Research programs focused on child health and development. Covers pediatric research standards, infant nutrition and sleep, rare disorders, and childhood diabetes.
A study at the University of Gothenburg found that preterm babies given a supplement with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids had improved visual function by age 2.5. The supplement also seemed to improve the brain's ability to interpret visual impressions.
Morphological awareness plays a crucial role in deaf children learning to read and expand their vocabulary. The study found that this knowledge is more important for deaf students than phonology or phonics, offering opportunities for them to actively construct words.
The proportion of children with fever treated across Africa, Asia, and Latin America has risen significantly from 61% to 71% over the past 30 years. Despite this increase, significant gaps in access to healthcare persist.
Most research focuses on treating existing mental health conditions rather than preventing them or promoting mental health. Depression and anxiety disorders are frequently researched outcomes. The findings reveal a lack of evidence-based interventions for child and adolescent mental health in low-resource settings.
A new study found that children's mental health and wellbeing gradually worsened over the past six years, with measures of life satisfaction, optimism, and emotional regulation declining consistently since 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on young Australians, particularly those in higher year levels and from lower...
A new study published in Pediatrics reveals that children from lower opportunity neighborhoods experienced a significantly higher rate of firearm-related injury during the pandemic. The study found that unsafe storage of guns and single-parent households, combined with the stress of an unprecedented international emergency, exacerbated...
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that explaining structural causes of inequality can diminish biased views in children. Researchers discovered that when children are told the high-status group created the rules, they report lower levels of bias and perceive the status hierarchy as less fair.
The University of Tennessee Extension will address health disparities related to poor nutrition, physical activity, and obesity in seven rural Tennessee counties. The CDC's High Obesity Program funding aims to reduce chronic diseases by improving access to fresh foods and opportunities for physical activity.
A new study from Texas A&M University finds a correlation between secondhand smoke exposure and higher blood lead levels in children. The research suggests that education and mitigation efforts can further protect kids and adolescents from lead exposure, building on past success of lead removal initiatives.
A Texas A&M University team is exploring 3D printing to create tailored medication dosage and tablet size for young children, addressing the need for greater flexibility in administering medications. The project aims to maintain drugs' integrity and effectiveness while advancing the field of pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Research from the University of Gothenburg reveals that both innate factors and environmental influences contribute to an individual's attitude towards nature. The study suggests that a wide range of factors shape how people express their love for nature, and emphasizes the importance of considering these variations in urban planning.
Researchers used machine learning algorithms to analyze brain imaging data and identify changes associated with autism spectrum disorder. The study found that the methodology could determine ASD diagnosis with above 95% accuracy, highlighting potential for improved diagnostic methods.
A study found that adolescents from low-income families gained more weight during the pandemic, with girls experiencing accelerated weight gain. The researchers tracked over 400 low-income Hispanic families and compared their weight gain to a cohort of wealthier families.
A survey of over 9,000 teachers found that they perceived more conflict with Black boys and closer relationships with white girls. The study highlights systemic racism and white privilege in the US educational system, which can impact teacher-child relationships.
Research found integrated behavioral health care improves children's mental health and school performance, supporting the potential benefits of pediatric integrated behavioral health care. The study, which included 51 children served by FQHCs in Massachusetts, showed significant improvements over 12 months.
A new digital headset can detect subtle forces exerted on the skull as the heart contracts, revealing brain changes even in athletes whose symptoms have subsided. The device could help clinicians and coaches make more informed decisions about when athletes are ready to return to play after a concussion.
WVU linguists analyze speech recordings to determine how intensity and duration shape pronunciation in American English and Spanish. The two-year study aims to redefine sound patterns across languages.
A small pilot study found associations between specific microbe species and infants' performance in tests of social attention and rhythmic processing. The researchers observed higher levels of Actinobacteria and Bifidobacterium microbes in infants with better cognitive abilities.
Researchers developed innovative techniques to treat challenging cancers and manage therapy side effects. Inhibitors targeting PRMT5, a histone-modifying enzyme, alleviated cisplatin-induced hearing loss, while nano-pills delivered combination drugs to liver cancer cells.
A new study reveals a high incidence of youth with cardiovascular risk factors but inadequate resources to provide preventive care. Pediatricians and policymakers must address these gaps by investing in pediatric preventive cardiology and increasing collaboration between programs.
A large study found that fully vaccinated individuals have lower concentrations of inflammatory markers than unvaccinated participants after symptomatic COVID-19 infection. This suggests that vaccination significantly reduces morbidity and mortality by reducing elevated levels of cytokines and chemokines.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have identified a fatty molecule in breast milk that triggers a process in which stem cells produce new white matter, reversing neurological damage. This finding holds promise for developing therapies to treat preterm babies with cerebral palsy.
A new study improves the chances of finding the right drug to kill individual cancers in children by incorporating high-throughput drug screening into precision medicine. The approach reveals additional drug sensitivities and predicts clinical response, leading to better treatment options.
A systematic review from George Washington University links lead exposure during childhood to increased risk of criminal behavior in adulthood. The study's findings highlight the need for policies to prevent future health and social problems from lead exposure.
A global study analyzed data from over 6,600 families with a child with a neurodevelopmental condition to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted their anxiety levels. The results show that anxiety increased for parents and children at the beginning of the pandemic, but decreased for children as they returned to pre-pandemic levels.
A study of 463 infants aged 8-36 months found that those with smaller vocabularies and poorer cognitive skills nap more frequently. Reducing naps for these children may not improve brain development, suggesting a need to re-evaluate sleep recommendations.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that children's ability to recognize dog emotions, especially aggression, improves with age. Four-year-olds were less able to recognize aggressive dog expressions than six-year-olds and adults. As children grow older and gain experience with dogs, they become better at reading canine facial expressions.
A third of children with a history of social care in England faced school exclusion, according to a new study. The research found that those with special educational needs services or child protection plans were excluded at significantly higher rates than others.
A new study suggests that bacterial testing in children with sinusitis could greatly reduce unnecessary antibiotic use. By identifying which children are likely to benefit from antibiotics, doctors can avoid prescribing medications to those who wouldn't see improvement in symptoms.
A Canadian study found that patients were very satisfied with care from their family physicians (90%) and allied health teams (89%), comparable to traditional in-person models. Another pilot program successfully engaged hard-to-reach adolescents in preventive care, demonstrating a 40% increase in show rates for well visits.
The study used electronic health record data from over 200,000 children to describe patterns of pediatric allergies across the US, validating the 'allergic march' pattern. It also found that eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is more common among non-White patients than previously reported.
Children with greater language diversity are more sensitive to contextual factors when assessing an informant's reliability. This study found that bilingual children selectively trust informants who have provided accurate cues in the past, but not those who provide inaccurate cues. Bilingualism may enhance social-cognitive development ...
A recent study has found that babies born to fathers with psychiatric diagnoses are more likely to be born prematurely. The study analyzed data from over 1.5 million births in Sweden and found a significant increase in preterm births among infants whose father had a psychiatric diagnosis.
A new study from Northwestern University found that only 13% of US parents and caregivers are aware of the 2017 NIH guidelines recommending early peanut introduction to prevent peanut allergy. Despite this, more work is needed to educate families and clinicians about the guidelines.
Research found that mothers' childhood experiences and pregnancy anxiety are reflected in their 2-year-old children's gut microbiomes, with smaller populations of microorganisms and reduced genetic diversity. These changes may influence children's socioemotional development and brain-gut microbiome connection.
A new study led by Indiana University School of Medicine researchers shows that primary care clinicians who receive specialized training can make accurate autism diagnoses for over 80 percent of young children referred with developmental delays. The EAE Hub system, a statewide network providing training and collaborative learning, has ...
A new study published in Pediatrics suggests that pediatric concussions do not impact intelligence or IQ levels. The research, which combined data from two cohort studies in Canada and the US, found no significant difference in IQ scores between children with concussion and those with orthopedic injuries.
Researchers identified significant differences between individuals with CHAMP1 coding mutations and deletions, affecting adaptive functioning skills and severity of symptoms. The study highlights the importance of understanding genetic mechanisms to develop precision medicine approaches for treating CHAMP1 disorder.
Scientists have uncovered how gamma delta T cells develop in the body and produce an immune response. The discovery could lead to the development of more preventive treatments for cancer and highly infectious diseases.
A significant rise in ADHD diagnoses and prescriptions was observed in the UK over the past two decades, with a higher increase among adults. The study found that ADHD was more commonly diagnosed in children and boys than girls and women, and that the number of individuals receiving medication for ADHD increased significantly.
A study found that babies watching live music had higher heart rates and were more engaged than those watching recordings, even with identical audio. The researchers tracked the babies' responses using heart monitors and tablets, and noted that the live performance captured their attention for 72% of the show.
Researchers found that epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) reduces protein levels of fibronectin by 46-52% and disrupts pathways involved in fibroid tumor cell growth. EGCG supplements may provide an easily accessible and natural way to relieve symptoms and slow fibroid growth.
New studies show cow colostrum can reduce infant formula use and strengthen mother's milk in premature babies, providing essential nutrients like amino acids. Researchers hope to optimize cow colostrum product for critical first few weeks after birth.
A significant rise in caesarean sections in late labour has led to an increase in impacted fetal head (IFH) injuries, resulting in minor damage, lifelong consequences, or even death. New devices like the Tydeman tube and training approaches aim to improve management of this obstetric emergency.
A new study found that COVID-19 pandemic babies had communication skill gaps at age 2, with a larger proportion scoring below standardised cut-offs for developmental concern. Despite this, most developmental and behavioral outcomes were comparable to pre-pandemic born babies.
A systematic review of research on board games found that they significantly improve math skills in children aged three to nine years. The studies showed that playing number-based board games regularly enhances counting, addition, and recognizing numbers.
A new teaching method in Iceland has been shown to close the gender gap in children's reading skills. The method, which focuses on letter-sound knowledge, has been successful in improving reading skills for both boys and girls.
Researchers found that students with high levels of 'eudaimonia', or feelings of competence, motivation, and self-esteem, outperformed their peers in GCSE-level assessments, especially in Maths. However, life satisfaction was not linked to academic performance.
A South African study found that interacting with children can promote a sense of belonging and purpose, reducing anxiety and depression in retirement home residents. The program, which includes activities like playing games and reading, also boosts mood and emotions.
UK schoolchildren aged 7-11 drew mammals and birds most commonly, with reptiles and amphibians appearing less frequently. The study suggests children's perceptions of local wildlife are skewed towards mammals and birds, hinting at a wider problem of nature disconnect.
Researchers found that while parents and educators recognize the benefits of nature play, they struggle with certain aspects, particularly risk. A key move will be to boost educators' knowledge about nature-based learning to promote enabling factors.
Researchers at Penn State found a significant association between salivary cotinine and heavy metals such as copper, zinc, lead, in children exposed to tobacco smoke. The study suggests that environmental tobacco smoke exposure may be a source of increased children's exposure to heavy metals.
A survey of over 1,200 benzodiazepine users found persistent symptoms months or years after discontinuation, including anxiety, insomnia, memory loss and suicidal thoughts. Long-term use was associated with negative life impacts such as job loss and increased medical costs.
A new study published in Pediatrics reveals that family caregivers of children with medically complex conditions experience bias and substandard treatment in hospitals and clinics. The findings emphasize the urgent need for additional medical training to address this issue.
A third of under-fives attending Paediatric Emergency Departments have unmet vaccination need, with tetanus and MMR vaccination coverage levels below target. Researchers call for catch-up campaigns to reach this vulnerable group.
Researchers found that deaf mice have nearly normal neural activity in the auditory system for two weeks after birth, suggesting a molecular mechanism for improved outcomes with early cochlear implants. This spontaneous activity helps train the brain to process sound before the ear canal opens.
During the 2022 infant formula shortage, nearly half of parents used unsafe feeding practices, including watering down formula and sharing human milk. The study emphasizes the need for policy changes to provide families with access to safe alternatives and supports.
A new study by University College London researchers estimates that between 150,000 and 500,000 adults aged 20-49 and 250,000 to 600,000 adults over 50 may be undiagnosed with autism. This brings the total autistic population in England to over 1.2 million, approaching double the government's cited figure.
A new study by Mass General Brigham found an association between increasing receipt of plant-based food packages and decreased BMI in children. The research suggests that providing healthy foods can help prevent childhood obesity, especially among families dealing with food insecurity.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed an innovative gene therapy that shows promise in treating Dravet syndrome, a severe developmental epilepsy affecting children. The treatment was found to be effective in improving epilepsy, protecting against early death, and enhancing cognitive abilities.