The Murdoch Children's Research Institute is conducting a global study to better understand COVID-19 variants and the effectiveness of vaccines in preventing their spread. The BRACE trial, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, investigates biomarkers that indicate protection against COVID-19 infection.
Since 1949, China has made notable progress in reducing maternal mortality and improving child survival rates, with significant reductions in death ratios from 1500 to 17.8 cases per 100,000 births and infant deaths from 200 to 5.6 cases per 1,000 births.
A new Strep A human challenge model has been successfully developed, paving the way to test vaccines against the common deadly bacteria that causes sore throats, scarlet fever and skin sores. The model, which deliberately infected healthy adult volunteers with the bacteria in a controlled environment, was found to be safe and effective.
A third of children and adolescents experience mental health problems after a concussion, which can persist for several years post-injury. The review emphasizes the importance of evaluating mental health as part of standard pediatric concussion assessment and management.
A new study reveals that up to half of children with language difficulties and mental/physical health problems have been exposed to intimate partner violence. Children exposed from infancy are twice as likely to have psychiatric diagnosis, emotional behavioural difficulties, and impaired language skills at age 10.
A new study found that patients who are overweight or obese have more severe COVID-19 and require invasive respiratory support. Obesity is associated with increased risk of cardiometabolic and respiratory disease and more severe viral diseases.
A recent study found that even small differences in blood pressure measurements between arms can lead to incorrect diagnoses in children. The research involved 118 participants aged 7-18 years and showed that one in four healthy children had an inter-arm difference that could lead to misdiagnosis.
Researchers have captured detailed images of newborn babies' lungs as they take their first breaths, revealing complex methods of adapting to air-breathing at birth. The study provides clues to improving preterm babies' survival chances and long-term health outcomes.
Researchers from Murdoch Children's Research Institute found a significant decrease in peanut allergy among infants after international infant feeding guidelines changed in 2016. The study also showed a rise in parents introducing peanut into their babies' diet since the guideline changes.
A new study found that children's innate immune systems rapidly target and clear the new coronavirus, preventing severe disease. The research showed that special cells in the immune system activate neutrophils to heal damaged tissues and resolve infections, providing protection from COVID-19.
A new study published in The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery found that aspirin is a safer alternative to warfarin for preventing blood clots in children after Fontan surgery. Patients on aspirin had lower risks of bleeding and poorer bone mineral density compared to those on warfarin.
The new guidelines cover patient triage, imaging, observation versus admission, transfer, discharge and follow-up to help clinicians diagnose and treat children's head injuries. They aim to reduce unnecessary exposure to radiation from CT scans while ruling out bleeding disorders.
Research suggests that children are less likely to experience severe COVID-19 due to a stronger innate immune response and trained immunity, as well as better blood vessel health. Vitamin D levels also play a crucial role in protecting against the disease.
Researchers have successfully bioprinted miniature human kidneys in a lab using cutting-edge technology. The study validates the use of 3D bioprinted human mini-kidneys for screening drug toxicity, paving the way for new treatments and potentially lab-grown transplants.
A new study of over seven million births from four countries found that cesarean-born babies are at increased risk of infection-related hospitalisation during early childhood. The study recorded a small but consistent increase in the absolute risk of infection-related hospitalisation rates in children up to five years of age compared w...
A new study found that children in a Melbourne family developed a COVID-19 immune response despite chronic exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The youngest child showed no symptoms and had the strongest antibody response, indicating an effective protection mechanism against reinfection.
Major measles outbreaks will occur globally in 2021 due to widespread vaccination delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Malnutrition and vitamin A deficiency worsen measles severity, leading to increased deaths and blindness.
Research on Prader-Willi and Angelman syndromes reveals associations between UBE3A gene expression levels and social communication difficulties in PWS, as well as fine motor skills impairment in AS. The study's findings suggest a potential link between inflammatory pathways and disease severity in these conditions.
Research by Murdoch Children's Research Institute reveals significant personal and financial costs of ADHD in Australia, including $12.75 billion in annual social and economic losses. Early identification and treatment may help improve outcomes for children with ADHD.
A new study has found that both mothers and fathers with mental health problems are more likely to have a baby born prematurely. Men with persistent mental health issues were more likely to have a preterm birth, while women with anxiety and depression during pregnancy also increased the risk.
Researchers have made a groundbreaking genetic discovery that sheds light on the cause of rare nerve disorders, including Rett syndrome. The study found two new mutations in the KIF1A gene to be responsible for these conditions.
The Murdoch Childrens Research Institute will establish a biobank of biological samples from people with Prader-Willi Syndrome and Angelman Syndrome, two rare genetic diseases affecting 1 in 15,000 people. The biobank will help researchers better understand the causes of these disorders and develop new treatments.
A new study published in The Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific found that the pneumococcal vaccine PCV13 reduced hypoxic pneumonia and pneumonia requiring oxygen support by 37 per cent in children in Laos. This significant reduction in severe cases has great potential to alleviate the burden of disease on vulnerable populations.
A phase 3 global clinical trial showed a new drug boosts bone growth in children born with achondroplasia by blocking the activity of FGFR3 protein, potentially returning growth rates to normal. The experimental drug vosoritide was safe and effective in increasing bone growth over one year.
A new study by the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute found that grade 3 students who watched more than two hours of TV daily or spent more than one hour a day on a computer experienced a decline in academic results two years later. Heavy TV use was associated with a loss of four months in learning by age 10, while heavy computer use...
A cutting-edge study has identified ATAD3 as the most common cause of lethal mitochondrial disease in children dying soon after birth. The study found that spontaneous gene alterations resulted in fatal heart failure, but parents have a low risk of passing the disease to their next child.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that toddlers who were obese or overweight showed signs of cardiovascular disease by age 11-12. The study, led by the Murdoch Children's Research Institute, highlighted the need for early intervention to prevent obesity-related problems with heart health.
A pilot study found that cannabidiol significantly reduced irritability, aggression, self-injury, and yelling in children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities. The intervention was safe and well-tolerated by most participants, providing hope for a larger-scale trial to definitively test its effectiveness.
A new Australian-developed treatment decision model, dubbed AUS-rule, has allowed more young cancer patients to recover from mild infections at home. The rule considers platelet and white cell counts and chemotherapy intensity to guide doctors in deciding whether patients can be treated and supported at home.
A new study reveals that children in Australia are at low risk of contracting COVID-19, with none requiring hospitalization. The research, led by the Murdoch Children's Research Institute, analyzed 434 patients and found only four positive cases, highlighting the success of outpatient management for COVID-19 positive patients.
The rotavirus vaccine has led to significant reductions in hospitalizations and child deaths due to severe diarrhea in Kiribati. The study found a 37% decrease in acute gastroenteritis inpatient admissions and a 44% decline in outpatient presentations among children under five.
A $10 million grant enables the Murdoch Children's Research Institute's clinical trial of the BCG vaccine against COVID-19 to expand to 10,000 healthcare workers across Australia and Europe. The BRACE trial aims to test whether the BCG vaccine can protect those exposed to SARS-CoV-2 from developing severe symptoms.
Researchers have discovered nine new genes linked to apraxia, a debilitating speech disorder in children. The genetic variations, which are not inherited, affect the brain's language processing mechanisms.
A new project led by Murdoch Children's Research Institute has received a $525,000 grant to analyze lung samples from healthy and unwell children to describe lung inflammation in childhood disorders such as asthma and bronchiectasis. The study aims to inform strategies for improving clinical care and pulmonary health throughout life.
A new study highlights the need for a better data framework to reanalyze genetic data, which could improve diagnostic rates for rare diseases by up to 32%. The study found that current practices vary widely and raise concerns about laboratory and clinician responsibilities, as well as patients' ability to advocate for themselves.
A recent study led by the Murdoch Children's Research Institute found that Fijians carrying a pneumonia-causing bacteria are more likely to be of iTaukei ethnicity, young, living in urban areas, or with low family income. The study also linked toddlers and children under six years old to a higher burden of pneumococcal bacteria.
Between 2008-2018, deaths from infectious diseases decreased steadily, with a significant shift towards HIV/AIDS among 15-24 year olds. Traditional vaccine-preventable diseases have largely disappeared, but seasonal and unpredictable diseases remain a concern.
A new neurodegenerative disorder has been discovered in children, characterized by developmental regression and severe epilepsy. The disorder is caused by a variation in the NRROS gene and appears to require two copies of the defective gene.
A new study led by Murdoch Children's Research Institute found that caesarean delivery had a small link to asthma but no association with eczema or lung function. The research suggests parents need not worry about caesarean birth impacting their child's risk of allergies.
A study of 3,537 children found that 40% go without treatment for 60% of the time, with lower socio-economic families more likely to drop off medication. The research suggests that consistent treatment is crucial for managing ADHD, a chronic condition affecting around 1 in 20 Australian children.
Researchers have successfully produced human immune cells in a lab dish, shedding light on the formation of these crucial cells. The breakthrough could pave the way for new cancer treatments and autoimmune disease interventions.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that eight in 10 children who reported being allergic to non-beta-lactam antibiotics were not truly allergic, highlighting the need for improved and timely access to formal allergy evaluations. This can prevent lifelong avoidance of certain antibiotic classes and help combat antibiotic resistance.
A new study by Murdoch Childrens Research Institute found that children with food allergies are seen 10 months sooner and experience fewer allergic reactions when treated by a paediatrician in their own community. This community-based approach delivered similar quality of allergy care to specialist hospital-based clinics.
A new study finds that a vaccine against pneumococcal bacteria reduces the likelihood of severe pneumonia in children by 35%. The research also highlights the importance of vaccinating children to protect the whole community and reduce the spread of pneumococcus. By evaluating the effectiveness of pneumococcal vaccines in Asia, the stu...
Research found that low blood oxygen is common in sick children, increasing the risk of death by eight times. The study also highlights the need for better access to pulse oximeters and oxygen therapy in low-income countries.
A new study has found that taking fluoxetine for 16 weeks did not significantly lower the frequency and severity of obsessive compulsive behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorders. The research suggests that up to one-third of children with ASD are prescribed antidepressants despite inconclusive evidence of their effectiveness.
A new study has revealed three simple factors that predict whether a healthy weight child will be overweight or obese by adolescence. The research found that a child's and mother's Body Mass Index (BMI) and the mother's education level are key predictors of weight problems by age 14-15 years.
A new study has found that nearly 70% of children with an immune deficiency had two or more bouts of invasive pneumococcal disease. The research suggests that a weakened immune system increases the risk of life-threatening bacterial infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis.
Severe infant sleep problems in the first year are linked to poor maternal mental and physical health during pregnancy. Mothers experiencing persistent and severe sleep issues were more likely to have poorer mental and physical health during pregnancy.
Researchers found anticholinergic drugs like glycopyrrolate significantly reduced drooling, but caused adverse effects such as behavioral changes and dehydration. The study suggests choosing a medication with fewer side effects for those with severe motor impairment.