Autism detected by computer analysis of EEG

Computer analysis of EEG patterns suggests a potential diagnostic test for autism — Largest, most unbiased analysis to date finds distinguishing EEG features – Widely available EEG testing can distinguish children with autism from neurotypical children as early as age 2, finds a study from Boston Children’s Hospital. The study investigated EEGs as a potential diagnostic tool for autism, and offers hope for an earlier, more definitive test.

IUDs amd implants are most effective birth control methods

IUDs, implants most effective birth control – Women who used birth control pills, the patch or vaginal ring were 20 times more likely to have an unintended pregnancy than those who used longer-acting forms such as an intrauterine device (IUD) or implant.

Violence during childhood may impact kids’ DNA

Violence puts wear and tear on kids’ DNA — Exposure to Violence During Childhood is Associated with Telomere Erosion from 5 to 10 Years of Age – Children who have experienced violence might really be older than their years. The DNA of 10-year-olds who experienced violence in their young lives has been found to show wear and tear normally associated with aging, a Duke University study has found.

Pregnant women spend longer in labor now than 50 years ago

NIH study finds women spend longer in labor now than 50 years ago — Changes in delivery practices appear to be main contributing factor – Women take longer to give birth today than did women 50 years ago, as per analysis of nearly 140,000 deliveries by NIH researchers in US. The change is likely due to changes in delivery room practice.

Mother toddler relationship quality linked to teen obesity

Mother toddler relationship quality linked to teen obesity

Study links quality of mother-toddler relationship to teen obesity – Obesity linked to poor mother-toddler bond – The quality of the emotional relationship between a mother and her young child could affect the potential for that child to be obese during adolescence, a new study suggests. Researchers analyzed national data detailing relationship characteristics between mothers and their children during their toddler years. The lower the quality of the relationship in terms of the child’s emotional security and the mother’s sensitivity, the higher the risk that a child would be obese at age 15 years, according to the analysis.

Low risk pregnant women can opt for home birth

Pregnant women at low risk of complications can safely be offered a choice of where to give birth — Perinatal and maternal outcomes by planned place of birth for women with low risk pregnancies: The Birthplace in England national prospective cohort study – A new study reveals that women with low risk pregnancies should be able to choose where they give birth. Although it shows that first-time mums who opt for a home birth are at a higher risk of adverse outcomes, the overall risk is low in all birth settings.

Premature birth increases epilepsy risk later in life

Premature birth may increase risk of epilepsy later in life — Preemies are at higher risk of epilepsy later in life – Being born prematurely may increase your risk of developing epilepsy as an adult, revealed by researchers in a new study published in the Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

Healthy diet reduces birth defects risks

Overall quality of pregnant woman?s diet affects risk for two birth defects, Stanford study shows – Healthier dietary choices by pregnant women are associated with reduced risks of birth defects, including neural tube defects and orofacial clefts. Folic acid supplementation and food fortification has been effective in preventing neural tube defects, but folic acid does not prevent all birth defects.

Children with multiple surgeries before age 2 develop a learning disability

Mayo Clinic study: multiple surgeries and anesthesia exposure – 36.6 percent children who had multiple surgeries before age 2 developed a learning disability later in life, but it should not alter decision-making related to surgery in young children. The new study examines children experiencing anesthesia and surgeries under age 2.

DHA or Omega 3 fatty acids during pregnancy good for babies health

Study shows protective benefits of DHA taken during pregnancy – If pregnant women take daily 400 mg of DHA during pregnancy are more likely to deliver healthier infants, and babies fall sick less and for short duration. Babies are more healthier in their infancy period.

Health Newstrack