Research programs focused on child health and development. Covers pediatric research standards, infant nutrition and sleep, rare disorders, and childhood diabetes.
A study by HKUST researchers found that children and adults preferentially view naturals as more competent and friendly than hard workers, a preference that endures into adulthood. The naturalness bias impacts children's interactions with peers perceived as talented or hardworking.
The February issues of the American Psychiatric Association's journals address risk factors for mental illness and substance use in psychiatric care. The research highlights the importance of understanding these factors to improve treatment outcomes and reduce disparities in mental health care.
A recent study from York University found that even at the age of five, children tend to have more positive associations with white peers over Black peers. However, taking an own-gender lens increases these positive associations towards Black children, suggesting a contextual nature of anti-Black racism.
Researchers discovered that bone marrow transplants can halt the development and progression of brain blood vessel disease in adults with sickle cell disease. The study found that receiving stem cell transplants led to positive changes in blood vessels, reducing the risk of stroke among patients with the condition.
Researchers have found a significantly higher maternal mortality rate among pregnant people with sickle cell disease compared to the general population. The study's findings emphasize the need for increased disease-specific interventions and health disparities reduction measures.
Women who experience five major pregnancy complications face an increased risk of ischemic heart disease up to 46 years after delivery. The study found that all major adverse pregnancy outcomes should be recognized as lifelong risk factors for heart disease.
Researchers found that Black children experienced more childhood adversity than White children, leading to differential changes in brain regions linked to psychiatric disease. The study suggests that structural racism may play a significant role in these differences.
A new study by researchers at the University of California, Davis, found that 6- to 9-month-old babies can form memories of masked faces and recognize those faces when unmasked. The study used eye tracking to examine how masks influence infants' facial recognition.
A two-year study by Rutgers researcher Jinjing Jenny Wang found that babies between 14 and 19 months old benefit from watching counting videos, engaging them with real-life scenarios. The study's findings suggest these videos could reduce disparities in children who may not receive enough counting exposure from caregivers.
A long-term study by UC Davis MIND Institute researchers identified three distinct paths of intellectual development in autistic children: persistent intellectual disability, an increase in IQ, or average IQ. The study used IQ trajectories to track changes in communication and behavioral development over time.
A new research project aims to promote dual-language development for children with autism in bilingual families. The study will examine the type of bilingual environment and factors related to their ability to speak or understand both languages.
Researchers found a five-fold increase in autism cases among children with no intellectual disabilities, contradicting previous findings. The study suggests that better awareness and testing for ASD play a role in the observed surge.
Research on Latino mother-child pairs reveals that prenatal pollution exposure is associated with deficits in motor coordination, language skills, and cognitive development at age 2. The study found significant correlations between exposure to particulate matter and lower composite cognitive scores.
A retrospective study found associations between vitamin D levels and fine motor development delays, as well as thyroid hormones with cognitive development. Certain metals were also linked to language, cognitive, or motor skill development.
A large-scale study found IVF-conceived children perform similarly to spontaneously conceived peers in terms of development and education. The research, involving over 400,000 Australian kids, suggests no significant differences in school outcomes between the two groups.
A new method offers hope for struggling readers, focusing on giving children the right challenges. The approach resulted in outstanding reading results, including improved well-being and motivation.
Research published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health found that daily moderate and vigorous physical activity is positively associated with mid-life brain power. However, replacing these activities with just 6-7 minutes of sedentary behavior negatively impacts cognitive performance. The study analyzed data from over 4,4...
A new study conducted at the University of Turku found that maternal gestational diabetes mellitus may have unfavourable effects on the neurodevelopment of 2-year-old children. A healthy diet during pregnancy supports child's neurodevelopment, while higher maternal body fat percentage is associated with weaker cognitive and motor skills.
A large Danish population study found that premature birth before 34 weeks is linked to lower scores in maths and language tests as a teenager. However, the researchers noted that cognitive outcomes are not predetermined at birth but are heavily influenced by social circumstances.
A recent study found that genomic testing can identify genetic causes of childhood hearing loss and provide critical information on its clinical characteristics. The researchers detected variants responsible for hearing loss in 43 different genes, and the severity of hearing loss varied by gene.
A new study shows that preschoolers as young as 3-5 years old understand that some reasons for reneging are more defensible than others. Children agree that breaking promises is generally wrong, but are more understanding when good excuses are given. The children's responses revealed that lame excuses are just as bad as none at all.
A new study found that children with persistent speech disorder are more likely to experience peer problems and emotional difficulties in school. The researchers analyzed data from over 7,300 participants and found no significant associations between speech disorders and depressive symptoms or antisocial behavior.
Research from the University of Houston suggests that digital technology can enhance learning in young children by leveraging mind-wandering moments. When toddlers exhibit attentiveness and persistence while playing educational apps on an iPad, it leads to positive creative problem-solving skills and improved learning outcomes.
A study by University of Essex and University of Reading found that controlling tones made students' self-esteem plummet, while supportive voices inspired connection to the teacher. The research aimed to influence teacher training and boost classroom results.
A team of scientists from the USA conducted a study on toddlers' behavior towards helping dogs. The researchers found that children aged 2-3 years were twice as likely to help a dog reach a treat or toy when it showed interest, with factors such as the dog's liveliness and the object being a treat increasing the likelihood of assistance.
A study found that hospitals with high levels of pediatric care readiness have significantly lower child mortality rates compared to those with low readiness. Adopting national pediatric care readiness standards as laid out by the National Pediatric Readiness Project may prevent over 1,400 child deaths.
Researchers found that EWS::FLI1 induces Slit2 expression, which activates Robo receptors and enhances Ewing sarcoma growth. Silencing Slit2 strongly inhibited Ewing sarcoma cell growth, providing an opportunity for targeted therapy.
A study by University of Missouri-Columbia researchers found a significant increase in pediatric firearm injuries during the pandemic, with Black and low-income children being most at risk. The monthly injury rate increased by 51.5% during the pandemic, leading to a 29% increase in pediatric firearm deaths.
Research on COVID-19 variants reveals that infants and toddlers with co-infections are significantly more likely to need oxygen therapy and ICU-level care. Co-infection rates were highest during the delta variant, followed by omicron and alpha.
The network aims to develop a comprehensive children's cell 'atlas' to examine the earliest origins of disease. Researchers will work with young patients and their families to identify disease triggers and intervene early, potentially preventing chronic diseases.
A study published in the European Journal of Public Health found a significant rise in body mass index (BMI) among Swedish children aged three to five during the pandemic. BMI rose in both boys and girls, with a notable increase in overweight and obesity rates among disadvantaged areas.
Researchers found that spontaneous movements in newborns and infants develop patterns of muscle interaction, enabling them to perform sequential movements as infants. This study provides insight into the origin of human movement and may lead to earlier diagnosis of developmental disorders.
A large study of over 20,600 children found that living in higher-opportunity neighborhoods at birth was associated with a lower average body mass index trajectory and a lower risk of obesity from childhood to adolescence. Initiatives targeting neighborhood environments may help prevent excess weight in children.
A new study found that living in neighborhoods with higher opportunity or lower vulnerability can lead to lower mean BMI trajectory and lower risk of obesity in children. The study suggests that investing in neighborhood environments could help mitigate future chronic disease risk, particularly for marginalized communities.
A cross-cultural study found that Ugandan mothers have more relational attitudes toward parenting, while UK mothers focus on autonomy. Despite these differences, infant experiences vary across cultures.
Researchers have identified a rare gene mutation that causes severe childhood obesity, leading to a constant feeling of hunger and decreased sensation of satiety. The discovery provides a new understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying monogenic human obesity.
Research found that common anti-inflammatory drugs taken by children can alter the formation of dental enamel, leading to defects. The study's authors suggest potential harm from widespread use of these medications and plan to conduct a clinical trial to confirm findings in humans.
Langerhans' Cell Histiocytosis (LCH) is a serious disease affecting children that can be fatal in severe cases. Researchers have identified the origin of LCH cells, which are derived from both dendritic and monocyte cells.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health and the University of Washington School of Social Work found a consistent relationship between higher temperatures and higher risk of shootings in 100 of the country's most populated cities. Nearly seven percent of shootings can be attributed to above-average daily temperatures.
A recent study found that frequent mobile device use for calming young children may displace opportunities for learning emotion-regulation strategies. Pediatric health care professionals may need to encourage alternative calming approaches to support healthy development.
Research reveals stark racial and ethnic differences in swimming skills, with Black and Latine parents less confident in their abilities and fewer children taking swim lessons. Culturally tailored water-safety programs are crucial to eliminating these disparities and reducing child drownings.
The special issue explores key characteristics of ethical codes, their underlying values, and challenges in implementing them. Studies highlight common ethical values across cultures, emphasizing the importance of autonomy and care in early childhood education.
A new study has shed light on how the most commonly used ADHD medication, methylphenidate, works in the brain. The research found that methylphenidate increases dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens and improves coordinated brain network activity, resulting in more stable sustained attention in children with ADHD.
A study of 510 children with chronic kidney disease found that declining hemoglobin levels were associated with significant growth impairment even when above guideline-targeted levels. Lower hemoglobin values are linked to poorer growth, independent of kidney function and age.
Researchers aim to provide the highest quality of care possible by understanding the sound environment of child care centers. A 48-hour monitoring period and staff evaluations helped identify factors influencing child and provider experiences.
A WVU study found that children from non-traditional family structures, such as single-parent households and multi-generational families, face difficulties accessing healthcare. The research highlights the need for providers to be aware of the unique challenges faced by these families and to adapt their services accordingly.
Australian children are spending too much time glued to screens and not enough on physical activity, with 80% of kids failing to meet national guidelines. A new review calls for a National Physical Activity Plan involving multiple sectors to address the issue.
The study found that COVID-19 restrictions led to decreased balance ability, higher body fat levels, and worsened lifestyle habits in Japanese children. The researchers suggest that quality of exercise, rather than quantity, was the main factor contributing to these changes.
A recent study published in Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that only about 10% of children and adolescents who didn't improve with cognitive behavioral therapy opted for medication treatment. Patient characteristics, such as racial and ethnic minorities, younger patients, and expectations of treatment effectiveness, were identifi...
Researchers link loot box purchasing to problem gambling, with 28% of adults who bought loot boxes reporting past-year gambling. The study suggests that loot boxes may prime people to gamble and increase susceptibility to problem gambling.
Researchers have found that experimental vaccines, including a protein-based vaccine candidate with an adjuvant, provide superior protection against lung disease and higher levels of neutralizing antibodies compared to mRNA vaccines. The results inform the optimization and development of COVID-19 vaccines for young infant populations.
Researchers at Duke University found that caregivers talk more to young children who start talking, regardless of gender, rather than solely due to girls having bigger vocabularies. Girls' vocabulary advantage may be attributed to factors other than parental language input, offering insights into language development.
A study analyzing data from 13 studies found that approximately one third of children born to mothers infected with Zika virus during pregnancy presented with abnormalities consistent with Congenital Zika Syndrome. The most frequently observed manifestations included microcephaly, neurological impairments, and sensory abnormalities. Ri...
Higher weight and BMI z-scores in pre-adolescence are associated with poor brain health, including structural changes and decreased connectivity. The findings provide an important mechanistic explanation for the link between childhood obesity and impaired cognitive function.
A study involving 8,000 primary pupils found that COVID-19 closures severely ruptured the social and emotional development of Ethiopia's poorest children. Children lost at least a third of an academic year in learning, with those already disadvantaged educationally being particularly affected.
A new study has identified brain markers of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children using MRI data. The researchers found changes in almost all regions of the brain, including abnormal connectivity, a thinning of the brain cortex, and significant white matter microstructural changes.
A study of 1.5 million children found no association between prenatal benzodiazepine exposure and increased risks of autism spectrum disorder or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. The results challenge current assumptions about maternal benzodiazepine use and neurodevelopmental disorders.
A new analysis finds that the US lacks effective government oversight of food marketing and research on children, allowing companies to target unhealthy products at vulnerable populations. The industry's self-regulation efforts have failed to keep pace with modern marketing practices.
Researchers have developed mini eyes, or organoids, from stem cells donated by patients with Usher syndrome. These mini eyes allow scientists to study light-sensing cells and understand the development of blindness in the disease.
A new study using longitudinal databases from five countries found almost no evidence that extensive time in early center-based child care causes behavior problems in young children. The results suggest that parents can participate in the workforce without worrying about harm to their children's behavioral development.