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A premature infant drinking from a bottle
In Search of the Best Milk Recipe for Preemies’ Gut Bacteria
Milk fortifiers of human origin show no evident advantage in the development of the gut microbiota of premature infants over fortifiers derived from cows, while the intake of the mother’s own milk does, two studies suggest.
In Search of the Best Milk Recipe for Preemies’ Gut Bacteria
In Search of the Best Milk Recipe for Preemies’ Gut Bacteria

Milk fortifiers of human origin show no evident advantage in the development of the gut microbiota of premature infants over fortifiers derived from cows, while the intake of the mother’s own milk does, two studies suggest.

Milk fortifiers of human origin show no evident advantage in the development of the gut microbiota of premature infants over fortifiers derived from cows, while the intake of the mother’s own milk does, two studies suggest.

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Baby with spotted onsie about to get injection of vaccine
Antibiotics Tied to Lower Effectiveness of Childhood Vaccines
Natalia Mesa, PhD | Apr 28, 2022 | 2 min read
Use of the drugs in children under the age of two was associated with lower antibody levels after the jabs—perhaps, researchers suggest, due to microbiome alterations.
Cute sleeping newborn baby child on mother hands stock photo
Exposure to Chemical from Babies Linked to Aggression
Chloe Tenn | Nov 22, 2021 | 3 min read
A study finds that the odorless compound hexadecanal, or HEX, increases aggressive behavior in women but has a calming effect on men.
Doctors Investigate Several Stillbirths Among Moms with COVID-19
Anthony King | Apr 23, 2021 | 7 min read
After a handful of cases in Ireland, clinicians there are warning that the virus might infect the placenta in very rare instances and cause fetal distress, but a rise in stillbirths has not been seen in epidemiological studies.
Breastmilk Harbors Antibodies to SARS-CoV-2
Ashley Yeager | Nov 17, 2020 | 5 min read
An abundance of immunoglobulin antibodies, and a paucity of viral RNA, in breastmilk offer evidence that women can safely continue breastfeeding during the pandemic.
The Infant Gut Microbiome and Probiotics that Work
Jennifer T. Smilowitz and Diana Hazard Taft | Jun 1, 2020 | 10+ min read
The gut microbiome is more malleable in the first two years after birth, allowing probiotics to make their mark. Can we exploit this to improve infants’ health?
Infographic: The Changing Infant Gut Microbiome
Jennifer T. Smilowitz and Diana Hazard Taft | Jun 1, 2020 | 3 min read
The microbial makeup of a newborn baby’s intestines has changed dramatically over the past 100 years, and we are now beginning to understand how and why this matters.
Children of Extramarital Affairs Were and Are Rare: Study
Ashley Yeager | Nov 14, 2019 | 2 min read
Using DNA data, researchers track family dynamics in Europe over the last 500 years and find socioeconomic status is related to married women having a child with a man other than their husband.
Southern white rhino calf
Southern White Rhino Born After Artificial Insemination
Nicoletta Lanese | Jul 31, 2019 | 2 min read
The successful delivery spells hope for the related northern white rhino, which is facing extinction.
Babies’ Genomes Identify Risks Overlooked by Newborn Screens
Abby Olena, PhD | Jan 3, 2019 | 4 min read
A trial called BabySeq, in which researchers performed genomic sequencing on 159 newborns, identified children susceptible to diseases that regular screening doesn’t look for.
Image of the Day: Snakes Alive
Sukanya Charuchandra | Jul 19, 2018 | 1 min read
Scientists have found the 99-million-year-old remains of a baby snake.
SSRI Consumption During Pregnancy Linked to Changes in Babies’ Brains
Ashley Yeager | Apr 9, 2018 | 2 min read
MRI data suggest prenatal exposure to the medication increases the volume of brain regions vital to processing emotions.
Genetic Mutation Linked to Cot Death
Catherine Offord | Mar 29, 2018 | 2 min read
Alterations to a protein involved in breathing may help explain some cases of sudden infant death syndrome, a study finds.
Flu and Whooping Cough Vaccines Don’t Harm Babies: Study
Kerry Grens | Feb 21, 2018 | 2 min read
Infants whose moms received the shots when they were pregnant were no more at risk of dying or being hospitalized than other babies. 
Image of the Day: Dumbo Octopus Hatchling
The Scientist and The Scientist Staff | Feb 21, 2018 | 1 min read
The baby cephalopod looks and behaves like an adult from the moment it emerges from the egg.
Cesarean Section Results in Heavier Mouse Pups
Ashley Yeager | Oct 11, 2017 | 4 min read
Vaginal birth leads to changes in the development of offsprings’ microbiomes not seen among mice born via C-section, which researchers suspect might contribute to the weight differences.
Sudden Infant Death Tied to Serotonin
Kerry Grens | Jul 3, 2017 | 2 min read
One-third of babies who died of SIDS had higher-than-normal levels of the neurotransmitter in their blood serum, according to a study. 
Breast Milk Contributes Significantly to Babies' Bacteria
Ashley P. Taylor | May 10, 2017 | 2 min read
Thirty percent of bacteria found in babies' guts came from mothers' milk, a study finds.
Study: Babies’ Microbiomes Indifferent to Mode of Delivery
Kerry Grens | Jan 23, 2017 | 2 min read
Study of 81 six-week-olds who were born by C-section or vaginal delivery didn’t show differences in the structure or function of their microbiota, despite contrary results from other studies on babies. 
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