Researchers have discovered a critical signalling pathway that controls the timing of brain development, shedding new light on how neurodevelopmental disorders may develop. The study reveals the genetic processes that shape brain development and what happens when they become disrupted.
Researchers at Murdoch Children's Research Institute have made a breakthrough in gene therapy, restoring heart function in lab-grown patient heart tissue and mouse models with genetic heart disease. The therapy may also correct other genetic heart diseases, including those caused by the MYH7 gene and TTN truncating variants.
Researchers at Murdoch Children's Research Institute have developed a powerful platform to test and advance new treatments for childhood heart diseases. The breakthrough involves creating lab-grown heart valve tissues that closely resemble human body valves, providing a promising approach for regenerative medicine.
A new study found a national mass drug administration (MDA) program drastically reduced scabies cases in Solomon Islands and Fiji by over 80%. The MDA, which involved ivermectin treatment, also decreased rates of skin infections and moderate-to-severe scabies.
A new study published in the Journal of Inherited Metabolic Disease found that high-dose niacin therapy can improve survival outcomes in children with NAXD deficiency, a rare genetic disorder. The treatment has been shown to halt significant deterioration and reduce life-threatening complications.
A global monitoring platform reveals that antimicrobial resistance in children is rising, driven largely by Gram-negative bacteria. The platform forecasts that last-line carbapenem antibiotics will be highly resistant to these pathogens by 2035, posing a significant threat to children's health.
A global vaccine trial evaluated fractional doses of COVID-19 boosters, finding they produced strong immune responses comparable to full-dose boosters. This could lead to extended vaccine supplies, improved equity in vaccination programs and reduced costs, especially in low-income countries.
A newly developed open-source tool called Talos is highly effective at detecting new rare disease diagnoses. The tool automates the reanalysis process of stored DNA data, integrating monthly updates of new knowledge about genes and variants to identify potential new diagnoses.
Adolescents who spend at least two hours a day on social media are more likely to experience depressive symptoms and poorer wellbeing, with the strongest effects seen in girls aged 12–13 years. The study, which followed almost 1,200 children from age nine to 19, highlights the need for policies that reduce excessive screentime.
A new study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that children who received early, tailored care experienced significant improvements in recovery from concussion. The intervention combined education, physiotherapy, and psychological support, resulting in a 62.5% full recovery rate compared to 37% for those receivin...
A study has mapped the development of lung damage in young children with cystic fibrosis, revealing that immune abnormalities begin early in life and persist despite current treatments. The research found that targeted anti-inflammatory therapies may be necessary alongside existing medications to prevent permanent lung damage.
A new study is exploring the effects of a nasal spray flu vaccine on children's immune systems, aiming to boost future protection and lower vaccine hesitancy rates. The study will provide valuable insights into how children develop immunity to influenza vaccines.
A new trial aims to test an AI-powered tool that detects signs of infection in children undergoing cancer treatment. The custom app, which utilizes Apple Watch data, may help clinicians intervene sooner and reduce hospital stays.
A coordinated 10-year plan to improve long-term wellbeing and reverse child obesity trends is underway. The GenHEART program, spearheaded by Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, targets heart health, diet, exercise, sleep, and more.
A new biotech company, Ibnova Therapeutics, will accelerate treatments for heart disease through cellular therapies, backed by Australian and Danish partnerships. The company aims to conduct human clinical trials within three to five years.
Researchers developed a tool to identify children with red flags for speech disorders, guiding therapy referrals. The study found that developmental speech errors are common in young children, but resolve by seven years, and that some errors take longer to outgrow.
The lack of data on safety and dosage limits life-saving antibiotics from children in Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands. Only six out of 12 recommended antibiotics are licensed for children under 12, with standard doses often too low.
A new study reveals that a hand-held, wireless intraoral scanner paired with AI-assisted software can identify early childhood tooth decay as accurately as visual exams. The technology creates a detailed 3D model of a child's mouth within minutes, providing a comprehensive picture of their dental health.
A new study found that hormone therapy can alter sex-specific blood proteins in transgender women, resembling those of cisgender women. The therapy may reduce the risk of heart disease and increase the risk of allergic and autoimmune diseases.
Genomic sequencing in newborns has been shown to detect hundreds of treatable conditions, including childhood cancers, cardiac disorders, and neurological issues. The test was found acceptable to parents and feasible using the same sample collected for the heel-prick test.
A new study found that breastfeeding until six months of age helps babies fight off infections and reduce chronic inflammation. The researchers identified specific lipids in breast milk, such as plasmalogens, which appear to lower inflammation and improve immune health.
A new study developed an advanced AI tool that can detect tiny brain lesions causing severe epilepsy in children, allowing for faster diagnosis and more precise treatment. The 'AI epilepsy detective' was trained using MRI and FDG-PET scans and showed a success rate of 94% in detecting lesions.
A new vaccine developed to protect against 21 strains of pneumococcus will be tested in a randomised controlled trial, aiming to provide greater protection for babies against serious infections. The trial is recruiting over 1600 babies across Australia and internationally.
A new study found that less than 5% of children admitted to hospital with suspected sepsis met the Phoenix Sepsis Score, highlighting the need for more accurate measures to diagnose sepsis in children. The research also showed that the current clinical tool failed to detect cases early and underestimated the overall burden of disease.
A new software tool called VR-Omics has the potential to further our understanding of other childhood diseases. The technology can identify previously undetected cell activities of cardiac rhabdomyoma, a type of benign heart tumour that can cause respiratory distress and irregular heartbeat.
A global report urges better care for newborns to improve survival and long-term health, citing significant challenges in leadership, collaboration, regulation, and funding. The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health Commission on the future of neonatology recommends increased investment in research and development to address these issues.
A global report highlights the need for better platforms for drug and medical device development, as well as cross-sector engagement, to reduce newborn deaths. The report also emphasizes the importance of innovative approaches to address challenges in leadership, collaboration, regulation, and funding in neonatology.
A systematic review found that vaccinating children as early as four months of age for measles could provide sustained protection throughout infancy. However, several barriers exist, including cost-effectiveness and vaccine hesitancy, which need to be addressed to consider an earlier first dose.
A new partnership between Murdoch Children's Research Institute and Retro Biosciences will advance personalized therapies for children and adults with bone marrow failure, leukaemia, and other blood disorders. The $35M agreement aims to develop autologous therapies using the breakthrough blood stem cell discovery.
The landmark report highlights poor mental health, rising obesity rates, exposure to violence, and climate change as major challenges for adolescents. The report urges targeted actions, including early intervention and partnerships with young people, to improve their health and wellbeing.
A new partnership between Murdoch Children's Research Institute and Retro Biosciences aims to develop personalized blood stem cell treatments for children and adults with blood disorders. The collaboration has the potential to prevent complications from mismatched donors by using a patient's own perfectly matched cells in transplants.
A new study found that over 40% of children who underwent complicated appendicectomy recovered faster and had fewer complications when cared for in the home following surgery. This model of care reduced hospital time by 35% and saved families and hospitals over $1,400 per day.
A new study has discovered how antibodies help protect against Strep A infections and is contributing to the development of a Strep A vaccine. The research used the world's only human challenge model for Strep A, which uncovered the power and potential for this model to accelerate vaccine development.
A third of children and adolescents will be overweight or obese within the next 25 years, according to a new study. The global obesity rate for those between 5-24 years old tripled from 1990 to 2021, rising by 244 per cent to 174 million.
Rare genetic diseases affect 300 million people globally, with one in three dying before age five. Global collaborations are transforming clinical care by leveraging genomic technologies and evidence-based approaches.
A new global report highlights the need for universal access, national roadmaps and affordable care to solve the medical oxygen gap. The Lancet Global Health Commission recommends investing in strengthening medical oxygen systems, making pulse oximeters more accessible and widely available.
A systematic review of 1500 research papers found that pregnant women who contract bird flu have a high risk of death and birth defects. The study stresses the importance of early inclusion of pregnant women in public health vaccination programs during pandemics.
A new study by Murdoch Children's Research Institute found that 64% of adolescents reported symptoms three or more times across their adolescent years. Girls were at increased risk and more likely to have a chronic course. Preventive strategies are urgently needed to address this public health problem.
A promising daily tablet, infigratinib, has been shown to increase height and improve proportional limb growth in children with achondroplasia. The medication is safe and effective in treating children aged 3-11 years, offering an alternative to existing treatments.
A national study found that genomic sequencing can diagnose mitochondrial disease in over half of patients, simplifying the diagnostic journey and sparing invasive testing. The study also identified factors that impact testing results, particularly among children.
A new study found that exposure to higher levels of air pollution as a baby is associated with increased odds of developing a peanut allergy and having it persist throughout childhood. Policies aimed at tackling poor air quality could potentially reduce the development and persistence of peanut allergies, according to researchers.
Melbourne researchers have developed a breakthrough in creating lab-grown human blood stem cells, which can be used to treat childhood blood disorders. The cells closely mimic those found in the human embryo and can create specific matched blood cells for transplantation, reducing complications and addressing donor shortages.
A new study from Murdoch Children's Research Institute has identified changes in certain blood proteins that can predict bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm babies. By combining these protein changes with gestational age, birth weight, and sex, clinicians can make more accurate predictions of BPD risk within 72 hours of life.
Australian researchers have identified biomarkers that can predict which children are likely to outgrow their peanut allergy. The study found that two-thirds of children with a peanut allergy remain allergic by age 10, but most who naturally outgrew their allergy did so by age six.
Researchers have discovered a blood protein that may aid in detecting delayed concussion recovery in children, with lower levels of alpha-1-antichymotrypsin (alpha-1-ACT) associated with prolonged symptoms. The finding holds promise for early detection and targeted treatment of long-term concussion problems.
Researchers at Murdoch Children's Research Institute have made a breakthrough discovery that suppurative lung disease and wheezing have the same inflammatory profiles despite their differing symptoms. The study found two treatable endotypes of childhood respiratory diseases, with targeted anti-inflammatory treatments showing promise.
A new study found that common respiratory viruses such as colds and RSV play a larger role in triggering intussusception than previously thought. Hospital admissions for the condition decreased significantly during COVID-19 lockdowns, with a notable drop in cases among children under two.
A new study found that a half-dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 booster vaccine elicited a non-inferior immune response to a full dose in Mongolian adults, with fewer side effects. The study suggests that fractional dosing may improve booster acceptability and reduce costs.
A new study found that vosoritide treatment increases height, facial volume, and foramen magnum size in young children with achondroplasia, reducing sudden infant death syndrome, sleep apnea, and surgery needs. Vosoritide may improve quality of life and potentially save lives by addressing the root cause of the condition.
A new Australian biobank will collect patient information and store blood test and skin biopsy samples from children across Australia with genetic muscle disease. The goal is to advance research into understanding why these diseases develop and discovering new treatments.