Research programs focused on child health and development. Covers pediatric research standards, infant nutrition and sleep, rare disorders, and childhood diabetes.
A new longitudinal study has found a strong link between body dissatisfaction and depression in children, with high BMI at age seven increasing depressive symptoms by age 14. Body dissatisfaction was the major contributor to this association, explaining 43% of the link.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers used NIRS to track oxygenated hemoglobin levels in infant brains responding to gentle touch. They found similar response times across age groups, but varying signal amplitudes that may be linked to changes in blood flow and erythropoietin production.
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.
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.
A longitudinal study of Hispanic adolescents and young adults found that PFAS exposure is linked to lower bone mineral density and a higher risk of osteoporosis. The study's findings highlight the need for stricter regulation of PFAS to protect vulnerable populations.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A randomized clinical trial found that tonsil and adenoid removal surgery improved sleep quality, reduced snoring, and behavioral problems in children with mild sleep apnea. However, the surgery did not impact neurodevelopmental functioning.
A Europe-wide project aims to help young people facing the judicial system understand their trial and respond accordingly. The Y-JustLang project involves researchers, judges, and professionals to address the challenges faced by individuals with severe language difficulties.
Researchers found that phonetic encoding in babies emerged gradually over the first year of life, beginning with labial sounds and nasal sounds. Parents should speak to their babies using sing-song speech as soon as possible to help them learn language.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers found high levels of a repair protein in the brains of former NFL athletes up to 12 years after they stopped playing, indicating persistent brain inflammation and long-term cognitive problems. The study suggests that repeated collision sports like football may have a direct link to long-term inflammation in the brain.
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.
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.
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.
A new Stanford University study found that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy lowered the risk of preterm birth. The research analyzed natality data from California and found a significant reduction in preterm births among vaccinated mothers compared to unvaccinated ones.
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.
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.
Researchers developed soft, miniaturized wearables that continuously track subtle body sounds wirelessly across the body. The devices offer new functionalities and provide highly accurate, real-time evaluation of patient health.
A $2.9 million NIH award supports the study of sepiapterin reductase deficiency and cerebral palsy, with goals to develop new therapies for these disorders. Researchers will investigate changes in cellular pathways and explore potential treatments.
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.
Dr. Rachel Katzenellenbogen, a renowned pediatric scientist, has been awarded the 2024 Norman J. Siegel New Member Outstanding Science Award by the American Pediatric Society. She is recognized for her groundbreaking work on human papillomavirus (HPV) infections and associated cancers.
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.
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.
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...
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.
A longitudinal study found that nine-to-10-year-old children who drink daily caffeinated soda are twice as likely to try alcohol within a year. Daily caffeine intake is associated with low working memory and high impulsivity, recognized risk factors for substance use disorders.
Dr. Glenn Flores has been recognized for his significant contributions to advancing child and adolescent health, well-being, and equity through quality improvement, advocacy, and research. His work aims to eliminate disparities and foster equity for underserved children and families.
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.
Researchers have developed a novel noninvasive method to assess nutrient absorption and diagnose feeding intolerance severity in preterm infants. The precision exfoliomic approach captures gene expression information from intestinal cells released into the fecal stream, allowing for precise diagnosis without invasive testing.
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.
A new study found that prenatal and childhood exposure to manganese may be beneficial for verbal learning and memory in adolescence. Manganese levels were linked with fewer errors in adolescents, particularly males.
Researchers found restricted abortion access led to more children entering foster care, with a 15% increase for Black and racial minority children. The study used state-level data to evaluate the link between abortion restrictions and foster care entries.
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.
Research highlights racial disparities in cardiac arrest survival among children, with Black children facing poorer outcomes. The study's findings have implications for increased resources for CPR programs in higher-risk communities.
Research highlights the association between traumatic events and insufficient/excessive sleep duration in US children. The analysis of over 100,000 children found that traumatic events magnify the adverse effects of poor sleep on cardiovascular health.
Dr. Alan Jobe, MD, PhD, is recognized for his pioneering work in neonatal lung diseases, advancing the field of bronchopulmonary dysplasia research. The APS John Howland Award acknowledges his commitment to improving global health outcomes, particularly in low-income countries.
A University of Missouri study found that opioid-dependent mothers experience stigma, leading to withdrawal from healthcare and negative outcomes for their infants. The research highlights the need for compassionate support and education to promote better health outcomes.
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...
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.
A large-scale study found that metformin can reduce weight gain and increase adherence to treatment in youth with bipolar disorder. The medication, typically used for Type 2 diabetes, was effective in preventing weight gain and showed promise as a potential solution to this common side effect of SGAs.
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.
A study by UCLA researchers found that children of parents with adverse childhood experiences are at increased risk of arrests and convictions by young adulthood. Positive childhood experiences were not observed to provide a balance for the adverse ones.
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.
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.
Trauma centers with high pediatric readiness scores (93 or higher) have much lower death rates than those with lower scores. The study highlights the importance of addressing gaps in pediatric emergency care, particularly the lack of a pediatric-specific quality improvement plan.
Childhood trauma rates surged during the pandemic, with injuries from motor vehicle crashes and gunshot wounds rising disproportionately in socioeconomically deprived areas. The study highlights worsened pandemic-related stressors exacerbating an already severe problem.
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...
Researchers identified a gut-lung axis driven by intestinal antimicrobial peptide expression and mediated by the intestinal microbiota that influences hyperoxia-induced lung injury. Supplemental lysozyme reduced lung injury in neonatal mice, suggesting a potential therapeutic target.
Research found that young users on Twitch feel a false sense of safety, revealing personal info to unknown listeners. The platform's nature makes it risky, as revealed data cannot be taken back. Parents must supervise all interactions to protect their children.