https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/breastfeeding/ Latest research on breastfeeding including benefits of breastfeeding, disease transmission through breast milk, environmental contaminants found in breast milk and more. en-us Wed, 15 Apr 2026 09:38:35 EDT Wed, 15 Apr 2026 09:38:35 EDT 60 https://www.sciencedaily.com/images/scidaily-logo-rss.png https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/breastfeeding/ For more science news, visit ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260406192811.htm Your brain’s “stop eating” signal may come from an unexpected source. Researchers found that astrocytes—once thought to just support neurons—actually play a key role in controlling appetite. After a meal, glucose triggers tanycytes, which send signals to astrocytes that then activate fullness neurons. This newly discovered pathway could lead to innovative treatments for obesity and eating disorders. Mon, 06 Apr 2026 19:28:11 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260406192811.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260222092317.htm Training harder may do more than build muscle—it could transform your gut. Researchers found that intense workouts change the balance of bacteria and important compounds in athletes’ digestive systems. When training loads dropped, diet quality slipped and digestion slowed, triggering different microbial shifts. These hidden changes might influence performance in ways scientists are only beginning to understand. Mon, 23 Feb 2026 23:45:43 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260222092317.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260208011028.htm What a mother eats during pregnancy may quietly shape her child’s liver health years down the road—but new research suggests there may be a way to tip the odds back in a healthier direction. Scientists found that a natural compound made by healthy gut bacteria dramatically reduced fatty liver disease in the offspring of mice whose mothers ate a high-fat, high-sugar diet. The compound, called indole, appeared to protect the liver, improve blood sugar, limit weight gain, and even reshape the gut microbiome in lasting ways. Sun, 08 Feb 2026 02:18:29 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260208011028.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260208011017.htm Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria that constantly “sense” their surroundings to survive and thrive. New research shows that beneficial gut microbes, especially common Clostridia bacteria, can detect a surprisingly wide range of chemical signals produced during digestion, including byproducts of fats, proteins, sugars, and even DNA. These microbes use specialized sensors to move toward valuable nutrients, with lactate and formate standing out as especially important fuel sources. Sun, 08 Feb 2026 15:56:24 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260208011017.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251225080732.htm Scientists discovered that common food emulsifiers consumed by mother mice altered their offspring’s gut microbiome from the very first weeks of life. These changes interfered with normal immune system training, leading to long-term inflammation. As adults, the offspring were more vulnerable to gut disorders and obesity. The findings suggest that food additives may have hidden, lasting effects beyond those who consume them directly. Fri, 26 Dec 2025 03:57:30 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251225080732.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251020092841.htm Researchers discovered that avian influenza (H5N1) can survive in raw milk cheese made from contaminated milk, even after the 60-day aging process required by the FDA. However, highly acidic cheeses like feta showed no signs of the virus, suggesting acidity plays a crucial protective role. Animal tests revealed that while ferrets could be infected by drinking contaminated raw milk, eating raw milk cheese didn’t cause infection, possibly due to lower viral contact. Tue, 21 Oct 2025 03:31:03 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251020092841.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250910000309.htm Scientists in Canada have uncovered a surprising culprit behind high blood sugar and liver problems: a hidden fuel made by gut bacteria. This little-known molecule, called D-lactate, slips into the bloodstream and pushes the liver to make too much sugar and fat. By creating a simple “trap” that blocks the molecule in the gut, researchers saw big improvements in blood sugar, insulin resistance, and liver health in obese mice—without changing diet or weight. The discovery opens up a fresh way to fight diabetes and fatty liver disease by targeting the gut’s secret fuel before it can do harm. Wed, 10 Sep 2025 21:41:54 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250910000309.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250720034025.htm A new UK study shows that vaccinating pregnant women against RSV has led to a staggering 72% drop in hospitalizations of newborns with severe lung infections. By passing virus-fighting antibodies to their babies, vaccinated mothers are helping shield infants during their most vulnerable early months. Mon, 21 Jul 2025 08:38:35 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250720034025.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250718031218.htm In a groundbreaking UK first, eight healthy babies have been born using an IVF technique that includes DNA from three people—two parents and a female donor. The process, known as pronuclear transfer, was designed to prevent the inheritance of devastating mitochondrial diseases passed down through the mother’s DNA. The early results are highly promising: all the babies are developing normally, and the disease-causing mutations are undetectable or present at levels too low to cause harm. For families once haunted by genetic risk, this science offers more than treatment—it offers transformation. Fri, 18 Jul 2025 10:05:48 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250718031218.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250624044330.htm Major depressive disorder affects hundreds of millions worldwide, but a key to understanding its origins may lie in the brain’s immune system. New findings spotlight astrocytes—previously overshadowed by microglia—as major players in neuroinflammation that drives depression. These star-shaped brain cells, once thought to only support neurons, are now shown to regulate communication between brain cells and even trigger or amplify inflammatory responses. Tue, 24 Jun 2025 11:19:12 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250624044330.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250530124123.htm Singing to your infant can significantly boost the baby's mood, according to a recent study. Around the world and across cultures, singing to babies seems to come instinctively to caregivers. Now, new findings support that singing is an easy, safe, and free way to help improve the mental well-being of infants. Because improved mood in infancy is associated with a greater quality of life for both parents and babies, this in turn has benefits for the health of the entire family, the researchers say. The study also helps explain why musical behaviors may have evolved in parents. Fri, 30 May 2025 12:41:23 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250530124123.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250527124229.htm The U.S. is facing a maternal health crisis with higher rates of maternal mortality than any other high-income country. Social and economic factors, including income, are recognized determinants of maternal morbidity and mortality. In addition, more than half of pregnancy-related deaths (deaths occurring during pregnancy or within one year after delivery) occur in the postpartum year. In what is believed to be the first review to summarize evidence on the effect of unconditional cash transfers (UCTs) on postpartum health outcomes in the U.S., researchers have found strong evidence that UCTs increase breastfeeding rates and result in little to no difference in postpartum mood. Tue, 27 May 2025 12:42:29 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250527124229.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250514111356.htm New device can give peace of mind and reduce anxiety for breastfeeding moms. It uses bioimpedance, which is currently used to measure body fat, and streams clinical-grade data to a smartphone or tablet in real time. Developed by physicians and engineers, device was tested by new moms. Technology could particularly benefit fragile babies in the NICU, who have precise nutritional needs. Wed, 14 May 2025 11:13:56 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250514111356.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250514111245.htm Postpartum maternal mental health and mother-to-infant bonding are well-established as critical factors in a child's psychosocial development. However, few studies have explored the combined impact of postpartum maternal depression and early bonding experiences on emotional and behavioral difficulties during middle childhood. A new study reveals significant associations between postpartum depression, mother-to-infant bonding, and child difficulties. Notably, secure early bonding was found to partially buffer the long-term effects of postpartum depression on child outcomes. Wed, 14 May 2025 11:12:45 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250514111245.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250507125854.htm Scientists have developed a lactation pad equipped with sensing technology that allows parents of newborns to monitor breast milk in real time. The device is capable of ensuring that breast milk contains safe levels of the painkiller acetaminophen, which is often prescribed after childbirth and can be transferred to breastfeeding infants. Wed, 07 May 2025 12:58:54 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250507125854.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250415211247.htm Macaque mothers experience a short period of physical restlessness after the death of an infant, but do not show typical human signs of grief, such as lethargy and appetite loss, finds a new study by anthropologists. Tue, 15 Apr 2025 21:12:47 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250415211247.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250410130757.htm Nursing poses major metabolic demands on mothers, to which they respond by eating more and saving energy to sustain milk production. There are significant hormonal changes during lactation, but how they lead to metabolic adaptations in nursing mothers remained unclear. Medical researchers uncovered a mechanism that connects prolactin, estrogen, the brain and metabolic adaptations during lactation. Thu, 10 Apr 2025 13:07:57 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250410130757.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250408121706.htm Research shows that the biological parents' genes affect the child's insulin function and capacity to regulate blood sugar levels and blood lipids in different ways. Such knowledge may be used to to develop preventive treatments that reduce the child's risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Tue, 08 Apr 2025 12:17:06 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250408121706.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250402122025.htm A newly published study found that a mother's exposure to phthalates during pregnancy can affect their newborn's metabolism and brain development. These widely used plasticizers are commonly found in a variety of cosmetics and personal care products, such as shampoos, soaps, and detergents, as well as plastic food and beverage containers. Wed, 02 Apr 2025 12:20:25 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250402122025.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250325191256.htm In 2010, a researcher was pouring over research data when he discovered something he thought was odd: His data showed that at 6 months of age, formula-fed babies born of mothers who were categorized as medically obese weighed about 5% units less fat than breastfed babies in the same dataset. That discovery struck him as unusual and led him on a research journey to better understand breast milk. Now, he's studying the connections between maternal gestational diabetes, breastfeeding and infant health. Tue, 25 Mar 2025 19:12:56 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250325191256.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250325141716.htm Exposure to antibiotics during a key developmental window in infancy can stunt growth of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas and may boost risk of diabetes later in life, new research in mice suggests. The study also pinpoints specific microorganisms that may help those critical cells proliferate. Tue, 25 Mar 2025 14:17:16 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250325141716.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250325141530.htm Mothers experience major metabolic adaptations during pregnancy and lactation to support the development and growth of the new life. Although many metabolic changes have been studied, body temperature regulation and environmental temperature preference during and after pregnancy remain poorly understood. Researchers show that postpartum female mice develop new environmental temperature preferences and reveal brain changes mediating these changes. Tue, 25 Mar 2025 14:15:30 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250325141530.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250325115436.htm An algorithm that learned from tens of thousands of nutrition prescriptions for premature babies could reduce medical errors and better identify what nutrients the smallest patients need. Tue, 25 Mar 2025 11:54:36 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250325115436.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250319143152.htm Researchers have found that the small intestine grows in response to pregnancy in mice. This partially irreversible change may help mice support a pregnancy and prepare for a second. Wed, 19 Mar 2025 14:31:52 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250319143152.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250314113550.htm The oxytocin system -- which helps release breast milk and strengthens the bond between mother and baby -- may be affected during breastfeeding in mothers experiencing postnatal depression. Fri, 14 Mar 2025 11:35:50 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250314113550.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250306121253.htm New research is studying female professional footballers to find out if if it is possible to predict just how much lactate a person will produce during exercise based on the physical attributes of finger length and height. Thu, 06 Mar 2025 12:12:53 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250306121253.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250305164450.htm Oxytocin, a hormone already known for its role in childbirth, milk release, and mother-infant bonding, may have a newfound purpose in mammalian reproduction. In times of maternal stress, the hormone can delay an embryo's development for days to weeks after conception, a new study in rodents shows. According to the authors, the findings about so-called 'diapause' may offer new insights into pregnancy and fertility issues faced by humans. Wed, 05 Mar 2025 16:44:50 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250305164450.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250303141648.htm New research reveals that a mother's diet during pregnancy -- characterized by a Western dietary pattern high in fat and sugar and low in fresh ingredients -- may increase the risk of neurodevelopmental conditions such as ADHD and autism in children. Researchers see potential for targeted dietary interventions during pregnancy to reduce this risk. Mon, 03 Mar 2025 14:16:48 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250303141648.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250228113602.htm Scientists have discovered a previously unknown mechanism for how aggressive brain cancers reprogram immune system cells from fighting cancer to enabling further tumor growth. Fri, 28 Feb 2025 11:36:02 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250228113602.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250226142450.htm In a new study, researchers used data on lead emissions in the air to estimate the effects of air lead concentration on infant mortality. The study found a statistically significant relation between air lead concentration and infant mortality. Wed, 26 Feb 2025 14:24:50 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250226142450.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250226141845.htm Fathers who take at least two weeks of leave after their child's birth are significantly more likely to report longer breastfeeding duration by the mother, according to a recent survey. Wed, 26 Feb 2025 14:18:45 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250226141845.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250212134500.htm Researchers have found that some particularly aggressive lung cancer cells can develop their own electric network, like that seen in the body's nervous system. Wed, 12 Feb 2025 13:45:00 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250212134500.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250210132138.htm Findings suggest a safe, inexpensive, and effective pathway for allergists to treat children who already tolerate at least half a peanut. Mon, 10 Feb 2025 13:21:38 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250210132138.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250131110707.htm Researchers have made new discoveries about amniotic fluid, a substance historically not well understood in medical research due to the difficulty in obtaining it during pregnancy, especially across gestation. The multidisciplinary research team is eager to harness the potential of this vital substance to improve prenatal and maternal health. Fri, 31 Jan 2025 11:07:07 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250131110707.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250127124442.htm A large proportion of babies born very early need intensive care, which can be painful. But the healthcare system fails to provide pain relief to the full extent. This is shown by the largest survey to date of pain in neonatal care. Mon, 27 Jan 2025 12:44:42 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250127124442.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250127123847.htm Infant mortality in the United States decreased by 24.2% between 1999 and 2022. However, mortality rates from Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) rose significantly -- by 11.8% -- from 2020 to 2022. Mon, 27 Jan 2025 12:38:47 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250127123847.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250123002104.htm In addition to being hypoallergenic, camel milk could potentially protect the gut from harmful enzymes and create healthier digestion. Thu, 23 Jan 2025 00:21:04 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250123002104.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250114125237.htm Scientists have developed a new strategy to enhance pharmaceutical production in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, which are commonly used to manufacture protein-based drugs for treating cancer, autoimmune diseases and much more. By knocking out a gene circuit responsible for producing lactic acid -- a metabolite that makes the cells' environment toxic -- researchers eliminate a primary hurdle in developing cells that can produce higher amounts of pharmaceuticals like Herceptin and Rituximab, without compromising their growth or energy production. Tue, 14 Jan 2025 12:52:37 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250114125237.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241213211312.htm Influenza or flu virus remains infectious in refrigerated raw milk for up to five days, according to a new study. The findings come at a time when outbreaks of bird flu -- a different subtype of the same influenza virus -- in dairy cattle have raised concerns about the potential for a new pandemic. Fri, 13 Dec 2024 21:13:12 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241213211312.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241213125148.htm A new study of plant-based drinks reveals a common issue: they are lacking in proteins and essential amino acids compared to cow's milk. The explanation lies in their extensive processing, causing chemical reactions that degrade protein quality in the product and, in some cases, produce new substances of concern. Fri, 13 Dec 2024 12:51:48 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241213125148.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241210115418.htm Higher incomes are often correlated with healthier pregnancies and babies, but is it really the money that matters? Sedimentary rocks that formed 390 million years ago, surprisingly, help provide the answer, at least for those who live above the Marcellus Shale formation, according to a team. Tue, 10 Dec 2024 11:54:18 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241210115418.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241205142959.htm When women are pregnant and nurse their babies, their bodies change and various organs, such as the breasts or the immune system, are adapted to ensure the health of both mother and child. This happens throughout evolution in all mammals. An international research team now reports the surprising finding that the intestine also changes completely in pregnant and nursing females, resulting in a doubling of the intestinal surface area and a striking structural reorganization. Thu, 05 Dec 2024 14:29:59 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241205142959.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241125145804.htm Infants whose mothers regularly use language to describe what their child is thinking or feeling, have higher levels of the hormone oxytocin, finds a new study. Mon, 25 Nov 2024 14:58:04 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241125145804.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241118125049.htm A new study has found that 34 percent of mothers said stay-at-home orders facilitated easier breastfeeding at home, stronger mother-child bonding, and extended breastfeeding duration for many women. However, the pandemic also presented significant barriers, including limited access to lactation support and heightened maternal stress. Mon, 18 Nov 2024 12:50:49 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241118125049.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241112122810.htm For people who are pregnant or nursing, more use of personal care products is associated with higher detectable levels of synthetic chemicals known to have adverse health effects, a new study found. The study found that using personal care products like nail polish, makeup and hair dye while pregnant or lactating is associated with significantly higher levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS, in blood plasma and breast milk. Tue, 12 Nov 2024 12:28:10 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241112122810.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241021122755.htm U.S. babies died at a higher rate in the months following the Supreme Court's 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health decision, and infant mortality was highest among those born with chromosomal or genetic abnormalities, new research has found. The findings mirror previous research analyzing the experience in Texas after a ban on abortions in early pregnancy and illuminate the consequences of restricting access to abortion care, said researchers who conducted the national analysis. Mon, 21 Oct 2024 12:27:55 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241021122755.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241007115305.htm The duration of breastfeeding is shorter than average among mothers with a fear of childbirth -- regardless of the mode of delivery, a new study from Finland shows. Mon, 07 Oct 2024 11:53:05 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241007115305.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241001142646.htm A study found that breast milk provides protection against rotavirus, a common gastrointestinal disease that causes diarrhea, vomiting and fever in infants. Babies whose mothers had high levels of specific antibodies in their breast milk were able to fend off the infection for a longer period than infants whose mothers had lower levels. Tue, 01 Oct 2024 14:26:46 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241001142646.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240927173121.htm The risk of being born with a major heart defect is 36% higher in babies who were conceived after assisted reproductive technology, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), according to results of a very large study. Fri, 27 Sep 2024 17:31:21 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240927173121.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240919114105.htm Human breast milk regulates a baby's mix of microbes, or microbiome, during the infant's first year of life. This in turn lowers the child's risk of developing asthma, a new study shows. Thu, 19 Sep 2024 11:41:05 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240919114105.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240916194024.htm The cumulative adversity index for people quantifies numerous measures of hardship, such as poverty and stress to understand health and longevity over the individual's lifespan. A similar tool could help scientists who study and want to conserve animal populations by identifying the most influential stressors to mitigate. Biologists have created the first cumulative adversity index for yellow-bellied marmots. They found that as in humans, adversity early on had lifelong consequences and reduced their life expectancy. Mon, 16 Sep 2024 19:40:24 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240916194024.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240911142122.htm A technology which uses harmless light waves to measure activity in babies' brains has provided the most complete picture to date of brain functions like hearing, vision and cognitive processing outside a conventional, restrictive brain scanner. Wed, 11 Sep 2024 14:21:22 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240911142122.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240906141713.htm In the largest genomic analysis of UK infant microbiomes to date, researchers have uncovered a type of bacterium that helps digest breast milk and protects a baby's gut from pathogens. Fri, 06 Sep 2024 14:17:13 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240906141713.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240819172519.htm If you've visited a trendy cafe in the past few years, you might have noticed 'golden' turmeric milk on the menu. This fancy drink is caffeine-free, coffee-free and can even be vegan. And now, researchers have developed an efficient method to make a powdered, plant-based, instant version that maintains the beneficial properties of the ingredients while also extending its shelf life. Mon, 19 Aug 2024 17:25:19 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240819172519.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240819130751.htm Detecting diseases early requires the rapid, continuous and convenient monitoring of vital biomarkers. Researchers have now developed a novel sensor that enables the continuous, and real-time detection of solid-state epidermal biomarkers, a new category of health indicators. The team's wearable, stretchable, hydrogel-based sensor overcomes the limitations of current methods that rely on biofluid samples, such as blood, urine and sweat. This makes it a promising alternative for wearable, continuous, and real-time health monitoring, facilitating the early detection of conditions such as cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Mon, 19 Aug 2024 13:07:51 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240819130751.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240814124459.htm Caesarean section recipients are usually given prophylactic antibiotics just before the procedure to prevent later infections at the surgical site. But there have been concerns about whether these antibiotics may have a negative impact on newborns and their microbiomes if the drugs travel through the umbilical cord and reach the baby before the cord is cut. Now, a study has confirmed that although these antibiotics can cause subtle changes to the infant microbiome, they are much less significant than the impact of how the babies are fed. Wed, 14 Aug 2024 12:44:59 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240814124459.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240807225610.htm Babies born very early had stronger neurodevelopmental performance at 1 year if they received more skin-to-skin care as newborns, a study found. Wed, 07 Aug 2024 22:56:10 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240807225610.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240807122735.htm A blood test can help predict which preterm babies will go onto develop chronic lung disease, allowing for earlier diagnosis and more targeted treatments, according to a new study. Wed, 07 Aug 2024 12:27:35 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240807122735.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240711132144.htm Researchers have made significant inroads in understanding how nanoplastics and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) -- commonly known as forever chemicals -- disrupt biomolecular structure and function. The work shows that the compounds can alter proteins found in human breast milk and infant formulas -- potentially causing developmental issues downstream. Thu, 11 Jul 2024 13:21:44 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240711132144.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240710130847.htm Researchers have created an eco-friendly, blood absorbent biomaterial that improves the performance of menstrual products by minimizing blood leakage and spilling, while also helping prevent infection. Wed, 10 Jul 2024 13:08:47 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240710130847.htm