Researchers have discovered a novel gene, DENND1B, involved in childhood-onset asthma, which affects immune system signaling molecules. The study's findings may lead to new treatments targeting the gene's role in asthma's characteristic wheezing and shortness of breath.
Researchers found that feeding amino acids to brain-injured mice restored cognitive abilities and improved learning capacity. The study suggests that dietary intervention could restore a proper balance of neurochemicals in the injured part of the brain.
Researchers have discovered a link between a genetic variant and childhood obesity, which may contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that this gene variant raises the risk of being overweight during childhood, potentially setting the stage for type 2 diabetes in adulthood.
Researchers identified partner genes that fuse with MLL, driving fatal leukemia in infants. Accurate predictions and treatments are expected based on this knowledge.
Pediatric immunologist Dr. Jordan Orange received the American Philosophical Society's Judson Daland Prize for his contributions to researching and treating inherited immune deficiency diseases. His work focuses on natural killer cells, which have an inherent ability to destroy cancer or virus-infected cells.
Researchers found significant improvement in heart performance during treatment with sildenafil, suggesting potential benefits for exercise performance and quality of life. The study involved 28 children and young adults who received either placebo or sildenafil for 6 weeks, with improved heart function observed after switching to the ...
Researchers have identified five new gene regions associated with early-onset inflammatory bowel disease, including one involved in the T-helper 17 pathway. The findings may lead to personalized medicine by targeting the IL27 cytokine's action.
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia is offering a unique option to prepubertal boys with cancer: testicular tissue biopsy and freezing. Parents are receptive to the procedure, despite its experimental nature. Success in animal models has scientists hopeful for human results.
Neuroscientists have pinpointed molecular events in brain chemistry that trigger a shift from preference learning to aversion learning in infants. This transition is linked to changes in dopamine levels, which are manipulated through chemical means, advancing our understanding of attachment and development.
A new federal grant will investigate a novel approach in treating HIV infection, focusing on a unique class of drugs that target psychological and neurological effects. The research aims to develop therapies that can relieve depression-like symptoms and improve innate immunity in HIV-infected patients.
Research on autism spectrum disorders has made significant progress, with advancements in early brain development and diagnosis. The review highlights the importance of parent involvement and genetic factors in the disorder, and suggests potential future treatments using neuroimaging tools and intensive behavioral therapies.
A new gene data tool has achieved greater accuracy than conventional methods in assessing individual risk for type 1 diabetes. By analyzing a large set of gene markers, the tool identifies a large ensemble of genes that interact together to predict disease risk.
A large-scale study has found a strong association between metabolic syndrome and elevated liver enzymes in obese adolescent males. The researchers also discovered an ethnic difference between Hispanic and non-Hispanic male participants.
Researchers studied mitochondrial gene function in Caenorhabditis elegans to understand its impact on human diseases. They found that certain genes impair respiratory capacity and anesthesia response, providing clues for targeted therapies and potential treatments.
Pediatric researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia will investigate the most beneficial method of using antibiotics to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs) in children. The goal is to determine if a shorter treatment period can reduce drug resistance while effectively treating UTIs.
A recent study in mice suggests that the mother's immune response interferes with the fetus's ability to tolerate transplanted donor cells. Researchers found that mouse pups nursed by their biological mothers lost transplanted cells, while those nursed by foster mothers retained them.
Researchers found that a specific gene variant, CDKAL1, is associated with both lower birth weight and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in childhood. The study suggests a genetic link between prenatal events and the development of diabetes in later life.
A new study from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia has found that eliminating a specific cell receptor, CAR, prevents infection by a common virus that causes serious diseases in humans. The researchers used genetically engineered mice to demonstrate the critical role of CAR in coxsackievirus infections.
A new resource for studying human illnesses has been unveiled, featuring a high-resolution map of copy number variations (CNVs) in the human genome. The study provides a deep and broad set of CNVs, along with a research tool for diagnosing genetic problems, which will help identify rare diseases resulting from CNVs.
A recent study has discovered 27 genetic regions associated with autism spectrum disorders, revealing the complex interplay of inherited and new mutations. The research identifies multiple genes, including BZRAP1 and MDGA2, which play crucial roles in synaptic function and neurological development.
Pediatric researchers found hundreds of gene variations associated with ADHD, many linked to learning, behavior, and brain function. The study suggests future drug targets and personalized treatments may be possible.
Two new studies have identified genetic events that increase a child's susceptibility to high-risk neuroblastoma. Common variants in the BARD1 gene and a specific copy number variation at chromosome 1q21.1 are found to be associated with the development of this childhood cancer.
Researchers developed genetically engineered mice that experience seizures resembling those in patients with infantile spasms. The discovery provides a new opportunity to test treatments that may benefit children with this difficult-to-treat form of childhood epilepsy.
A new study reveals that over 17 million US children lack access to specialized trauma care within an hour, with the largest gaps in rural areas. Establishing guidelines and maintaining an inventory of pediatric trauma centers could improve fragmented access to life-saving care.
Researchers have developed a new therapy that uses elements of the immune system to improve cure rates for children with high-risk neuroblastoma. The treatment showed a 20% increase in preventing relapse and a greater cure rate compared to standard therapy.
Scientists discovered that a protein complex called cohesin plays an important role in regulating genes in humans, particularly in the rare genetic disease Cornelia de Lange syndrome. The study identified hundreds of genes that were dysregulated compared to controls, and also detected gene expression profiles unique to CdLS.
A novel vaccine approach may have broken the impasse in developing an effective HIV vaccine by bypassing the usual path followed by vaccine developers. The technique, which uses gene transfer technology, protected monkeys from SIV infection and produced long-lived neutralizing activity.
A study by researchers at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that nearly all children admitted with concussions had abnormal brain function during testing. The hospital recommends a formal assessment before resuming exertional activities to prevent prolonging symptoms and repeat concussions.
Two studies identify genes that may contribute to autism, including a region of chromosome 5 associated with neuronal cell-adhesion molecules. These findings suggest a significant role for genetics in the development of autism, potentially leading to new treatments.
A new study reveals significant variability in hospital treatment and outcomes for children with urinary tract infections. Hospitals that use clinical practice guidelines for UTI management have lower length of stay and costs.
A study found that visually examining newborns for jaundice is an unreliable method of predicting the risk of hyperbilirubinemia, a potentially life-threatening condition. Only infants with no visible jaundice can confidently have a very low risk.
A study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that improved physician education increases prescription rates of emergency contraception pills for adolescents, reducing unintended pregnancy rates. The study identified five common barriers to prescribing ECPs, including lack of patient follow-up and concerns about birth defects.
Researchers have discovered new genes involved in Crohn's disease using a novel approach that combines statistical tools and automated gene-hunting techniques. The study identified genes on the same biological pathways as those already known to be relevant to the biology of Crohn's disease.
A study found that white patients have better survival rates after surgery at teaching hospitals compared to nonteaching hospitals, but this advantage does not apply to black patients. The disparity exists across different hospitals and within the same hospital for both racial groups.
A large study found that early transition from intravenous to oral antibiotics in children with acute osteomyelitis is as effective as continued IV therapy. The study, conducted by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, showed a reduced risk of treatment failure and complications related to central venous catheters.
Adolescents and young adults who are heavy users of marijuana are more likely to have disrupted brain development, according to a new study. The researchers found abnormalities in areas of the brain involved in memory, attention, decision-making, language, and executive functioning skills.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that overweight siblings of children with type 2 diabetes are four times more likely to have abnormal glucose levels. This discovery highlights the importance of screening and prevention education for these high-risk individuals.
A study found that ultrasound screening with transcranial Doppler ultrasonography (TCD) significantly reduced stroke incidence among children with sickle cell disease. The technique, combined with regular transfusions for high-risk patients, lowered stroke rates to one-tenth of the pre-TCD era.
Researchers used magnetoencephalography to detect brain magnetic fields in children with autism, finding a delay of up to 50 milliseconds in processing sound. This abnormality may lead to impaired language and communication skills.
Researchers found no significant difference between pediatric patients who underwent cardiopulmonary bypass and those who did not, in terms of I.Q. scores and neuropsychological tests. The study provides good news for school-aged children with less complex heart defects undergoing surgery.
Researchers have identified two novel gene locations associated with an increased risk of developing type 1 diabetes. The study, published in Diabetes, provides a promising lead for the development of more accurate diagnostic tests and potential preventive therapies.
A protein called GluR1 enables nerve cells to communicate, promoting dendrite growth and connection formation. Research suggests that manipulating this protein's activity could enhance communication among neurons, improving motor function in patients with spinal cord or nerve injuries.
A study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that immigrant children are more likely to lack health coverage, despite a 1999 federal ruling that relieved them of Medicaid repayment requirements. The study analyzed data from over 33,000 children and found that even after accounting for socioeconomic differences, foreign-born chi...
Researchers have identified a gene variant associated with childhood asthma in European children, and also found it plays a role in asthma of any severity level among white American children. Further studies are needed to determine if other genes outside the region occupy by ORMDL3 contribute to asthma susceptibility.
Researchers have discovered two new genes that increase the risk of developing childhood inflammatory bowel disease. The study found a compelling candidate, TNFRSF6B, which is involved in tumor necrosis factor signaling and may provide a target for drug development.
Scientists have discovered gene mutations that cause inherited neuroblastoma, the most common childhood cancer. The mutations also play a significant role in high-risk non-inherited forms of the disease, leading to new testing opportunities and potential targeted therapies.
Researchers found that many teens have misconceptions about emergency contraception, including side effects and confidentiality. Targeted health education is needed to address these concerns and promote effective use of the pill.
Scientists have identified a crucial protein called Lnk that regulates the growth of stem cells in the bone marrow. The findings may aid in improving the success of bone marrow transplants and developing better treatments for blood disorders such as aplastic anemia and severe combined immunodeficiency disorders.
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia will receive a $247,000 grant to test a new method of identifying children at risk for developmental delays. Researchers aim to design service packages tailored to each child's risk level, with potential benefits including more frequent visits and home visits.
Researchers have successfully treated congenital hyperinsulinism, a rare genetic disease causing insulin imbalance, using a peptide called exendin-(9-39) that blocks hormone receptor action. This could lead to an innovative medicine for children with this condition.