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New book highlights sophisticated neurogenic processes in adult mammalian brain

In discrete locations of the adult brain, new neurons are born from stem cells that differentiate, migrate, and integrate into the existing neural network. This process is implicated in normal brain functions such as memory formation and is disrupted in many disease states, including Alzheimer's, schizophrenia, and depression.

7 Oct 2015

High Sierra Leonean maternal and newborn death rates attributed to women’s fears of contracting Ebola while giving birth at health centres

Despite adequate numbers of maternal health workers showing up to work, new research published on October 6th reveals it was the patients who stayed away at their own peril for fear of catching the disease.

6 Oct 2015

Study finds significant differences across hospitals providing care for children with medical complexity

Although children with high health care needs represent a small percentage of the overall pediatric population, they account for a large percentage of pediatric health care costs, including up to 40% of pediatric hospital charges. In recent years, there has been more information available about the medical care received by these children, but generally studies have been limited to care provided in hospital settings.

6 Oct 2015

Four types of gut bacteria can protect infants from asthma

New research by scientists at UBC and BC Children's Hospital finds that infants can be protected from getting asthma if they acquire four types of gut bacteria by three months of age.

1 Oct 2015

Study raises hope for reducing life-threatening respiratory problems in infants

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientists have a lead on reducing life-threatening respiratory problems in infants born to women who develop the liver disorder intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP).

30 Sep 2015

Climate change can have negative impacts on birth weight

From melting glaciers to increasing wildfires, the consequences of climate change and strategies to mitigate such consequences are often a hotly debated topic. A new study led by the University of Utah adds to the ever-growing list of negative impacts climate change can have on humans—low birth weight.

30 Sep 2015

Light-shielded delivery system for parenteral nutrition may improve survival rate of preemies

The survival rate of preemies born between 26 to 31 weeks of gestation is improved by blocking light from reaching the intravenously-fed infused nutritious mixture they depend on for survival, researchers at CHU Sainte-Justine and the University of Montreal have revealed in a new study.

28 Sep 2015

Delayed umbilical cord clamping may benefit extremely preterm infants

Clamping and cutting of the umbilical cord happens within 10 seconds after birth in most cases, in part so members of a medical team can more quickly begin caring for a newborn. But research from Nationwide Children's Hospital shows that waiting 30 to 45 seconds to clamp could have advantages for extremely preterm infants.

25 Sep 2015

Premature infants in intensive care units exposed to a great deal of pain

Premature infants receiving intensive care are exposed to a great deal of pain, and this pain causes damage to the child. Despite this half of the infants admitted to neonatal intensive units will not receive any pain relief, according to a new European study published today in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine.

24 Sep 2015

Study explores effectiveness of frontline treatments for couples with unexplained infertility

A breast cancer drug with promise for improving the chance that couples with unexplained infertility can have a baby without increasing their risk of multiple births apparently does not deliver, according to a comparative study.

24 Sep 2015

New gene mutation linked to fatal swelling in unborn and newborn babies

Scientists have discovered a new gene mutation that causes potentially fatal swelling in unborn and newborn babies. Identifying the gene is the first step toward a future diagnostic test and targeted treatment for this condition.

23 Sep 2015

Higher doses of hydrocortisone not linked to neurodevelopmental impairments in low birth weight infants

Hydrocortisone is one of the 15 most frequently prescribed medications in extremely low birth weight (?1000 g) infants in the newborn intensive care unit (NICU).

21 Sep 2015

Fetuses with enlarged ventricles are not ideal candidates for fetal spina bifida surgery

Fetuses with enlarged ventricles--the fluid-filled cavities inside the brain--may be less likely than other fetuses to benefit from surgery in the womb to treat spina bifida, according to a study co-authored by researchers at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital San Francisco.

16 Sep 2015

New treatment protocol can improve outcomes for babies with neonatal abstinence syndrome

A new protocol to treat babies born in withdrawal from drugs can be used widely to improve outcomes for these babies. The protocol reduces length of stay and the duration of treatment with opioids that are used therapeutically to wean babies off of drugs.

14 Sep 2015

FGF21 compound in breast milk plays key role in neonatal nutrient absorption, intestinal function

A compound found in breast milk, named fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), plays a key role in neonatal nutrient absorption and intestinal function. FGF21 also contributes to improve newborn growth and metabolic profile.

11 Sep 2015

BWH partners with MCHS to develop unique fetal program

Experts from BWH will partner with MCHS to provide recommendations related to the development of the program, including establishing a high-risk-fetal labor and delivery unit at Nicklaus Children's Hospital, slated to open in 2017, as well as guidance on clinical protocols and opportunities for training and education.

10 Sep 2015

Two-year-olds with poor motor function display poor mathematical skills

A Norwegian study shows that two-year-olds with poor motor function also exhibit poor mathematical skills. This knowledge will make it easier for teachers to identify children who may need extra help.

10 Sep 2015

Report highlights remarkable decline in child mortality, but MDG target still missed by wide margin

Child mortality rates have plummeted to less than half of what they were in 1990, according to a new report released today. Under-five deaths have dropped from 12.7 million per year in 1990 to 5.9 million in 2015. This is the first year the figure has gone below the 6 million mark.

9 Sep 2015

Survival and health outcomes for extremely preterm infants improve over 20 years

Over the last 20 years, complications have decreased and survival has improved for extremely preterm infants, according to a study in the September 8 issue of JAMA.