disproportionately affect young children, with 71% of cases involving kids under 12 years old. The study highlights the dangers of easy access to shredders and lack of safety features, such as on/off switches and release mechanisms.
Research by Saint Louis University finds that SIDS strikes premature babies six weeks later than full-term infants. Doctors emphasize the need for SIDS prevention counseling beyond four months for preterm infants.
Researchers identified a common cardiac sodium channel variant, SCN5A S1103Y, as a risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in African Americans. The study provides new insights into the genetic causes of SIDS and highlights the importance of understanding the interplay between genetic and environmental factors.
A study found that African American infants with the common genetic variation Y1103 are 24 times more likely to die from SIDS than those without it. The variation affects sodium channels in cardiac muscle cells, increasing the risk of abnormal heart rhythms and sudden death.
The March of Dimes Global Report reveals that at least 3.3 million children under 5 years old die annually due to serious birth defects, with an estimated 3.2 million surviving with lifelong disabilities. The report highlights the global toll of birth defects on mortality and disability rates in middle- and low-income countries.
A Lancet study reveals a significant increase in sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) deaths involving co-sleeping on sofas, particularly in deprived families. The data also shows a decline in SIDS deaths outside of the parental bed, with a 50% reduction over the past 20 years.
The study found that cleft lip and/or palate had the highest prevalence, followed by Down Syndrome, among the 18 major birth defects studied. National estimates for specific defects were calculated for the first time, providing valuable insights into birth defect prevalence nationwide.