New study reveals infants feel pain before they can understand it
London [UK], June 19 (ANI): A groundbreaking study from University College London (UCL) has revealed that newborns are capable of sensing pain well before they can cognitively understand or emotionally react to it.
The findings, published in the journal Pain, offer new insights into how infants' brains develop the ability to process pain and have significant implications for neonatal care, especially for preterm babies.
The research, led by Professor Lorenzo Fabrizi of UCL's Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, explored how different components of pain perception emerge in early life.
"Pain is a complex experience with physical, emotional, and cognitive elements," Fabrizi explained, adding, "In adults, the brain regions involved in pain, known collectively as the 'pain connectome', work together to create the full experience. In newborns, this network is still maturing, which may mean their experience of pain is vastly different from ours."
The team analysed brain scans from 372 infants, many born prematurely, using data from two of the largest infant brain imaging projects: the Developing Human Connectome Project and the Human Connectome Project.
All infants were scanned within their first two weeks of life to ensure that the results reflected natural brain development rather than the influence of postnatal experiences.
Researchers focused on three specific brain networks related to pain processing: Sensory-discriminative: Responsible for identifying and locating pain. Affective-motivational: Governs the emotional response to pain. Cognitive-evaluative: Handles the interpretation and judgment of pain.
Findings showed that the sensory-discriminative network matures first, typically between 34 and 36 weeks after conception.
This means that even premature infants can detect pain stimuli, though they may struggle to pinpoint where the pain is coming from.
Next, the affective-motivational network, which gives pain its unpleasant emotional quality, reaches functional maturity around 36 to 38 weeks.
However, the cognitive-evaluative network, crucial for understanding the significance of pain, doesn't fully mature until after 42 weeks, meaning that full-term newborns still lack the brain development needed for complete pain comprehension.
These findings are especially relevant in medical settings. A prior study from the same team in 2023 found that premature infants do not show signs of habituating to repeated medical procedures; they continue to react as though the pain is new each time. This latest study suggests that the immaturity of certain brain networks could explain that phenomenon.
"Our results suggest that preterm babies may be particularly vulnerable to painful medical procedures during critical stages of brain development," said Professor Fabrizi, adding, "This highlights the need for pain management strategies that are tailored to a baby's stage of neural development."
The study was funded by the UK's Medical Research Council and involved collaboration with researchers from UCLH and King's College London.
These findings could help reshape clinical protocols for neonatal care, especially for the most vulnerable infants, by encouraging more precise pain management and timing of interventions. (ANI)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India Gazette
2 hours ago
- India Gazette
"PM Modi inspired countrymen with important topics": Uttarakhand CM Dhami praises Mann Ki Baat
Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], June 30 (ANI): Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami listened to the 123rd edition of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat' program at the Chief Minister's residence, an official statement said. After the program, the Chief Minister said that the Prime Minister has inspired the countrymen with important topics like yoga, social unity, service spirit and women empowerment. The Chief Minister said that under PM Modi's leadership, India has got a distinct identity at the global level. 'The International Yoga Day, organised on June 21, once again demonstrated that yoga has made its special identity not only in India but all over the world. He expressed pride in the achievements of the country being declared trachoma-free by the World Health Organisation and bringing 64 per cent of the population under social security in the report of the International Labour Organisation,' CM Dhami said. The Chief Minister stated that under the able leadership of the Prime Minister, the country has achieved significant progress in the areas of health and social security. He appreciated the collective service highlighted in 'Mann Ki Baat', the spirit of meeting during religious pilgrimages and the initiative to promote local products. He said that this program embodies the ideal of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat' and urged the people of the state to adopt these messages in their daily routine and make Uttarakhand a proud part of self-reliant and prosperous India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday in his 'Mann Ki Baat' address lauded 'Women Led Development' initiatives, noting the remarkable achievements which are through enterprise, self-reliance and innovation are shaping a New India. Addressing the 123rd episode of his monthly radio address, the Prime Minister highlighted that women labourers from Telangana's Bhadrachalam who used to toil in the fields to eke out their daily livelihood are now making products that reach markets from Hyderabad to London. PM Modi said that those pads were distributed to nearby schools and offices at a very low price. He noted that these women joined a Self-Help Group and received training for the same. 'The mantra of 'Women Led Development' is ready to create a new future for India. Our mothers, sisters, and daughters are today lending a new direction not only for themselves but for the entire society. You will also feel good when you come to know about the success of the women of Bhadrachalam in Telangana. These women once worked as labourers in the fields. They used to work hard all day for their livelihoods,' PM Modi said during the Mann ki Baat programme. The Prime Minister also spoke about how women from Karnataka's Kalaburagi have created a 'jowar' roti brand. They produce over 3,000 rotis daily through a cooperative, which are now not limited to villages but are sold in Bengaluru and via online food platforms, he said. 'The achievement of the women of Kalaburgi in Karnataka is also excellent. They have made jowar roti a brand. In the cooperative that they have formed, more than 3000 rotis are being made every day. The aroma of these rotis is no longer limited to the village. A special counter has been opened in Bengaluru. Orders are coming in over online food platforms. Kalaburgi roti is now reaching the kitchens of big cities. This has had a great impact on these women; their income is increasing,' PM Modi said. The Prime Minister also mentioned a story of 'self-confidence' and 'self-reliance' from Madhya Pradesh's Balaghat. Suma Uike, who has received training in mushroom farming and animal husbandry, joined the Self Help Group and has increased her income and also expanded her work. 'These stories from different states have different faces. But their glow is the same. This is the glow of self-confidence, of self-reliance. One such face is Suma Uike from Madhya Pradesh. Suma Ji's efforts are very commendable. She took training in mushroom farming and animal husbandry by joining the Self Help Group in Katangi block of Balaghat district. Thus, she found her path to self-reliance. When Suma Uike's income increased, she also expanded her work. This journey that started with a tiny effort has now expanded to 'Didi Canteen' and 'Thermal Therapy Centre'. In every corner of the country, countless such women are changing their fate and that of the country,' PM Modi said. (ANI)
India Gazette
6 hours ago
- India Gazette
Statistics Day celebrated to commemorate birth anniversary of Prof PC Mahalanobis
New Delhi [India], June 29 (ANI): In recognition of the remarkable contributions made by Professor (Late) Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis to the field of statistics and economic planning, the Government has designated his birth day, June 29, as Statistics Day. The primary objective of celebrating this Day is to raise public awareness, particularly among the younger generation, about the pivotal role of statistics in policy formulation for national development, the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation said in a release on Sunday. As per the release, the celebration for the 19th Statistics Day was held at Dr Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi on Sunday. The theme for 19th Statistics Day was '75 Years of National Sample Survey', highlighting the enduring legacy and impact of the National Sample Survey in strengthening the statistical system of the country. Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Rao Inderjit Singh, the Chief Guest of the event, in his address, paid tribute to Prof Mahalanobis and highlighted the significance of the dual milestone; the celebration of Statistics Day and the 75th year of the National Sample Survey (NSS). He spoke about the transformation of the statistical system through the use of technological tools for real-time data monitoring. He emphasised the need for methodological reforms such as updated sampling techniques, integrated survey frameworks, and harmonisation with international standards. He expressed the commitment of the ministry for inclusive engagement through consultations and capacity-building initiatives with State Governments. Union Minister lauded MoSPI's transparent and inclusive approach and urged the statistical community to support the national vision of a transparent and ever-improving National Statistical Office. He concluded by appreciating the dedication of statisticians and field functionaries of the ministry, as per the release. Delivering the welcome address, Saurabh Garg, Secretary, MoSPI, reflected on the NSS's remarkable journey and its evolution into one of the world's most robust and trusted statistical systems. Dr Garg highlighted the various reforms undertaken during this journey, which started in 1950. Time reduction in publication of survey results and availability of data at more granular level with higher frequency, digital transformation undertaken in various work sphere from data collection through CAPI to its Dissemination through eSankhyiki portal having more than 135 million records, a dedicated data visualisation section on the website for demystifying the complex data, mainstreaming of alternative data sources including administrative statistics in the official statistics system were some of the reform initiatives. Dr. Garg emphasised in his welcome speech. He also mentioned that MoSPI's focus on data dissemination through technology has changed the paradigm of data-driven policymaking en route to Viksit Bharat. Dr Rajeeva Laxman Karandikar, Chairman of the National Statistical Commission (NSC), in his address, mentioned the history of the Indian Statistical system and the valued contributions of Dr PC Mahalanobis to its development. He congratulated MoSPI for their efforts in modernising the Statistical system and thereby supporting data and evidence-based policy making. He underscored that statistical agencies can greatly contribute to other areas of governance, such as creating a uniform methodology for normalising scores in various online competitive exams and validating online voting. Such an initiative will create public trust in the government and will facilitate smooth governance. Approximately 700 participants, including Senior officers from central ministries and Departments, State and UT Governments, representatives from international organisations such as UN agencies, and other key stakeholders, attended the event. The event also featured a documentary on the ministry's activities, the release added. (ANI)
India Gazette
6 hours ago
- India Gazette
From space medicine to DNA Vaccines: Union Minister Jitendra Singh calls for synergized, inclusive healthcare model for Viksit Bharat 2047
New Delhi [India], June 29 (ANI): While delivering a thought-provoking keynote address at the Doctor's Day Conclave organized by the ET Times Now, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology Jitendra Singh, emphasized that India stands at the crossroads of a health-tech revolution and at the threshold of a grand new chapter, with its economy moving from the 10th to the 4th largest globally and the further ascent continuing. According to a release from the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Minister cited Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla's mission to the International Space Station, carrying indigenous life science kits, as a milestone that may soon give birth to a new medical discipline: Space Medicine. Jitendra Singh called for a 'synergized, inclusive and futuristic healthcare ecosystem' in alignment with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. 'Very soon, we might have a dedicated stream in medical academics called Space Physicians. This is the future we must be ready for,' said Jitendra Singh. Addressing the theme of health and demographic change, the Minister spoke of India facing a 'bi-phasic challenge' -- a rising number of elderly citizens due to increased life expectancy, alongside a youthful population. He explained: 'While more than 70% of India is under 40, the elderly population is also growing rapidly. In 1947, the average life span was 50-55 years; today it is nearing 80,' the release added. Jitendra Singh noted the dual burden of disease, as India simultaneously tackles both communicable and non-communicable illnesses, particularly in the post-COVID era. To address this, he stressed mass screening, early detection, and prevention, calling for greater public-private partnerships and optimal use of technologies like AI, telemedicine, and machine learning, the release added. Highlighting India's recent global achievements, Jitendra Singh proudly stated that India has emerged as a global leader in preventive and precision healthcare. He noted that India developed the world's first DNA vaccine for COVID-19 and an HPV vaccine to help prevent cervical cancer. Further, India successfully conducted its first gene therapy trial for haemophilia, with the results published in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine, the release added. The Minister also announced the launch of Nafithromycin, the country's first indigenously developed antibiotic molecule, marking a significant milestone in India's pharmaceutical innovation landscape. He attributed these successes to early-stage collaboration with private industry, stating 'These achievements were possible because of seamless integration of public and private sectors from the outset.' Touching upon the need for integrated institutions, Jitendra Singh revealed that IIT Kanpur and IISc Bengaluru are planning to establish medical schools within their campuses. He also lauded India's affordable healthcare models like Ayushman Bharat and institutions like Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute in Trivandrum, which integrates research, manufacturing, and clinical care, the release added. In the context of cancer care, Jitendra Singh emphasized India's move toward targeted radiation therapy and highlighted Tata Memorial Centre as a pioneer in 100% digital and cashless hospital systems. He also shed light on India's hygiene innovations during massive public gatherings like Kumbh Mela, where radiation-based faecal sludge treatment plants (FSTPs)ensured sanitation for over 40 crore pilgrims without health hazards. On climate-related health resilience, Jitendra Singh mentioned the recently launched Mission Mausam, focusing on early warning systems for health-related impacts of climate disasters. Concluding his address, Jitendra Singh underscored the need for a transformative approach to India's healthcare future. He called for wider synergy across sectors, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between academia, research institutions, industry, and government. He also advocated for early-stage integration of the private sector in both research and healthcare delivery to ensure sustainability and scalability. Furthermore, he urged institutional innovation, citing proposals by premier institutes like IIT Kanpur and IISc Bengaluru to establish medical schools within their campuses -- a step he believes will foster interdisciplinary excellence and create a new model of holistic education and healthcare, the release added. 'Let us not hand over everything to the technocrats. A bit of the doctor must remain. We must carry forward both the science and the soul of medicine,' he said. (ANI)
