Researchers have discovered that the thalamus can update its own connections independently of the cortex, a finding relevant to children with neurodevelopmental disorders. This breakthrough suggests that modulating neurotransmitters in the thalamus could alter sensory processing and improve cognitive function.
A study published in Cell suggests that the gut microbiome can play a key role in protecting against gastrointestinal (GI) diseases by breaking down certain plant compounds. The researchers found that specific intestinal microbes release beneficial small molecules that regulate inflammation and promote resistance to pathogens, such as ...
Recent research reveals that avapritinib, a PDGFRA inhibitor, demonstrates potent activity against pediatric high-grade glioma tumors with PDGFRA alterations. Clinical trials in patients showed an initial clinical response and improved survival rates, suggesting the potential for avapritinib as a therapeutic option.
A new paper highlights the need for enhanced federal investment in firearm injury prevention research to address the rising rates of fatalities and injuries. The authors draw a parallel with pediatric cancer research, noting significant progress driven by federal funding.
A longitudinal study found that EBV infection predisposes people to develop Crohn's disease, with a five-to-seven-year delay between exposure and diagnosis. The study suggests that EBV may alter the immune system leading to Crohn's disease.
Macrophages may help prevent peripheral neuropathy by slowing its onset and reducing damage. Researchers discovered that these immune cells produce chemokines to recruit other macrophages, which protect against sensory axon loss.
A new study combines genomic-scale microscopy with a technical innovation to capture genes bacteria turn on in different situations and environments. This technology promises to take the study of bacteria to the next level by providing powerful new insights into bacterial behavior, including gene expression and interactions.
A new study finds that excess RELMb protein in the intestine disrupts tolerance to triggering foods and increases the risk of food allergy. Inhibiting RELMb may lead to a cure or prevention of food allergy, offering a promising therapeutic approach.
Researchers developed a new system, MEMPHIS, that models mRNA vaccine responses in a dish, providing insight into vaccine activity in vulnerable populations. The study found muted innate immune responses in people over age 60, indicating an impaired ability to support Th1 immunity.
Branden Baptiste, 20, becomes the world's first patient to receive base editing gene therapy for sickle cell disease. The treatment has left him feeling 'more than fine' with no symptoms of the disease. After undergoing chemotherapy and a series of tests, Branden was infused with genetically treated cells in December 2023, allowing his...
Researchers have developed a groundbreaking gene therapy that targets Diamond-Blackfan anemia, a rare genetic blood disorder. The treatment uses regulated GATA1 expression to correct multiple genetic mutations with a single vector, offering new hope for patients currently reliant on lifelong follow-up care and stem cell transplants.
A new study published in Cell reveals that the immune protein C1q plays a critical role in neuronal function and aging. In adult mice lacking C1q, there is a significant increase in protein production in neurons, suggesting that C1q may be important for maintaining protein homeostasis in the brain. The study also found that deleting C1...
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have discovered a promising vaccine adjuvant called PVP-037, which enhances the immune response to vaccines. The compound, an imidazopyrimidine molecule, targets innate immune cells and stimulates a broader immune response.
The study found that brain circuits associated with emotion, reward, and pain processing predicted adolescents' stress, negative emotions, and mental health. Greater robustness of the salience network conferred emotional resilience, while weaker connections in certain parts of the brain were linked to higher stress and sadness.
New research from Boston Children's Hospital found a significant correlation between historic redlining and present-day non-suicide firearm fatalities. Areas graded as 'hazardous' in the 1930s have nearly six times more non-suicide firearm fatalities today compared to areas graded 'best'.
A genetic variant reducing IKZF1 expression increases B-cell ALL risk in Hispanic/Latino kids, with ancient DNA tracing its emergence ~13,000 years ago from Indigenous American ancestors.
A recent study by Boston Children's Hospital researchers found that activity in the dentate gyrus helps keep us focused on our environment when our mind wanders. This neural activity also aids in forming memories.
A new teaching module aims to improve health equity for infants with infantile spasms by educating front-line providers. The module includes short lectures and videos illustrating the condition and ensures prompt treatment.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital developed a predictive model for accessing prenatal care services in rural Amhara, Ethiopia. The model incorporated data on education, income source, diet, and history of previous pregnancies, identifying factors that predict failure to attend prenatal care visits.
The Precision Vaccines Program at Boston Children's Hospital has been awarded a $9 million NIH contract to develop a small molecule adjuvant to enhance the effectiveness of flu vaccines. The collaboration with Inimmune aims to increase the body's immune response to vaccines and protect vulnerable populations.
A recent study published in Nature Medicine suggests that complement proteins and microglia can be activated early in the development of Huntington's Disease, leading to synapse loss and cognitive decline. By blocking these proteins, researchers were able to prevent or slow cognitive defects and motor symptoms in animal models.
A groundbreaking study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that 37% of children diagnosed with autism as toddlers no longer meet the criteria for ASD around the age of six. Children with lower adaptive skills are more likely to have ASD persist later in life. The findings underscore the need for ongoing assessments throughout a child's ...
A large national study found that preteens carrying excess weight have notable differences in cognitive performance, brain structures, and brain circuitry. The association is concerning as it suggests that excess BMI may impact brain development and function.
An international project aims to discover modifiable cellular and molecular pathways of the developing infant immune system to improve infant vaccine responsiveness and prevent respiratory disease. By analyzing infants' immune systems from birth to five years old, researchers hope to identify biomarkers that predict vaccine responsiven...
The study reveals that gasdermin E drives changes in neurons that contribute to disease progression, leading to mitochondrial damage and axon degeneration. Inactivating gasdermin E prevents cellular damage and delays the progression of ALS in mice.
The network aims to develop a comprehensive children's cell 'atlas' to examine the earliest origins of disease. Researchers will work with young patients and their families to identify disease triggers and intervene early, potentially preventing chronic diseases.
Researchers identified two broad categories of MPNSTs based on their molecular makeup, one of which has a higher number of immune cells and tends to be more survivable. This discovery may lead to new treatment approaches for NF1 patients with MPNSTs, including immunotherapy and genetic testing.
A study using spatial single-cell transcriptomics reveals the spatial organization of cancer cells in patient tissues across ages and locations. The research highlights age- and location-dependent differences in tumor biology, suggesting that kids and adults with diffuse midline gliomas may need different treatments.
A team of scientists at Boston Children's Hospital created a new tool to analyze vaccine responses, enabling better understanding of immune system reactions. The Immune Signatures Data Resource contains data from 53 studies covering 24 different vaccines.
A genetic test known as chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) may be able to identify the cause of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) or its counterpart in older children, known as Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC). CMA identified deletions or duplications of DNA segments in 14% of deceased infants and toddlers up to 28 mon...
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that developmental-behavioral pediatricians can diagnose most autism cases in young children without ADOS testing. In 90% of cases, the ADOS results did not change the original clinical diagnosis, suggesting that DBPs can accurately assess ASD symptoms.
Researchers discovered that macrophages eliminate stressed stem cells with high levels of reactive oxygen species, while healthy cells are amplified. The study found that a specific marker, calreticulin, acts as an 'eat me' signal for stressed cells.
Scientists discover that methotrexate causes oxidative damage to the cerebrospinal fluid and choroid plexus, leading to cognitive impairment. Adding antioxidants to the CSF may protect against this damage, offering a potential treatment for 'chemo brain'. Researchers are exploring other chemotherapy drugs and testing antioxidant treatm...
A new study published in Cell Reports has identified the molecular pathways responsible for reduced seizures during fasting. The researchers found that amino acid sensing plays a critical role in the beneficial effects of fasting on seizures, suggesting targeted dietary strategies may be effective for patients without DEPDC5 mutations.
A study of 137 children with early-onset psychosis found that over 70% had copy number variants, a common cause of neurodevelopmental disorders. The research suggests that chromosomal microarray testing can bring closure to families and improve treatment outcomes.
Researchers from Boston Children's Hospital found that aging heart muscle cells accumulate new genetic mutations over time, but lose the ability to repair them. This accumulation of mutations can push the heart past a tipping point into disease.
A national follow-up study found that over a quarter of children and adolescents hospitalized with COVID-19 or multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children had persistent symptoms or activity impairment two to four months later. The study identified risk factors for prolonged recovery, including MIS-C and activity impairment.
Researchers developed a broadly neutralizing antibody that neutralized all currently known SARS-CoV-2 variants, including Omicron strains. The antibody works differently from existing antibodies and prevents the virus from fusing with host cells.
A recent study found that overnight EEGs can predict Rett syndrome with 90% accuracy and identify specific patterns associated with different subtypes of the disorder. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more refined interventions and improved care for girls with Rett syndrome.
Researchers developed a method to produce generic CAR T cells from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells), which could be produced at scale for multiple patients. The new cells showed enhanced anti-tumor activity and comparable efficacy to current clinical-grade cells.
A new vaccine formulation has protected newborn mice against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and evoked strong responses in human immune cells. The vaccine uses an adjuvant combination that stimulates type 1 T-helper responses, which are hard to stimulate in newborns but are needed for a strong defense against viral pathogens.
Experimental study finds large DNA insertions caused by retrotransposition can increase cancer risk in human cells edited with CRISPR/Cas9. In contrast, base editing and prime editing show much lower rates of retrotransposition.
A groundbreaking study using cellular barcoding in mice reveals that blood cells originate from two independent sources: hematopoietic stem cells and embryonic multipotent progenitor cells. These findings have significant implications for understanding blood cancers, bone marrow transplant, and the aging immune system.
A new study at 21 US children's hospitals found that patients with limited English proficiency are less likely to question their child's hospital care due to language barriers. The researchers called on hospitals to ensure that families who speak languages other than English have an equal opportunity to speak up and potentially interce...
Researchers discovered that leukemia-initiating cells in MLL-rearranged B-ALL can switch between two metabolic states, which makes them difficult to target. Targeting the quiet, stem cell-like state curbs the leukemia by forcing the cells back to an active proliferation state.
Children previously infected with COVID-19 or MIS-C are not protected against the newer Omicron variant. However, vaccination shows protective effects, according to a study published in Nature Communications.
The COVID-19 pandemic saw a devastating rise in adolescent mental health crises, with 60% of admitted patients exhibiting suicidal ideation or attempting suicide. Mental health admissions increased for depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and substance-related disorders, particularly among girls.
A new study suggests that up to 1 in 4 cases of congenital hydrocephalus may be linked to genetic mutations affecting neural stem cell growth, leading to underdeveloped brains and enlarged ventricles. This paradigm shift could lead to targeted therapies such as gene editing or drugs to optimize neurodevelopment.
The 100-year-old BCG vaccine has been found to protect newborns and young infants against multiple bacterial and viral infections, including COVID-19. The study identified changes in metabolite and lipid profiles that correlate with innate immune system responses.
A recent study published in Nature found that people with Alzheimer's have more newly acquired mutations in their neurons, leading to permanent DNA damage. The researchers discovered that reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a key role in this process, which can be triggered by inflammation and immune reactions.