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Study analyzes what babies hear, say on six continents

A global study of 1,001 children across 12 countries found that adult talk is the key predictor of language development in infants and toddlers. No effects were found related to socioeconomics or multilingualism.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateDec 13, 2023

Heavy metals in our food are most dangerous for kids

Two studies found moderate to high risk scores for cancers and non-cancer health effects associated with lead, arsenic, and cadmium exposure. Exposure to these heavy metals through contaminated food is linked to increased risks of various types of cancer, including lung, bladder, skin, and prostate cancers.

SourceSociety for Risk Analysis·JournalRisk Analysis·DateDec 12, 2023

Artificial intelligence systems excel at imitation, but not innovation

Researchers found that AI systems are skilled at solving problems by finding novel uses for everyday objects, like humans. However, they lack the ability to innovate on these ideas and often rely on statistical pattern prediction.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2023
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

AI screens for autism in the blink of an eye

Researchers have developed an AI-powered system to diagnose autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children using a single flash of light to the eye. The system uses electroretinography (ERG) to identify specific features that classify ASD, providing a faster and more accurate method for diagnosis than existing tests.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalResearch in Autism Spectrum Disorders·TypeCase study·DateDec 12, 2023

Health impacts of abuse more extensive than previously thought, research says

Research found elevated risks between intimate partner violence and childhood sexual abuse and various health conditions. Intimate partner violence was associated with increased risk of major depressive disorders, maternal abortion, and alcohol misuse, while childhood sexual abuse linked to increased risk of self-harm and alcohol use.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 11, 2023
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Researchers reveal uncharted liver-focused pathway in gene therapy immune responses

Gene therapy treatments can prompt an adverse immune reaction when the body mistakenly perceives the treatment as a viral threat. Researchers have identified a critical pathway in the liver that triggers this response, but also found a way to block it, paving the way for safer and more precise gene therapy options.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalMolecular Therapy·DateDec 7, 2023

Do “forever chemicals” have “forever impacts”? Study suggests link between higher prenatal pfas exposures and offspring obesity risk in adolescence

A Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute study found a strong link between higher prenatal PFAS exposure and increased rates of obesity and body fat in adolescent offspring. Higher levels of certain PFAS were associated with a 13-59% increase in the risk of obesity, highlighting the long-term consequences of PFAS for developmental health.

SourceHarvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateDec 6, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Addicted to your phone? New tool identifies overuse of digital media

The Digital Media Overuse Scale (dMOS) is a new tool that measures digital media addiction, providing clinically relevant scores across various domains. Researchers found that overuse is typically reported in one or a few domains only, with social media being a significant concern.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalTechnology Mind and Behavior·DateDec 5, 2023

Surgery beneficial for some children with mild sleep-disordered breathing

A clinical trial funded by NIH found that adenotonsillectomy improves sleep, quality of life, and blood pressure in children with mild sleep-disordered breathing. The study showed less daytime sleepiness, reduced snoring, and better outcomes for children who underwent surgery.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateDec 5, 2023

Pregnant women are missing vital nutrients crucial for them and their babies

A recent study found that nearly all pregnant women have low levels of essential vitamins and minerals, with some developing deficiencies in late pregnancy. Supplementing with over-the-counter multivitamins significantly reduced nutrient deficiencies before and during pregnancy.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 5, 2023

Small but mighty: Microparticles from the placenta may offer major clues on the in utero development of neurobehavioral disorders

Researchers discovered how biological information travels between mothers and babies during pregnancy. Microscopic extracellular vesicles, produced by placental cells, act as a protective mechanism transporting important biological information to emerging neurons.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalBiology of Reproduction·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2023
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Eminent scientists say a child-centric approach is the blueprint to improve communities

Researchers at Fralin Biomedical Research Institute present comprehensive findings from the Abecedarian Project on early childhood education and development. The study, spanning five decades, shows that coordinated education, healthcare, and social services can improve community quality of life and attract businesses.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalMedical Research Archives·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 1, 2023

Early body contact develops premature babies' social skills

Researchers found that early skin-to-skin contact with parents significantly improves premature babies' social skills at four months old. The study also showed that fathers play a more important role than previously thought in developing their infants' social skills.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 30, 2023

More than $13M awarded to study childhood obesity interventions in rural and minority communities in Louisiana and Tennessee

Researchers aim to determine optimal duration and intensity of behavioral interventions for childhood obesity among rural and minority children. The five-year study, funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute, will enroll 900 parent-child pairs and compare different 'dosing' combinations of face-to-face intervention time.

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·DateNov 30, 2023
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

AI may aid in diagnosing adolescents with ADHD

Researchers used AI to analyze brain white matter tracts in adolescents with and without ADHD, discovering significant differences in nine brain tracts in individuals with ADHD. Early diagnosis and intervention are key to managing the condition.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateNov 29, 2023

Annals of Family Medicine: papers explore how technology is changing medical practice and how doctors are adapting

A recent study published in Annals of Family Medicine explores how technology is changing medical practice, including the use of AI-driven tools to effectively diagnose patients. The study also examines the interplay between fulfillment of basic psychological needs at work and technology use in maintaining clinician well-being.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateNov 28, 2023

Attending early education during pandemic provides sustained benefits for youngsters’ development

A new study found that attending early childhood education and care during the pandemic had sustained benefits for youngsters' development, particularly for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. The study discovered that toddlers who spent more time in childcare produced more new words and understood more new words than their peers.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalJournal of Early Childhood Research·TypeObservational study·DateNov 28, 2023
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Genes influence whether infants prefer to look at faces or non-social objects

A study at Uppsala University found that infant face preference is influenced by genes and linked to later language development. The researchers analyzed over 500 infant twins and found that individual infants' preferences for faces could be largely explained by their genetics.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 27, 2023

Babies as young as four months show signs of self-awareness - study

Researchers found that babies as young as four months old display enhanced somatosensory brain activity when a touch is preceded by an object moving towards them. This suggests that even in the first few months of life, babies can sense their surroundings and understand how their bodies interact with space.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2023

Children’s brains shaped by their time on tech devices, research to-date shows

A review of 23 years of neuroimaging research finds that screen time affects the pre-frontal cortex and other brain regions involved in executive functions, memory, and processing. Digital experiences may shape children's brains and influence cognitive development, with both positive and negative impacts.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalEarly Education and Development·DateNov 17, 2023
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Exposure to air pollution in utero may affect reproductive system development

Research from Rutgers University found that air pollution during critical periods of prenatal and early infant development may negatively alter anogenital distance, a measure of hormone exposure. Higher levels of particulate matter (PM2.5) were associated with shorter anogenital length at birth and in males at age one.

SourceRutgers University·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeObservational study·DateNov 15, 2023
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Do extracurricular activities always give children a head start? Research says maybe not

A study by Dr Lixin Ren found that extracurricular activities have a limited impact on math skills in preschool children, with effects dependent on behavioral regulation and approaches to learning. For children with poor self-regulation skills, structured activities can improve early math skills.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalJournal of School Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 15, 2023

Study finds melatonin use soaring among youth

A new study reveals that melatonin use is increasing among US children and adolescents, with nearly 1 in 5 school-aged children taking the hormone for sleep. The study found that parents are giving melatonin to preschoolers without proper regulation, raising concerns about safety and efficacy.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateNov 13, 2023

Study shows stem cell transplant significantly improves outcomes in refractory juvenile systemic sclerosis

A new study shows that autologous stem cell transplant can improve nearly all measures for two years following treatment in patients with refractory juvenile systemic sclerosis. The procedure significantly reduces disease severity and improves skin thickness, intestinal symptoms, and lung function, offering a life-saving intervention f...

SourceAmerican College of Rheumatology·DateNov 10, 2023
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Children's dental health significantly improved using electric toothbrushes

A new study found that electric toothbrushes significantly reduce plaque and gingivitis in young children aged 3-10. The research showed that electric toothbrushes are more effective than manual toothbrushes in reducing these dental issues, with whole mouth plaque reduction increasing by up to 55.7% in younger children.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalInternational Journal of Paediatric Dentistry·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 8, 2023

Are some children genetically predisposed to poor sleep?

A study of 2,458 children found that genetic predisposition to insomnia affects sleep patterns, including frequent awakenings and difficulty initiating sleep. The research suggests a lifelong 'poor sleeper' trait, emphasizing the importance of early recognition and prevention.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateNov 8, 2023
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

FDA renews $7.4M grant for pediatric device innovation co-led by Texas A&M

The Southwest-Midwest Pediatric Device Innovation Consortium has supported over 200 pediatric device innovators and companies, developing several devices in the past five years. The consortium's portfolio includes real-world evidence research projects using digital tools for collecting and analyzing patient data.

SourceTexas A&M University·DateNov 7, 2023
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Researchers use AI to predict challenging behaviors common in profound autism

A study found that gastrointestinal and sleep issues may be connected to self-injury and aggression in adolescents diagnosed with profound autism. The researchers discovered a possible connection between these health issues and future challenging behaviors, predicting next-day behavior with over 80% accuracy.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalJournal of Personalized Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 6, 2023
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Children with ADHD frequently use healthcare service before diagnosis, study finds

A recent study by University of Nottingham researchers found that children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) use healthcare services twice as often in the two years before their diagnosis. Children with ADHD are also more likely to see their GP, receive prescriptions, attend hospital for overnight admissions, and hav...

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·TypeObservational study·DateOct 31, 2023
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Umbilical venous catheterization and bloodstream infection among preterm infants

A national-level study found that the median UVC dwell time was 7 days, and CLABSI incidence did not differ significantly between 0-7 days and 7-15 days. The study also highlighted high rates of antibiotic exposure without reduction in CLABSI rates, emphasizing the need for nuanced approaches to antibiotic administration.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalPediatric Investigation·TypeObservational study·DateOct 31, 2023

Stunting in infancy linked to differences in cognitive and brain function

Research from the University of East Anglia found that children who are too short for their age can suffer reduced cognitive ability due to differences in brain function as early as six months. The study discovered a link between stunted growth and disrupted visual working memory, making them more easily distracted.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeObservational study·DateOct 26, 2023
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Genetic risks of autism and ADHD may be related to more screen time in children

A study by Nagoya University found that children with a genetic predisposition to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) used screens for longer periods. Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) also increased their screen time as they grew older, suggesting a potential link between genetic risk and excessive screen use.

SourceNagoya University·JournalPsychiatry Research·DateOct 25, 2023

Children’s Hospital Los Angeles researchers develop clinical tool to predict if a child in acute liver failure will need a transplant

Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles have developed a novel app called the CHALF score to predict if a child with acute liver failure needs a transplant. The tool assesses liver failure risk on a scale of 5-60 and has been shown to accurately predict patient outcomes.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalTransplantation·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 24, 2023
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Does suspending kids from school harm their grades and health?

A study by UC San Francisco researchers found that suspension from school is tied to a big drop in grade point average (GPA), especially for Black and Latinx children. The average GPA decline across all students who experienced an exclusionary school discipline (ESD) event was 0.88 points, with Black students seeing the largest decline...

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 20, 2023
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Research shows new documentation tool could help optimize seizure treatments in patients with epilepsy

A new electronic health record documentation tool has been shown to improve the accuracy and completeness of clinical documentation for patients undergoing treatment for epilepsy. This tool enables medical providers to identify patients who are failing treatments earlier, allowing for rapid optimization of positive outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalNeurology Clinical Practice·DateOct 19, 2023