A recent pertussis outbreak in Italy has highlighted the critical need for public health interventions such as maternal immunization and early vaccination of infants. The study found that most cases occurred in unvaccinated children, with a significant increase in hospitalizations compared to previous years.
Researchers developed a soft fabric necklace called Joey to monitor Kangaroo Mother Care practices with preterm infants. The device tracks vital signs and estimates KMC duration with an average accuracy of 96%, providing early detection of potentially life-threatening issues.
Researchers found human infants use 'helpless' period to pre-train brain, leading to rapid learning and high performance, similar to machine learning models. This study challenges classic explanation for infant helplessness and could inspire next gen AI models.
Drug-involved infant deaths in the US increased by 120% from 10.8% in 2018 to 24.4% in 2022, with the highest proportion occurring in 2021. The most common causes of death were assault, poisoning, and psychostimulants.
Researchers found that infants in English-learning environments were exposed to more spoken language than music, with the gap widening as they get older. The study used daylong audio recordings collected from home environments and crowdsourced annotations through Zooniverse, closing the gap on past studies that relied on parental reports.
Researchers analyzed 130 English-learning infants' vocalizations and found significant cluster patterns of squeals and growls, indicating active play and sound practice. These findings suggest that infant vocal category exploration is a fundamental pathway for language development.
A new study found that feeding children peanut products regularly from infancy to age 5 reduced the rate of peanut allergy in adolescence. The results showed a 71% reduction in peanut allergy, even when children ate or avoided peanut products later on.
A study found distinct brain connectivity patterns in six-week-old infants at risk for developing autism spectrum disorder. These early differences predict behavior and may lead to ASD-related behaviors by altering social development.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that exclusively breastfed infants used fewer healthcare services and incurred lower costs compared to formula-fed infants. This could have avoided £10 million in healthcare costs if all formula-fed infants were exclusively breastfed for the first 6-8 weeks of life.
At NUTRITION 2024, researchers will explore emerging findings on the role of diet in cancer risk and survivorship, as well as personalized dietary therapy for cancer treatment and survivorship. Scientists will also share insights into precision nutrition, environmental sustainability, and infant feeding practices, shedding light on the...
This Neuron special issue highlights recent findings on consciousness research, including neural theories, sleep, anesthesia, coma recovery, and prefrontal cortex roles. It showcases how these areas contribute to our understanding of the complex topic.
Research suggests that preverbal infants who struggle with sequence understanding are more likely to experience social communication difficulties later in childhood. Visual statistical learning is identified as a key predictor of autistic-related traits and behaviors.
A new IU study reveals that young infants' daily-life input is unique to their age, characterized by high-contrast edges and simple patterns, which serve as a foundation for human vision. This finding has implications for addressing lifelong visual deficiencies and improving AI visual systems.
Research from the University of Birmingham found that children who experienced chronic lack of sleep from infancy were more than twice as likely to develop a psychotic disorder in early adulthood. Persistent sleep problems also increased the risk by nearly four times. The study, published in JAMA Psychiatry, suggests that addressing sl...
A recent study found that breastfeeding mothers who use cannabis have detectable amounts of THC in their milk, even after 12 hours of abstinence. The amount of THC detected is low, but its impact on infants is unknown.
Researchers found that early neurodevelopmental assessments can predict long-term cerebral palsy outcomes in high-risk infants as young as 3 to 4 months corrected age. However, these tests are limited in identifying cognitive and neurodevelopmental impairments beyond CP diagnosis.
Researchers found a genetic link between higher circulating levels of arachidonic acid and lower risk for bipolar disorder. The study suggests that altering arachidonic acid synthesis pathways may reduce bipolar disorder risk, particularly in those with compromised pathways.
Researchers developed a device with AI algorithms to analyze suckling strength and pattern in newborns. The system showed improved accuracy over subjective clinician assessments, identifying abnormal patterns that may indicate the need for surgical intervention or improved feeding practices.
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a devastating intestinal inflammatory disease affecting premature infants. Mothers provide the most protective therapy against NEC with their milk, but science takes time to reach clinical practice, highlighting the urgent need for awareness and resources.
A University of Massachusetts Amherst study is tracking over 300 infants and preschoolers to assess the importance of napping on brain development. The research aims to identify the bioregulatory mechanisms involved in napping and its impact on memory, with findings expected to inform nap policies for young children.
A new tool helps prioritize infants most at risk for severe RSV illness, allowing for targeted preventive medication with long-acting nirsevimab. The tool has good predictive accuracy and internal validation, indicating a potential game-changer in RSV prevention among high-risk infants.
A recent study found that infants born via C-section have more antibiotic-resistant genes, while antibiotic use and prematurity fuel resistance. Infants from Africa had more resistant genes than those from Europe. Probiotics may help reduce the spread of antibiotic resistance in infants by targeting their gut microbiome.
Research found that babies born to mothers infected with dengue fever during pregnancy had lower birth weights and a higher risk of extremely low birth weight. Additionally, children whose mothers were infected had a increased risk of hospitalization from birth to age three, particularly in their second year of life.
The Necrotizing Enterocolitis Society has released a statement on the Watson vs Mead Johnson verdict, highlighting the devastating impact of NEC on premature and medically fragile infants. The organization emphasizes the importance of adequate nutrition and protective care practices to prevent NEC.
Researchers found that children born to mothers with HIV infection have an increased risk of immune abnormalities, impaired growth, and development. Infants exposed to HIV had a 41% higher mortality rate than those not exposed, with systemic inflammation being strongly associated with infant mortality.
A study in the Journal of Neuromuscular Diseases found that disease-modifying gene therapy treatments improve motor function, bulbar function, and pulmonary function in infants with spinal muscular atrophy. The real-world data from a large patient registry confirms improved safety profiles for early treatment opportunities.
A new study found that consuming sugary drinks in early childhood increases the risk of obesity later in life. The research tracked 14,000 British children from birth to adulthood and discovered a link between sugar-sweetened drinks and poor diet patterns.
A recent study by Shinshu University researchers found that 1.62 per 1,000 live births have congenital deafness, with bilateral HL affecting 0.84% and unilateral HL affecting 0.77%. The main causes of these conditions were identified as hereditary factors and cochlear nerve deficiency.
Researchers have developed a wearable sensor system using artificial intelligence to monitor and evaluate infant movement patterns, identifying at-risk infants with up to 99.9% accuracy. The technology overcomes issues of subjectivity and cost, paving the way for early detection and rehabilitation.
A new generative AI tool models the infant microbiome, predicting neurodevelopmental deficits. The Q-net model predicts which babies are at risk for cognitive deficits with high accuracy, identifying potential treatment targets.
Research from the University of Washington's Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences found that increased neural activity in response to social interaction at 5 months predicted enhanced language development at later ages. The study used magnetoencephalography to monitor infant brain activity during social and nonsocial interactions wi...
A study developed a new referral pathway and Frenotomy Assessment Tool to identify breastfed babies with tongue tie requiring frenotomy. The tool found that 11% of breastfed babies had TT and 66% underwent frenotomy, suggesting that most infants were suffering from the condition.
A Rutgers Health study has found that mothers with mild and moderate to severe depressive symptoms have more emergency department visits for their infants. Infants of mothers with moderate to severe depression had 21% more visits than those without any symptoms, while those with mild symptoms had 10% more visits.
A randomized controlled trial reveals that infant gut microbiomes oscillate with a circadian rhythm, detectable as early as 2 weeks after birth. Diet has less impact on the development and composition of the infant microbiome than previously thought.
A study by UPF found that six-month-old babies can predict the actions of people who speak their native language, but not those who speak an unfamiliar language. This suggests that infants' ability to predict others' behavior is linked to the language they speak and may be influenced by social factors.
A randomized clinical trial has shown that delaying surgical repair of inguinal hernias in preterm infants until after discharge from the NICU reduces serious adverse events. The study found a high likelihood of hernia resolution with late repair, allowing for quicker hospital discharge.
Researchers have developed a new, synthetic lung surfactant that mimics the functionality of animal-derived formulations. The surfactant has shown promise in reducing surface tension and may offer a cheaper alternative to Infasurf.
A new study found that multiple unsafe sleep practices, such as sharing a bed, were present in over 75% of sudden infant deaths. Infants who died were often younger, non-Hispanic Black, and publicly insured. The research emphasizes the need for better safe-sleep education and support to reduce Sudden Infant Deaths.
Academics from the University of Birmingham suggest a new approach to identifying consciousness in babies, building on adult markers. They propose clustering markers across early and late development stages to pinpoint emergence.
Dogs have an implicit understanding of object words, activating a matching mental representation when hearing their name. Research found that brain activity patterns differ between matching and mismatched objects, supporting the notion that dogs comprehend object words.
Researchers at WashU make the case that a public health priority focusing on these conditions can enhance brain development, cognition, and social-emotional development. The study evaluated 232 infants and found that even those from adverse conditions can thrive with access to these basic supports.
Research found greater pain exposure in early life associated with altered maturation of neonatal brain connectivity, particularly in female infants. This alteration was linked to regional specificities in neurodevelopmental outcomes.
A new study suggests that many cases of neonatal neutropenia may originate from suppression of fetal blood-forming stem cells by maternal interleukin 10. This immune deficiency greatly increases a newborn's susceptibility to infection, leading to serious health complications and even death.
A new study by the University of Texas at Austin found that babies who were prompted to touch their own faces developed self-recognition earlier than those who did not. This suggests that active experiences, such as touching one's body, play a crucial role in the development of self-awareness.
Researchers successfully implemented pooled saliva testing to detect congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection in newborns, achieving an empirical efficiency of 6 and reducing required tests by 83%. The study highlights the significance of early detection through this method, particularly for asymptomatic cases.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles found significant variation in opioid treatment for critically ill infants across different institutions and geographic regions. The study reports wide variability in opioid prescribing practices, which can impact hospitalization length of stay, healthcare costs, and long-term outcomes.
A new study found that adding folic acid to table salt can increase serum folate levels in pregnant women, preventing severe birth defects. The researchers recommend implementing mandatory staple food fortification with folic acid as a cost-effective and equitable solution to address the issue.
A study of 15,000 preterm infants reveals racial disparities in care treatment, with Black and Hispanic infants receiving less intensive care. The findings highlight the need to address social determinants of health and improve healthcare access for all infants.
A recent survey of parents whose infants were under six months old during the 2022 baby formula shortage found that 81% switched formulas, with 60% experiencing issues such as fussiness, gas, spit-up, constipation, and diarrhea. The study highlights the need for improved lactation education and support to prevent infant-feeding crises.
A landmark study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that COVID vaccines are safe to administer during pregnancy, with no abnormal delays in infants when tested at 12 months and 18 months. The study of over 2,200 infants from across the country also found an increased risk of delay among male infants at 12 months but not at 18 months.
A new web-based baby sleep planner tool, developed by researchers at the University of Bristol, has been shown to improve the uptake of life-saving advice for families with infants at increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome. The tool provides a baby's SUDI risk assessment at birth and a downloadable sleep plan for families.
Research from Cornell University reveals that newborn T cells are more efficient at responding to early stages of an infection and defending against unknown bacteria, parasites, and viruses. This discovery clarifies why infants respond differently to infections, paving the way for therapeutic applications.
A recent study published in the International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics found a correlation between hookah use and increased symptoms of postpartum depression. Pregnant women who used hookahs before or during pregnancy were more likely to experience depressive symptoms, particularly among mothers from historically marginaliz...
Researchers found that preterm infants fed donor milk had a lower incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis and neurological development issues. The study's findings validate the use of donor milk in NICUs, providing evidence to support its benefits for extremely premature infants.
Research from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases found that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy can provide protection to infants for at least six months. Infants born to mothers who received both doses of a COVID-19 vaccine had higher antibody levels and greater protection from infection.
A study of 276,000 children aged 6-23 months in 92 low- and middle-income countries reveals that 10.4% were zero-food children, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to improve infant nutrition. The prevalence is particularly urgent in West and Central Africa and India.
A recent analysis of the AWAKEN study data found that repeat episodes of acute kidney injury in hospitalized infants do not increase the risk of death but can extend hospitalization. The study suggests that initial AKI is already dangerous and long-term effects are still under investigation.
The American Heart Association and The Children's Heart Foundation have pledged over $10 million in funding to research congenital heart defects. Researchers will advance their work to improve diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of CHDs, giving more children a chance to grow into healthy adults.
A large study of nearly 200,000 newborns in Sweden and Norway found that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy was not associated with any increased risks in newborn infants. In fact, babies born to vaccinated mothers had lower mortality rates and fewer serious complications.
A large population-based study found that COVID-19 mRNA vaccines were not associated with increased neonatal adverse events in infants born between June 2021 and January 2023. The study included 94,000 vaccinated infants and 102,000 control infants, indicating a lower risk of serious health issues.