SIDS Archives

Genetic evidence implicates respiratory muscle dysfunction in SIDS

Written by

Mr Pontus Sirens highlights genetic evidence about the role that respiratory muscles play in the etiology of SIDS, and highlights the importance to investigate how the diaphragm may impact SIDS

The SIDS-Critical Diaphragm Failure (SIDS-CDF) hypothesis posits that all SIDS risk factors either increase the workload of the diaphragm or reduce its force-generating capacity, and that while SIDS has many contributing factors, it has one cause, namely the failure of the vital respiratory pump. Several SIDS risk factors can impair diaphragm function, but especially noteworthy are the prone sleeping position […]

Parachute science and Caribbean plastic pollution

Written by

Plastic pollution on beach. Marine litter research in the Caribbean’s Small Island Developing States (SIDS) is imperative for protecting local communities and ecosystems from the effects of plastic pollution. Work to resolve the damage caused by marine debris, however, is being undermined by ‘parachute science’, where scientists from outside SIDS conduct research and leave without consulting or collaborating with local experts. Dr Aleke Stöfen-O’Brien and her colleagues from the World Maritime University, Sweden, are tackling this important issue to promote more equitable and sustainable ocean governance and international scientific collaboration.

Marine litter research in the Caribbean’s Small Island Developing States (SIDS) is imperative for protecting local communities and ecosystems from the effects of plastic pollution. Work to resolve the damage caused by marine debris, however, is being undermined by ‘parachute science’, where scientists from outside SIDS conduct research and leave without consulting or collaborating with local experts. Dr Aleke Stöfen-O’Brien […]

Tuna on the move: How climate change impacts Pacific Island economies

Written by

Dr Johann Bell and colleagues use environmental modelling systems to simulate the change in tuna biomass density in the future as a result of changing climate conditions in the Pacific Ocean

Climate change affects the spatial distribution of commercially important tuna species in the tropical Pacific Ocean. Predicted shifts of tuna outside the jurisdictions of Pacific Island countries and territories could have a significant impact on the revenue they receive from tuna fishing, threatening their economic stability during climate change. Dr Johann Bell from Conservation International and the University of Wollongong, […]

The missing link? Sudden infant death syndrome and the diaphragm

Written by

https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.310.6994.1603

The cause of death in sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is unknown. Scientists know that risk factors include the prone sleeping position, prematurity, low birth weight, and non-lethal infections. SIDS likely has a respiratory origin, but the diaphragm that powers the vital respiratory pump has not been adequately investigated in the context of SIDS. Diaphragm failure is a well-known cause […]

When complex systems fail: The mammalian dive response and sudden unexpected death

Written by

The mammalian dive response (MDR) conserves oxygen when a person is swimming or diving. Usually the MDR serves as a built-in safety feature of the body. Sometimes, though, the MDR interacts with other factors to cause sudden unexpected death. In particular, risk of death increases when the MDR is combined with a heart condition called long QT syndrome. In a […]

Do pacifiers interfere with breastfeeding success?

Written by

The use of pacifiers is an ancient practice, but often becomes a point of debate between parents and professionals. The research of Dr Alejandro Gustavo Jenik, a paediatrician at Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Argentina, aims to explore the relationships between pacifier use and breastfeeding. His current research is investigating the impact of early introduction of pacifiers on breastfeeding prevalence […]