Research programs focused on child health and development. Covers pediatric research standards, infant nutrition and sleep, rare disorders, and childhood diabetes.
Research from Washington University in St. Louis found that children exposed to cannabis in the womb continue to exhibit increased signs of psychiatric conditions, including depression and anxiety. The study, which followed over 10,500 children, revealed no significant changes in psychiatric condition rates as they aged into adolescence.
Researchers will investigate racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare services for autistic children in New Jersey. The study aims to understand the social determinants of these disparities and promote health equity among children on the spectrum.
A study on wild geladas reveals maternal effects on the gut microbiome both before and after weaning, influencing infant development and health. The research found that infants of first-time moms had slower gut microbiota development, potentially leading to a developmental disadvantage.
A UConn study found that Connecticut's notification system for substance-ex exposed infants has connected over half of identified cases with community supports and services. The system, which uses de-identified data, has shown promise in reducing disparities in testing and reporting, but there is still room for improvement.
The Healthy-Day-App assesses time use patterns in children and predicts outcomes on body fat percentages, wellbeing, and academic performance. Shifting screen time to physical activity results in improved health outcomes, including 4.2% lower body fat and 2.5% better wellbeing.
A new study reveals that Black children with complex communication needs receive significantly less AAC-based instruction than their white counterparts. Research examined two waves of data from 78 children and found that only 29% of Black students received 90 minutes or more of AAC instruction per week, compared to 63% of white students.
A new web app, Healthy-Day-App, links daily schedules with health outcomes for children, revealing associations between screen time, physical activity, and body fat percentage. The app allows users to customize the impact of time allocations on health measures.
A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior reveals that parents' eating behaviors play a significant role in shaping their teenagers' emotional eating habits. The research found that restrictive feeding practices and monitoring food led to increased emotional eating, while a parent's restrained eating beha...
A new Northwestern University study finds that pregnant women with fluctuating stress levels have infants who exhibit more fear, sadness, and distress at three months old. The researchers measured mothers' stress in real-time and found a link between lability and infant temperament.
A study by Duke University researchers reveals that net worth poverty has a significant impact on child development, affecting cognitive scores and behavior. The research highlights the importance of considering both income and wealth when designing programs to address child wellbeing.
A study using child-sized humanoid robots found that they can assess mental wellbeing in children more effectively than parent-reported or self-reported testing. The robots were able to encourage children to share their thoughts and feelings, leading to more accurate assessments of their mental health.
A study published in Nature Communications suggests that better glucose control can improve brain structure and function in youth with Type 1 diabetes. The findings indicate that participants using a hybrid closed-loop insulin delivery system showed significant improvement in key brain metrics compared to those receiving standard care.
A recent study by pediatric cardiologists has found that certain maternal health conditions can partially explain the racial disparities in congenital heart disease outcomes. The research assessed over 8,000 infant and mother records from diverse populations and identified placental and metabolic syndromes as contributing factors.
Researchers identified five new hepatoblastoma tumor signatures that could help predict responses to chemotherapy treatments. The study used single-cell transcriptomic techniques to analyze tumors from infants and children, providing a window into normal development and cancer.
A multinational study found that caregivers who consume digital media for relaxation are more likely to engage in negative parenting practices. The researchers also discovered that maintaining social connections through digital channels is related to lower levels of anxiety and depression.
Researchers found a lower concussion rate in Florida, where headgear was mandated, compared to states without. The rate was 0.39 concussions/1000 athlete exposures with mandatory headgear, vs 0.44 without. This suggests that headgear may be worth considering for high schools and other levels of play.
A recent study by Johns Hopkins Children's Center researchers found a significant rise in type 2 diabetes cases among children during the COVID-19 pandemic. The increase was largely attributed to reduced physical activity and weight gain due to lockdowns and virtual learning.
A NIH study of over 46,000 participants found that childhood poverty combined with crowded housing or parental separation increases the risk of premature death by 41-50%, compared to those without early life adversity. The study also identified a higher risk of premature death for individuals with multiple adverse childhood experiences.
A new study has partly restored the function of retina's cone receptors in two completely colorblind children using gene therapy. The treatment has been shown to activate previously dormant communication pathways between the retina and brain, drawing on the plastic nature of the developing adolescent brain.
Observational research suggests that 7-MX inhibits excessive eye lengthening and slows myopia progression in Danish children. The study found that higher doses of 7-MX were more effective in slowing myopia growth.
Researchers have found that children with autism show significant differences in their pupillary light reflexes, which can be used as a potential screening biomarker. The study demonstrates the parameters of interest that matter for detecting autism and validates earlier findings using monocular technology.
A West Virginia University researcher highlights the risks of sharing children's information on social media, including consent and privacy issues, as well as increased vulnerability to online predators. The study suggests that parents should be aware of these risks and take steps to protect their children's digital footprint.
A new study explores how active parent participation can improve neonatal health and reduce parental stress. The study found that cultural attitudes, collaboration between medical staff and parents, and availability of equipment are key factors in enabling parent-infant closeness.
A new study published in PLOS ONE explores the relationship between preterm birth and educational attainment in U.K. children. The research found that children born before 32 weeks had higher rates of poor school attainment, but only those born very preterm remained at risk by the end of secondary school.
A study published in Early Education and Development journal found that preschoolers with stronger vocabulary skills at the start of the year display more positive engagement with teachers and peers. The researchers also discovered that inhibitory control is crucial for classroom engagement and learning.
A review of available monkeypox clinical guidelines found most were of low quality, lacking sufficient detail and failing to cover different risk groups. The lack of clarity between guidelines creates uncertainty for clinicians treating patients with monkeypox.
A RCSI study has found that babies born with Down Syndrome experience impaired changes in heart function and blood pressure in their lungs over the first two years of age. The research suggests that all babies with Down Syndrome should have their heart function monitored during childhood due to these common issues.
A Rutgers study found that early-term births (37–38 weeks) have significantly higher symptoms of hyperactivity, ADHD, and cognitive problems or inattention compared to full-term births. Teachers' reports provided valuable input for the diagnosis of ADHD, highlighting the need for regular screenings.
A new study by researchers at UTHealth Houston found that children infected with COVID-19, but not hospitalized, can still develop long COVID symptoms up to three months past infection. The study also identified risk factors for long COVID in children, including unvaccination and obesity.
A study from the Alpha Generation Lab found that hyperactive children are more likely to use digital devices, while fidgety children may be more prone to social problems. The researchers suggest a two-way street where digital devices and behavior problems influence each other.
A recent study suggests that the BCG vaccine is effective in preventing tuberculosis (TB) in children under 5 years old. However, adolescents and adults may require additional protection to maintain immunity beyond childhood. The researchers emphasize the need for booster vaccinations and new TB vaccines to supplement the BCG vaccine.
Mothers with personality disorder symptoms have a higher likelihood of insecure attachment with their adolescents, who are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and substance use problems. Maternal recalled experiences with caregivers also play a mediating role in this relationship.
A new study suggests targeting early adolescent impulsivity could prevent later behavioral disorders. The research found that adolescents with high levels of impulsivity in early adolescence were at risk for developing antisocial personality disorder and alcohol use disorder.
A study by Nagoya University researchers found age-related differences in gait patterns of Japanese elementary school children, including increased cadence and decreased step and stride length. The findings provide an important tool for assessing normal and pathological gait, potentially informing orthopedic treatment and rehabilitation.
Researchers found that 7-month-old infants quickly discriminate between symmetrical and asymmetrical mosaics, indicating a robust ability to detect structural symmetry. This skill coincides with those found in studies using other stimuli, suggesting babies are good at extracting structure and rules from various media.
A nationwide study is investigating the effects of COVID-19 on patients in the US, with a focus on understanding and preventing lingering symptoms. The four-year study, RECOVER Initiative, will enroll up to 20,000 participants and explore factors that put individuals at risk for long-COVID.
Researchers at NIH have developed a 3D structure of the twinkle protein, which helps identify mutations that cause mitochondrial diseases. The discovery could lead to targeted treatments for patients with conditions like progressive external ophthalmoplegia and Perrault syndrome.
New research reveals that only 1 in 5 Syrian children living in refugee camps exhibit resilience to mental health problems. The study found that factors such as the child's environment, caregiver interactions, and access to resources significantly impact their ability to recover from war trauma.
The NCI-backed Molecular Targets Platform streamlines and catalyzes drug development by integrating pediatric cancer targets and pathways. This platform empowers researchers, pharmaceutical companies, and advocacy groups to accelerate the pace of drug development for pediatric cancer.
A new study is providing training to mothers of infants at the Linda Ray Intervention Center, equipping them with a critical caregiving skill. The program focuses on infant-directed singing, which has been shown to help babies regulate their emotions and develop self-regulation skills.
A University of Queensland-led research found that children's noses have a more effective anti-viral response to ancestral SARS-CoV-2 than adult noses. The study suggests that this may contribute to the lower infection rates and milder symptoms in children compared to adults.
A new study has examined the relationship between physical activity and body fat in children, finding that increased body fat leads to less physical activity in boys, while no such link was found for girls. The researchers also found a link between sedentary lifestyle and body fat in boys.
A new study published in Clinical & Experimental Allergy reveals a 4-fold increase in allergy clinics for children in the UK, but most are small and vary in services offered. The research highlights the need for standardized care through national networks and simulation training to ensure safe service provision.
A large-scale study of nearly 12,000 children aged 9-10 found that disordered eating behaviors are more common than previously thought, with a prevalence of up to 5% in some cases. Children with higher BMIs and those further along in puberty face an elevated risk, highlighting the need for targeted prevention efforts.
A new study from the University of South Australia identifies five key approaches for parents and caregivers to discuss everyday pain with young children. Teaching children that they can control their pain and empowering them to actively engage in pain management can promote lifelong helpful pain behaviors and encourage recovery. By he...
Researchers used magnetoencephalography to study age-related changes in gamma-band oscillations in the auditory cortex of typically developing children. The results showed that power increased with age and cortical localization changed, indicating an age-related shift in the balance between excitation and inhibition.
A new breath-driven hand prosthesis offers a lightweight, low-maintenance option for children and those in low-resource settings. The device is powered by the user's breathing and provides simultaneous control and actuation, with minimal maintenance required.
A new study at the University of Missouri found that prenatal opioid exposure can trigger long-term neurological or behavioral effects in children. The research suggests that opioids impact the developing fetus' gut microbiome, leading to changes in metabolic pathways and potentially affecting overall health and wellness.
A study found that pandemic restrictions negatively affected mental wellbeing, with workplace closures being the only positive effect. Women and young people were disproportionately impacted, highlighting disparities in mental health outcomes between social groups.
Researchers discover gene AVIL responsible for deadly brain tumor also causes two forms of childhood cancer, rhabdomyosarcoma. Blocking AVIL activity prevents formation of the disease in lab samples and mouse models.
In India, two out of five eligible children are missing out on preventive vitamin A supplementation, with wide variations in coverage among and within states. The analysis found large 'cold spots' in provision across the country, ranging from just under 13% to 94.5%, and distinct geographical hotspots and coldspots.
A Rutgers study found that only 47% of autistic children in four New Jersey counties received early intervention programs before 36 months. Income and race-based disparities hindered access to these services. The study highlights the need for universal autism screening and enhanced support for early intervention systems.
The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) has approved funding awards totaling $258 million to support 26 new research studies. These studies aim to fill evidence gaps and improve healthcare decision making for a range of high-burden conditions, including mental health, heart conditions, asthma, bone fractures, and sinus...
A recent study published in the European Respiratory Journal found that children who grow up near green spaces have better lung function. The research suggests that increasing exposure to vegetation close to home can improve lung health, especially when combined with other factors such as physical activity and reduced air pollution.
A multicenter study found that preterm children with bronchopulmonary dysplasia who attend daycare are more likely to visit the emergency department, use systemic steroids, and experience chronic respiratory symptoms. The risk of these complications is highest in infants under 1 year old and may persist until 36 months of age.
Research finds that pre-teen children in Singapore associate brilliance with men more than women, with the stereotype strengthening as they grow older. This bias can lead girls to doubt their abilities, limiting their interests and career aspirations.
Researchers at WVU are conducting a four-year study to investigate long COVID's impact on pediatric patients, exploring questions like prevalence, symptoms, and treatment options. The study will enroll children from infancy to 25 years old and analyze biomarkers for long COVID susceptibility.
Researchers found associations between census-tract measures of social determinants, such as educational attainment and violent crime, with pediatric asthma morbidity rates. These findings suggest opportunities for community-based interventions to reduce pediatric asthma morbidity.
A study by Max Planck Institute for Human Development found that children use spontaneous strategy changes and broader attentional focus to achieve better results, similar to adults. This broadens the understanding of learning behavior in children.
Researchers found that mothers who didn't transmit HCMV to their infants had higher levels of antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis, suggesting a non-neutralizing immunity mechanism. This finding has implications for the development of effective HCMV vaccines.