Researchers used two-photon imaging and optogenetics to isolate brain capillaries in animal models, discovering that pericytes regulate blood flow through a slower process than upstream arteries. The findings have implications for stroke treatment and potential therapeutics.
A recent study published in The Journal of Nutrition found that mothers' vitamin D levels during pregnancy were associated with their children's IQ scores. The study also identified significantly lower levels of vitamin D among Black pregnant women, emphasizing the need for targeted nutritional interventions to address health disparities.
Scientists have developed a new diagnostic method that uses cell-free testing to measure neutralizing antibodies against the novel coronavirus. The test has shown promising results, with 92% of participants having antibodies and demonstrating effectiveness in blocking viral binding.
Scientists at Seattle Children's Research Institute have developed a genetically attenuated parasite (GAP) that arrests late in the liver stage of human malaria, paving the way for a novel next-generation vaccine. The GAP technology has the potential to offer protection to those living in regions where malaria transmission is widespread.
Researchers have developed a therapy using engineered T cells to target and treat type 1 diabetes by restoring balance in the pancreas. The treatment involves genetically engineering a patient's own T cells to function like normal regulatory T cells, which then help suppress the overactive immune response.
A study by Dr. Pooja Tandon found that 33% of middle schools and 69% of high schools do not restrict phone use during these times. Limiting phone use is believed to decrease screen exposure, improve focus in the classroom, and promote physically active play.
Researchers at Seattle Children's describe how malaria Plasmodium parasites prepare a blueprint of proteins needed to infect the liver while waiting in mosquito salivary glands. This knowledge may lead to new strategies to block transmission and ultimately eradicate malaria.
Researchers at Seattle Children's developed an intervention, PRISM-P, to help parents cope with their child's cancer diagnosis. The program improves resilience and benefit finding among parents, who experience higher anxiety and depression after treatment. Parents report feeling overwhelmed by caregiving roles and unmet support needs.
Researchers at Seattle Children's have successfully engineered human B cells to produce therapeutic proteins, opening the door for a novel cell therapy. The B cells can survive indefinitely in models, offering a potential advantage over other treatments.
A collaborative study between Seattle Children's Research Institute and Microsoft data scientists found that smoking during pregnancy doubles the risk of sudden unexpected infant death (SUID). The study estimated that up to 800 deaths from SUID could be prevented each year if women smoked no cigarettes during pregnancy.
Basophils, a rare type of white blood cell, have been found to play a crucial role in preventing sepsis. By releasing protein tumor necrosis factor (TNF), basophils trigger an immune response that helps protect against infection and prevents the progression to sepsis.
A new study found that concussion rates among youth football players ages 5-14 were higher than previously reported, with 5% of players sustaining a football-related concussion each season. The study also identified factors that increase the risk of concussion, such as prior injury and depression.
A pioneering CAR T-cell immunotherapy trial has been launched at Seattle Children's for children and young adults with relapsed or refractory HER2-positive central nervous system (CNS) tumors. The trial aims to provide these patients with a second line of defense by delivering cancer-fighting CAR T cells directly into the brain.
Researchers at Seattle Children's are exploring therapies that reprogram T cells to calm down an overactive immune response, which may hold promise for curing type 1 diabetes. The goal is to develop a treatment that could protect new patients from the life-long requirement for insulin therapy.
Abatacept significantly improves survival and disease-free rates for patients with severe acute graft-versus-host disease, a life-threatening complication of stem cell transplantation. The treatment reduces the occurrence of acute GvHD from 32% to 3% in pediatric and adult patients.
Researchers launch PLAT-05 trial to develop a more robust defense against cancer cells, aiming to cut the rate of relapse by almost half. The new therapy will target both CD19 and CD22 proteins on cancer cells, providing long-term remission for patients.
A study published in The Journal of Pediatrics suggests that genetic mutations and family history are common risk factors for children diagnosed with acute recurrent and chronic pancreatitis before age 6. Researchers analyzed 342 children and found that 71% had at least one pancreatitis-associated gene mutation.
A phase 1 pilot study is examining the feasibility and safety of administering a second T-cell product to increase the long-term persistence of CAR T cells. The goal is to reduce the relapse rate, which is currently around 50%.
A new review reveals significant knowledge gaps about preterm birth, its causes, and prevention strategies, emphasizing the need for increased research efforts. The authors stress that identifying women at risk and developing effective interventions are crucial to addressing this global epidemic.
The study identified BMP2 and BBS9 genes associated with sagittal craniosynostosis, which affects about one in 5,000 newborns. Surgical treatment is necessary to prevent increased pressure within the skull, visual problems, and learning disabilities.
The Preventing Preterm Birth initiative funds innovative strategies to discover biological mechanisms leading to preterm birth, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The grants will advance discovery and translate research to action.
A study has identified three genes, AKT3, PIK3R2, and PIK3CA, associated with megalencephaly and a range of disorders including cancer, epilepsy, and autism. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for these conditions.
A new web-based tool, 'My Child's Asthma,' has been shown to improve parental compliance with asthma treatment guidelines, leading to reduced healthcare costs and fewer hospital visits. The interactive website, used by over 600 parents, tracks medication usage and provides feedback to help optimize care.
A longitudinal study found that adolescents and young adults with mental health disorders are 2.4 times more likely to become long-term opioid users than those without a mental health disorder. Long-term opioid use is common among males, older youth, and those from poorer communities.
Researchers at Seattle Children's Research Institute have discovered a genetic pathway causing rare facial malformation syndrome in children. The study identified two defective genes PLCB4 and GNAI3 as the primary cause of auriculocondylar syndrome (ACS), a condition that can lead to breathing and eating difficulties.
A new study found that neighborhoods with walkable environments and access to healthy food have a significant impact on childhood obesity rates. Children living in these neighborhoods had 59% lower odds of being obese compared to those in less favorable areas.
A new study found that nearly half of U.S. preschoolers do not have a single parent-supervised outdoor play opportunity per day. Parents are the greatest influence on children's behavior, and research highlights the importance of promoting active healthy living through outdoor play.
Middle school students with emotional support from teachers are less likely to initiate alcohol and illicit substance use. Youth experiencing separation anxiety from parents also show a decreased risk of early alcohol use, according to the study.
A guide outlining exposure risks and reduction tips for common environmental toxins has been created by researchers. The guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations on how to counsel patients about lead, mercury, pesticides, and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
Researchers have identified two new genes associated with Baraitser-Winter syndrome, a rare brain malformation characterized by droopy eyelids and intellectual disabilities. The study reveals the defects occur in actin genes critical for cell division and movement.
Scientists have uncovered the intricacies of how inhalation anesthetics work in children and adults by studying C. elegans. The study found that specific potassium channels are crucial in this process and may be sensitive to potential reversal with certain medications.
Researchers analyzed the prevalence of headaches three and 12 months after mild, moderate, or severe TBI in children aged 5-17. The study found that headache was a significant problem for some children after TBI, with adolescents and girls at highest risk. Most children recover from TBI-related headaches within several weeks.
A new study found that 77% of Washington state pediatricians receive requests for alternative child immunization schedules, with 61% comfortable using them. Pediatricians cited concerns about protecting children's health while respecting parents' decisions.
The study shows that ivacaftor significantly improves lung function, reduces sweat chloride levels and decreases respiratory distress symptoms in CF patients with the G551D mutation. This is a promising treatment option for approximately four percent of CF patients worldwide.
A recent study found that only 13% of teens with suicidal thoughts received mental health visits, and even fewer (26%) received services the year prior. This highlights the need for improved screening by primary care providers to identify suicidal tendencies.
The new device, called Sea-PAP, is designed to be an affordable and simple Bubble Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (B-CPAP) device that provides breathing support to premature infants. Sea-PAP has the potential to save thousands of infant lives worldwide by reducing respiratory distress.
Researchers validate concerns about internet addiction among college students, finding 4% scored in the addicted range. Media use also linked to increased sleep problems in preschool-aged children, with violent content causing significant disruptions.
A new case study found extremely high bisphenol A (BPA) levels in a pregnant woman and its potential link to her infant's neurobehavioral abnormalities. The study advises pregnant women to reduce their exposure to BPA by eating fresh fruit and vegetables, decreasing use of plastic food storage containers.
Researchers developed a data mining method to identify children with serious lifelong chronic conditions using hospital discharge data. This allows hospitals to improve care quality and reduce costs for these patients.
The Global Report on Preterm & Stillbirth identifies known causes and 21 proven interventions to improve these outcomes. A new repository of tissue samples will contribute to global research, helping to understand the causes of preterm birth and stillbirth.
A recent study found that infants with positional plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome) had lower scores than typical infants in observational tests of cognitive and motor development. This suggests that babies with flat head syndrome should be screened early for possible motor and cognitive delays.
A new study found that when parents have access to calorie information, they make smarter choices for their children's meals. The study showed a significant reduction in calories selected by parents for their child's meal at McDonald's restaurants.
A new study examines screen time in both home-based and center-based child care settings, finding that those in home-based settings watch significantly more on average than those in center-based daycares. The study recommends parents limit screen time for children under two years old and choose age-appropriate programs.
A study found that young children and their caregivers utter fewer vocalizations, use fewer words, and engage in fewer conversations when television is on. The study discovered a significant reduction in child vocalizations, verbal interactions, and adult word counts with each hour of audible television.
A six-site clinical trial found that citalopram, commonly prescribed to children with autism spectrum disorders, was no more effective than a placebo at reducing repetitive behaviors. The study included 149 participants and showed negative side effects in nearly all children.
A recent study by Seattle Children's Research Institute found that 54% of adolescents frequently discuss high-risk activities on MySpace, including substance abuse, sexual behavior, and violence. Profiles with church or religious involvement, sports, or hobbies were associated with decreased displays of risky behaviors.
The $1 million grant will be used to review current literature and identify new areas of research to reduce prematurity and stillbirths globally. The study aims to develop an internationally focused research program to understand the causes of premature births and prevent them on a global level.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that 23% of children hospitalized with influenza had a previous hospitalization during the most recent flu-vaccine season. This suggests that providing in-hospital vaccinations to those at highest risk may aid in reducing rates of pediatric hospitalization for influenza.
The Northwest Genome Engineering Consortium will develop methods for gene repair using multiple scientific disciplines. The goal is to improve treatments for genetic diseases affecting blood stem cells, a major global disease burden in children.
A new study found that babies who died from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) had a distinctive difference in their newborn hearing test results, specifically a four-point lower score in the right ear. This discovery opens up new avenues for research and may allow for early identification of infants at risk for SIDS.