https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/down's_syndrome/ Read about current medical research on Down Syndrome (DS) including latest genetic research, risk factors and new methods for improving communication with people with Down's Syndrome. en-us Wed, 22 Apr 2026 09:21:39 EDT Wed, 22 Apr 2026 09:21:39 EDT 60 https://www.sciencedaily.com/images/scidaily-logo-rss.png https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/down's_syndrome/ For more science news, visit ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260414075648.htm A lifetime of mental stimulation—like reading, writing, and learning new skills—may help protect the brain as we age. People with the highest levels of cognitive enrichment had a much lower risk of Alzheimer’s and experienced symptoms years later than those with the lowest levels. Wed, 15 Apr 2026 04:09:05 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260414075648.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260319044711.htm Aging men often lose the Y chromosome in a growing number of their cells—and it may be far more dangerous than once believed. This loss has been linked to heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s, and shorter lifespans. Researchers suspect Y-less cells may grow faster and disrupt normal body functions. What seemed like a minor genetic quirk could actually be a major driver of age-related disease. Fri, 20 Mar 2026 20:56:14 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260319044711.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260125083344.htm Cancer doesn’t evolve by pure chaos. Scientists have developed a powerful new method that reveals the hidden rules guiding how cancer cells gain and lose whole chromosomes—massive genetic shifts that help tumors grow, adapt, and survive treatment. By tracking thousands of individual cells over time, the approach shows which chromosome combinations give cancer an edge and why some tumors become especially resilient. Mon, 26 Jan 2026 04:41:20 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260125083344.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250928095627.htm Human fertility hinges on a delicate molecular ballet that begins even before birth. UC Davis researchers have uncovered how special protein networks safeguard chromosomes as eggs and sperm form, ensuring genetic stability across generations. Using yeast as a model, they revealed how crossovers between chromosomes are protected for decades in female eggs, preventing errors that could lead to infertility, miscarriage, or conditions like Down syndrome. Sun, 28 Sep 2025 22:37:58 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250928095627.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/2025/07/250706230311.htm When you're mentally exhausted, your brain might be doing more behind the scenes than you think. In a new study using functional MRI, researchers uncovered two key brain regions that activate when people feel cognitively fatigued—regions that appear to weigh the cost of continuing mental effort versus giving up. Surprisingly, participants needed high financial incentives to push through challenging memory tasks, hinting that motivation can override mental fatigue. These insights may pave the way to treating brain fog in disorders like PTSD and depression using brain imaging and behavior-based therapies. Mon, 07 Jul 2025 04:34:10 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250706230311.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250620231852.htm USC researchers have uncovered a hidden driver behind the early and severe onset of Alzheimer's in people with Down syndrome: iron overload in the brain. Their study revealed that individuals with both conditions had twice the iron levels and far more oxidative damage than others. The culprit appears to be ferroptosis, an iron-triggered cell death mechanism, which is especially damaging in sensitive brain regions. Fri, 20 Jun 2025 23:18:52 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250620231852.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/2025/05/250514111356.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/2025/04/250424120851.htm In a landmark clinical trial people at risk for Alzheimer's who exercised at low or moderate-high intensity showed less cognitive decline when compared to those receiving usual care. Thu, 24 Apr 2025 12:08:51 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250424120851.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250417144930.htm A clinical trial conducted in a neonatal intensive care unit has identified a new treatment protocol to improve lung growth and function among preterm infants. Thu, 17 Apr 2025 14:49:30 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250417144930.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250407114230.htm Body signals such as heartbeat and breathing accompany us constantly, often unnoticed as background noise of our perception. Even in the earliest years of life, these signals are important as they contribute to the development of self-awareness and identity. However, until know little has been known about whether and how babies can perceive their own body signals. A recent study demonstrates for the first time that babies as young as 3 months can perceive their own heartbeat. Mon, 07 Apr 2025 11:42:30 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250407114230.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250403204559.htm Retired adults who habitually exercised outperformed sedentary adults in physical and cognitive tests. Thu, 03 Apr 2025 20:45:59 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250403204559.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250319143031.htm Scientists have systematically analyzed somatic mutations in stomach lining tissue to unpick mutational processes, some of which can lead to cancer. The team also uncovered hints of a potential new cause of stomach cancer that needs further research. Wed, 19 Mar 2025 14:30:31 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250319143031.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250220122515.htm A new study shows that enhancing activity of a specific component of 'NMDA' receptors normalizes protein synthesis, neural activity and seizure susceptibility in the hippocampus of fragile X lab mice. Thu, 20 Feb 2025 12:25:15 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250220122515.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250130161709.htm An artificial intelligence (AI) model designed to predict a person's biological age (age of body cells and tissues) based on electrocardiogram (ECG) data found a strong association between ECG-age and cognitive performance. Thu, 30 Jan 2025 16:17:09 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250130161709.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/2025/01/250123163201.htm Researchers have uncovered which genes on the Y chromosome regulate the development of sperm and impact fertility in male mice. This research could help us understand why some men don't produce enough sperm and are infertile. Thu, 23 Jan 2025 16:32:01 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250123163201.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250122125743.htm New research revealing the fingerprints of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome within blood samples could open the door to simple tests to identify babies at risk. Wed, 22 Jan 2025 12:57:43 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250122125743.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241219151726.htm A study of more than 2,400 people with atrial fibrillation, who had an average age of 73, found that drinking more than five cups of caffeinated coffee daily was associated with better performance on an array of cognitive tests than drinking less than one cup or avoiding coffee altogether. Thu, 19 Dec 2024 15:17:26 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241219151726.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241119181839.htm A new study reveals surprising findings about how babies exposed to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) grow during their first year of life. Tue, 19 Nov 2024 18:18:39 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241119181839.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241101123659.htm Socioeconomic factors such as education, occupation, and wealth influence the likelihood of developing cognitive impairment or dementia in later life and whether a person is likely to recover, finds a new study. Fri, 01 Nov 2024 12:36:59 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241101123659.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241031130805.htm Antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) are an established therapy for pregnant women at risk of preterm birth. Researchers have found that babies given ACS had notably smaller volumes of two key brain regions, the bilateral amygdalae and caudate nuclei, which are essential for emotion processing and motor control, respectively. The findings suggest that doctors should adjust ACS use to reduce potential risks to brain development. Thu, 31 Oct 2024 13:08:05 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241031130805.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241028211504.htm A genetic signature in newborns can predict neonatal sepsis before symptoms even start to show, according to a new study. The study, led by University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University researchers in collaboration with the Medical Research Council (MRC) Unit The Gambia, has the potential to help healthcare workers diagnose babies earlier, including in lower- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where neonatal sepsis is of particular concern. Mon, 28 Oct 2024 21:15:04 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241028211504.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241017173212.htm Increased risk for autism appears to be linked to the Y chromosome, a study has found, offering a new explanation for the greater prevalence of autism in males. Thu, 17 Oct 2024 17:32:12 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241017173212.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241010124901.htm A new American Heart Association scientific statement suggests addressing cardiovascular health earlier in life may reduce the risk of stroke and help preserve thinking and memory later in life. Thu, 10 Oct 2024 12:49:01 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241010124901.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241008201409.htm Exposure to high levels of heat may both impact the growth of fetuses during pregnancy and infants up to the age of two. Tue, 08 Oct 2024 20:14:09 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241008201409.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/2024/09/240916194027.htm A new study has found that more than half of Black and Hispanic infants were born into very low-opportunity neighborhoods, and that babies born into these neighborhoods had a 16-percent greater risk of being born preterm. The study sheds new light on the health consequences of structural racism and historically discriminatory practices -- such as redlining and disproportionate exposures to pollutants -- that continue to shape modern-day neighborhood conditions and circumstances. Mon, 16 Sep 2024 19:40:27 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240916194027.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240911111747.htm Newborns who had an atypical pattern of metabolites were more than 14 times as likely to die of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), compared to infants who had more typical metabolic patterns, according to a new study. Metabolites are molecules produced by the body's various chemical reactions. Researchers found that infants who died of SIDS had a specific pattern of metabolites compared to infants who lived to their first year. The researchers believe that checking for this pattern could provide a way to identify infants at risk for SIDS. Wed, 11 Sep 2024 11:17:47 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240911111747.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240906234109.htm Scientists found that certain changes in neural activity predicted which patients would benefit from a type of cognitive behavioral therapy. Fri, 06 Sep 2024 23:41:09 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/09/240906234109.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/2024/08/240815163614.htm A groundbreaking new study reports important differences in oxygen physiology and red blood cell function in individuals with Down syndrome. Thu, 15 Aug 2024 16:36:14 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240815163614.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240813152139.htm An unprecedented study reveals strategy to decrease the burden of alopecia areata, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and other autoimmune conditions. Tue, 13 Aug 2024 15:21:39 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240813152139.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240807225701.htm A new study identifies distinct molecular and immune subtypes across individuals with Down syndrome, offering new insights that could lead to personalized medicine approaches for the clinical management of this condition. Wed, 07 Aug 2024 22:57:01 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240807225701.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/2024/07/240724171528.htm An interdisciplinary team of physicians and scientists show for the first time that a blood protein called fibrin blocks an essential biological process that drives brain development in early life. They identified a root cause of developmental delays that result from brain bleeds in premature infants, opening a path for new therapeutic strategies to counter long-term health risks. Wed, 24 Jul 2024 17:15:28 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/07/240724171528.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/06/240624125433.htm A study suggests giving oxygen at a concentration of 90 to 100 percent soon after birth could halve the risk of death for very premature babies that need help breathing. Mon, 24 Jun 2024 12:54:33 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/06/240624125433.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/06/240612113305.htm A mother's contribution to the makeup of a newborn baby's microbiota has been well documented. Now a new article shows the important contributions that fathers make to the composition of microorganisms colonizing a baby's gut as well. Furthermore, the study confirmed that maternal fecal microbiota transfer (FMT) in babies born by caesarean section can help to correct the microbiota disturbances often observed in babies who are not born vaginally. Wed, 12 Jun 2024 11:33:05 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/06/240612113305.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/06/240607121437.htm Researchers have created digital babies to better understand infants' health in their critical first 180 days of life. The team created 360 advanced computer models that simulate the unique metabolic processes of each baby. Fri, 07 Jun 2024 12:14:37 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/06/240607121437.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/06/240605162522.htm Babies' brains are not as immature as previously thought, rather they are using the period of postnatal 'helplessness' to learn powerful foundation models similar to those underpinning generative Artificial Intelligence, according to a new study. Wed, 05 Jun 2024 16:25:22 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/06/240605162522.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240522225218.htm A study has found distinct brain connectivity patterns in six-week-old infants at risk for developing autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Wed, 22 May 2024 22:52:18 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240522225218.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240522225202.htm Breastmilk can promote equitable child health and save healthcare costs by reducing childhood illnesses and healthcare utilization in the early years, according to a new study. Wed, 22 May 2024 22:52:02 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240522225202.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240521204336.htm On the heels of a shortage of nirsevimab for infant respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) prevention, a new tool may help identify newborns at highest risk for developing serious RSV LRTI, according to new research. Tue, 21 May 2024 20:43:36 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240521204336.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/04/240429103101.htm A modified pacifier and AI algorithms to analyze the data it produces could determine if newborns are learning the proper mechanics of nursing, a recent study shows. Specifically, the researchers measured if babies are generating enough suckling strength to breastfeed and whether they are suckling in a regular pattern based on eight independent parameters. Mon, 29 Apr 2024 10:31:01 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/04/240429103101.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/04/240425161454.htm A new tool to identify infants most at risk for severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) illness could aid pediatricians in prioritizing children under 1 to receive a preventive medication before RSV season (October-April), according to new research. Thu, 25 Apr 2024 16:14:54 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/04/240425161454.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/04/240417182823.htm The harder your brain works at your job, the less likely you may be to have memory and thinking problems later in life, according to a new study. This study does not prove that stimulating work prevents mild cognitive impairment. It only shows an association. Wed, 17 Apr 2024 18:28:23 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/04/240417182823.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/04/240402135806.htm Infant gut microbiomes oscillate with a circadian rhythm, even when they are cultivated outside of the body. Researchers report that the rhythm is detectable as early as 2 weeks after birth but becomes more pronounced with age. The finding comes from a randomized controlled trial that also showed that diet has less impact on the development and composition of the infant microbiome than previously thought. Tue, 02 Apr 2024 13:58:06 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/04/240402135806.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/04/240401142505.htm Researchers have discovered a gene on the Y chromosome that contributes to the greater incidence of heart failure in men, opening the door to new treatments. Mon, 01 Apr 2024 14:25:05 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/04/240401142505.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/03/240322145426.htm Academics are proposing a new and improved way to help researchers discover when consciousness emerges in human infancy. Fri, 22 Mar 2024 14:54:26 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/03/240322145426.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/03/240307165047.htm A survey by UC Davis researchers shows the U.S. baby formula shortage in 2022 led 81% of parents to switch brands or types, causing health effects for babies. Thu, 07 Mar 2024 16:50:47 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/03/240307165047.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/03/240304195439.htm A recently published study that shows lactating mothers who get the COVID-19 booster pass along the antibodies to their children via their breast milk -- and potentially protect babies too young to receive the vaccine. Mon, 04 Mar 2024 19:54:39 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/03/240304195439.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/02/240229124144.htm Lockdowns imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on the gut microbiome development of babies born during these periods according to new research. Our gut microbiome, an ecosystem of microbes that live in our digestive tract, plays an essential role in human health. The study reveals significant differences in the microbiome development of babies born during lockdown periods when compared to pre-pandemic babies. Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:41:44 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/02/240229124144.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/02/240227130756.htm The activity of Snhg11, a gene found in the 'dark matter' of the genome, is critical for the function and formation of neurons in the hippocampus, specifically in an area critical for learning and memory. Researchers have discovered the gene is less active in brains with three copies of chromosome 21, which causes Down syndrome, potentially contributing to the condition's intellectual disabilities. The researchers plan on carrying out further research to discover the exact mechanisms of action involved, information that could open potential avenues for new therapeutic interventions. Tue, 27 Feb 2024 13:07:56 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/02/240227130756.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/02/240214122608.htm Women who receive an mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccination or booster during pregnancy can provide their infants with strong protection against symptomatic COVID-19 infection for at least six months after birth, according to a new study. These findings reinforce the importance of receiving both a COVID-19 vaccine and booster during pregnancy to ensure that infants are born with robust protection that lasts until they are old enough to be vaccinated. Wed, 14 Feb 2024 12:26:08 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/02/240214122608.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/02/240208122023.htm A new scanning study of 390 babies has shown distinct patterns between term and pre-term babies in the moment-to-moment activity and connectivity of brain networks. Thu, 08 Feb 2024 12:20:23 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/02/240208122023.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/02/240201121851.htm Research throws light on the mystery of why women are much more prone to autoimmune disorders: A molecule made by one X chromosome in every female cell can generate antibodies to a woman's own tissues. Thu, 01 Feb 2024 12:18:51 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/02/240201121851.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/01/240124164522.htm Researchers have identified a gene that causes heart defects in Down syndrome, a condition that results from an additional copy of chromosome 21. Reducing the overactivity of this gene partially reversed these defects in mice, setting the scene for potential future therapies for heart conditions in people with Down syndrome. Wed, 24 Jan 2024 16:45:22 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/01/240124164522.htm