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New guidelines for congenital heart disease

These days most children born with congenital heart disease live well into adulthood, thanks to innovative surgical, interventional and medical treatments.

8 Nov 2008

Unusual use of toys in infancy a clue to later autism

Researchers at the UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute have found that infants later diagnosed with autism exhibited unusual exploration of objects long before being diagnosed.

7 Nov 2008

Caesarean sections do not reduce hepatitis C transmission

Planned Caesarean sections do not help to reduce the chances of a pregnant mother with Hepatitis C (HCV) transmitting the infection to her unborn baby, according to new scientific findings by the National Maternity Hospital in Dublin and University College Dublin.

7 Nov 2008

Birth defects more common if pregnant mothers smoke

New research has revealed that women who smoke during pregnancy are more likely to have a baby with a birth defect - smoking during pregnancy apparently doubles the risk of the baby having a cleft lip or palate.

5 Nov 2008

New evidence strengthens link between cigarette smoke exposure and poor infant health

The damaging effects of smoking and smoke exposure can be seen at any age. Pediatricians have even noted these negative effects in various stages of infant development. The consequences of maternal smoke exposure during pregnancy can range from higher rates of prematurity to increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome.

5 Nov 2008

Two different approaches used to correct clubfoot both bring positive outcomes for most children

Two non-surgical treatments most commonly used to correct the condition known as clubfoot have similarly high levels of success, according to a new study published in the November 2008 issue of The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery.

4 Nov 2008

Caffeine intake during pregnancy

Consuming caffeine at any time during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of fetal growth restriction (low birth weight), according to research published on bmj.com.

3 Nov 2008

Antioxidants reduce the toxic effects of lead

A research study carried out by the Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM) proves that administering natural antioxidants can reduce the effects of lead poisoning in animals during the gestation and lactation periods. The study suggests that it could also be effective in humans.

31 Oct 2008

Vaginal/Caesarean combo delivery of twins safe, UT Southwestern-led research finds

Doctors need not go straight to Caesarean section when delivering twins, but can start with vaginal delivery of the first twin in many cases, researchers have found in a study led by UT Southwestern Medical Center.

29 Oct 2008

FDA gets slap on the wrist over chemical BPA

The conclusion by the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) that the widely used chemical bisphenol-A, or BPA, is safe has been slammed by a panel of experts.

29 Oct 2008

A blood test for pre-eclampsia could be in the pipeline

A condition in pregnancy which costs the lives of thousands of babies each year may soon be identified by a simple blood test long before symptoms develop.

28 Oct 2008

Breastfeeding and reduced risk of childhood obesity - researchers look for behavioral link

Breastfeeding has a number of positive health benefits for baby: it can prevent ear infections and allergies, and lowers the risk of developing respiratory problems. It can also help prevent against obesity later in life, but the reason for this still isn't known.

28 Oct 2008

Vaccinating new mothers and other family members against influenza offers important flu protection to newborns

Vaccinating new mothers and other family members against influenza before their newborns leave the hospital creates a "cocooning effect" that may shelter unprotected children from the flu, a virus that can be life-threatening to infants, according to researchers at Duke Children's Hospital.

26 Oct 2008

Scientists grow prostates from mouse stem cells

A team of molecular biologists in the U.S. have grown complete prostates derived from stem cells in the prostates of mice and they say the experiment represents a big step towards regenerating organs from a patients' own cells.

23 Oct 2008

Discovery of earliest known cases of human tuberculosis in Neolithic village

The discovery of the earliest known cases of human tuberculosis (TB) in bones found submerged off the coast of Israel shows that the disease is 3000 years older than previously thought. Direct examination of this ancient DNA confirms the latest theory that bovine TB evolved later than human TB.

14 Oct 2008

Experts say double the daily dose of vitamin D for children

The American Academy of Pediatrics says children - from newborns up to teenagers - should be given double the current recommended amount of vitamin D because research has shown it may help prevent serious diseases.

14 Oct 2008

Experts say exotic pet pose health risks to young children

Experts say exotic pets such as reptiles and monkeys should be discouraged in homes with small children or people with immune system problems, as they pose a health risk.

7 Oct 2008

New non-invasive prenatal blood test for Down's syndrome, safer for the fetus

American researchers have created a prenatal blood test which can be used to determine if an unborn baby has Down's syndrome and the new test is safer for the fetus.

7 Oct 2008

Discovery of gene variant for cleft lip

About 20 percent of isolated cleft lip, one of the world's most common birth defects, may be due to a one-letter difference in the DNA sequence of a gene involved in facial development, researchers supported by the National Institutes of Health report.

6 Oct 2008

Experts confront cancer trend: aging population, new challenges

A growing cadre of specialists - geriatric oncologists - is the latest group of medical pioneers to meet the challenge of a rising cancer incidence among older adults. They are investigating how to fill the gaps in the way oncology is practiced today, which sometimes neglects the special needs of the elderly.

2 Oct 2008