Research finds that pediatricians in many countries do not meet the needs of adolescents, who face complex health burdens including chronic conditions and mental health disorders. The study suggests that investment in adolescent health training is necessary to improve care and address global health disparities.
A recent study published in Nature Communications found that assisted reproduction technology has a temporary effect on babies' genes, which are largely corrected by adulthood. The study examined the epigenetic changes caused by fertility treatments and found that they resolve by adulthood.
A unique Victorian databank that profiles children with hearing loss will help researchers globally understand why some children adapt and thrive, while others struggle. The study found that language development and speech in hearing-impaired children lags behind other children despite advancements in earlier detection and intervention.
A study of 8,857 children found that recreational sports led to more serious head injuries than contact sports, with bike riding and skateboarding causing the most frequent serious injuries. The research highlights the need for greater awareness and safety measures in recreational sports to prevent head injuries in children.
Researchers are searching for genetic links to stuttering through a global study recruiting Australian stutterers aged seven and older. The study aims to develop treatments targeting the disorder's underlying cause, rather than just symptoms, with potential benefits for better treatment and prevention of stuttering.
A study by Murdoch Children's Research Institute found that the quantity and variety of snacks, not plate size, influence children's snacking behavior. The research suggests reducing snack food options and energy density may help combat obesity in children.
A two-year update of a comparative trial on mass drug administration against scabies shows the infection rate remains significantly low, with a 89% decline in prevalence. The treatment used ivermectin, an oral anti-parasitic drug, and its effect was found to be long-lasting.
A groundbreaking drug has shown significant growth benefits for children with achondroplasia, a genetic bone disorder affecting about one in every 25,000 infants. The four-year study found that the drug vosoritide increased height by up to 50% per year and was well-tolerated with no adverse effects on body proportion.
Researchers and health organizations are urging a coordinated effort to develop operational procedures, including methods for identifying scabies prevalence in impacted countries. The goal is to reduce the burden of scabies-related illnesses such as rheumatic heart disease through mass drug administration strategies.