Bacteria Linked to Infant Deaths

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is one of the leading causes of death for children under the age of one. British researchers have found that bacteria may play a big part in SIDS. They found possibly dangerous bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli, in almost half of all babies who died of SIDS.

Researchers are not sure if bacteria are the cause or if the bacteria are identifying other possible risk factors. The higher levels of bacteria might be evidence of other conditions, such as a room being too hot or bad room ventilation for the baby.

SIDS is usually diagnosed when there aren’t any other causes of death that can be found when a healthy infant dies, usually in their sleep. At birth, mothers transfer some of their antibodies against infection to their babies but when the babies are between eight to ten weeks old, the antibodies from the mother are nearly gone and the babies have to start making their own. This could make the babies more vulnerable to bacterial infections. SIDS usually affects babies that are between eight and ten weeks old.

To prevent SIDS it is recommended to have babies sleep on their backs and to not put too many blankets on them.

Amount of Sleep Connected to Childhood Obesity

A Harvard study has found that babies and toddlers that sleep less than 12 hours each day are more at risk for being overweight in preschool. The link between sleep and obesity affects young children too, as well as teenagers and adults. Children that slept the least and watched the most amount of television had the greatest chance of obesity.

Previous studies have found that people that don’t get enough sleep produce more ghrelin, which is a hormone that promotes hunger. They also produce less leptin, which is a hormone that signals to the body that they are full and have had enough to eat. Watching television promotes obesity because it can take time away from doing activities that burn calories. The more active a child is the better they will sleep at night.

It is good advice to create a regular schedule for sleep for children and babies. Infants can be taught to sleep on their own by putting them to bed when they are drowsy but not completely asleep.

Cut the Risk of Cerebral Palsy in Premature Babies

The risk of cerebral palsy in premature babies can be cut by giving the mothers magnesium sulfate just before they give birth. The mineral compound is used already to treat pregnancy-related high blood pressure and to stop early labor. The mineral is cheap and not harmful.

Cerebral palsy is a serious condition and complication of premature babies. It is caused by damage to the part of the brain that controls movement. It would cause poor muscle control and coordination. It is not completely clear how magnesium sulfate words but it is assumed that it opens up the blood vessels in the infant’s brain. The mineral is also a sedative and can make the mothers and infants feel sleepy.

There also was a study that found that women that take folic acid for at least a year before they get pregnant could reduce their chances of premature birth by 50 to 70 percent. Taking folic acid is already recommended for women to prevent birth defects of the brain and spinal cord, such as spina bifada.

Study Says Some People Could Smell Sounds and Colors

Researchers say that 1 out of 1,000 people have the ability to smell sounds and colors. They also say that all newborns have the ability to do this.

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