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New Milk Pasteurizer Improves Donated Human Milk Quality for Fragile Newborns
Researchers in Turin have patented a new milk pasteurizer using High Temperature Short Time (HTST) technology (72°C for 15 seconds), improving the nutritional quality of donated human milk for fragile newborns, with implementation starting in January 2024 at the Regina Margherita hospital.
- What challenges in pasteurizing human milk led to the development of this new technology?
- The new pasteurizer addresses the problem of nutritional degradation in currently used methods of pasteurizing donated human milk. The HTST method, while common for cow's milk, was previously unavailable for smaller volumes of human milk. This innovation improves the immune-supporting properties of the donated milk, benefiting vulnerable infants.
- What is the key innovation of the new milk pasteurizer, and how does it improve the care of premature infants?
- A new milk pasteurizer, designed to improve the quality of donated human milk for fragile newborns, has been developed and patented by researchers. The device uses High Temperature Short Time (HTST) pasteurization (72°C for 15 seconds), minimizing nutritional loss compared to the current Holder method (62.5°C for 30 minutes). This will be implemented at the Regina Margherita hospital in Turin starting January 2024, improving the quality of milk provided to newborns.
- What are the potential future applications of this small-volume pasteurization technology beyond neonatal care?
- The adoption of the Lo.V.Milk pasteurizer signifies a significant advancement in neonatal care. By preserving the nutritional and immunological benefits of human milk, this technology has the potential to reduce health complications and improve long-term outcomes for premature and fragile infants. Further research could explore its adaptability to other small-volume liquid food pasteurization needs.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing is largely positive, focusing on the benefits of the new technology for fragile newborns. The headline (if there were one) would likely emphasize this positive aspect. This focus is understandable, given the nature of the announcement, but it's important to acknowledge that a more balanced perspective might include discussions of costs, potential limitations, or longer-term effects.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and objective, focusing on scientific facts and details. There is an overall positive tone but it's appropriate given the subject of a beneficial new technology. No loaded language is evident.
Sustainable Development Goals
The new pasteurization method preserves the nutritional value and immune-boosting properties of human milk, improving the health of vulnerable newborns. This directly contributes to SDG 3, ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages.