Research programs focused on child health and development. Covers pediatric research standards, infant nutrition and sleep, rare disorders, and childhood diabetes.
Researchers have developed an observational tool to assess children up to 5 years old with a concussion. The new tool catalogues known symptoms, including headaches, memory loss, and irritability, and allows for tracking of physical, cognitive, and behavioral changes over time.
The NIH awarded $4.7 million to Dr. Amy Bastian's research on movement learning mechanisms and their impact on neurological damage. The study aims to develop tailored therapeutic training strategies for children with neurological conditions.
A study found that viral particles remaining in the gut after COVID-19 can travel into the bloodstream, triggering a hyperinflammatory response and Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C). Researchers identified larazotide acetate as a potential treatment.
A nationwide study found that high levels of television exposure in early childhood can lead to visual acuity problems later on. Parents' concerns about their child's eyesight increased as the child aged from 7 to 12 years.
Researchers and community members collaborate to develop a program promoting healthy eating habits in infants, addressing real barriers faced by families. The study aims to improve nutrition and behavior outcomes, with the goal of reducing obesity risk later in childhood and adulthood.
A new study reveals that counselling sessions in primary school have a lasting positive impact on children's mental health. The research, published in European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, found that children who received one-to-one counselling showed considerably better mental health than those who did not.
A study of over 4,000 children in England found that physical activity supports academic attainment and helps close the achievement gap between wealthy and less-advantaged pupils. Engaging in sports like swimming or ball sports promotes self-regulation, leading to better emotional control and academic progress.
Researchers found that premature boys age more quickly than their normal weight counterparts, with a biological age gap of 4.6 years by age 30-35. This accelerated aging may be influenced by prenatal stress and hospital care after birth, emphasizing the need for monitoring and healthy aging strategies.
A study by Ohio State University found that kindergartners from low-income families spent an average of 6.6 hours a day on screens, nearly double the pre-pandemic level. This excessive screen time was partly due to caregivers' difficulties in managing their children's time during the pandemic.
Research analyzed 100 popular children's educational apps, finding most scored low on quality criteria, including facilitating active thinking and minimizing distraction. Experts recommend parents co-play with their kids and app developers collaborate with child development experts to create high-quality educational content.
A study by the University of Basel found that exercise training helps improve motor skills in children born prematurely, leading to better impulse control and reduced behavioral problems. This targeted training may also reduce cognitive limitations, providing essential support for these children as they grow into teenagers.
A new study found that adults are up to twice as likely to donate to charity when children are around, indicating a 'child salience effect'. The presence of children influences compassionate motivations and behaviors in adults. This effect was observed across different age groups, parents, and non-parents.
Research-practice partnerships are a promising strategy for making high-quality prekindergarten programs accessible to all children. Through collaboration, compromise, and long-term commitment, RPPs can bridge the gap between research findings and practical applications.
Researchers found that breastfed children scored higher on neurocognitive tests, with the strongest association seen in those breastfed for more than 12 months. The study, which analyzed over 9,000 participants, suggests that any amount of breastfeeding has a positive cognitive impact.
Researchers mapped child anthropometric failure across 597,121 Indian villages to identify geographic hotspots of undernutrition. The study highlights the need for targeted policies and precision mapping to address childhood undernutrition in rural India.
A majority of Generation Z gay and bisexual teenage boys report being out to their parents, according to research published by the American Psychological Association. However, stigma and religious beliefs still prevent some young people from disclosing their sexual identity.
Researchers at Duke University developed a digital app that assesses eye gaze patterns of young children to identify potential autism symptoms. The app uses computer vision and machine learning to track attention patterns, potentially providing an early screening tool for autism.
A new study reveals that up to half of children with language difficulties and mental/physical health problems have been exposed to intimate partner violence. Children exposed from infancy are twice as likely to have psychiatric diagnosis, emotional behavioural difficulties, and impaired language skills at age 10.
Research suggests that autism develops differently in girls and boys, with distinct genetic profiles and brain mechanisms at play. Girls with ASD exhibit unique responses to social cues and have different genetic contributors to the condition.
A new study by Yale researchers found that girls with autism tend to develop the condition in a different region of the brain than boys, with a larger number of genetic mutations. The findings suggest that girls may have a natural protective effect against developing autism.
A study published in Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders describes the language abilities of Russian children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at various linguistic levels. The researchers found significant differences between groups in all subtests, except for the simplest word repetition. Children with ASD had lower accu...
A new study by Harvard researchers found that spanking can alter a child's neural responses to their environment, similar to experiencing more severe forms of violence. The study, published in the journal Child Development, analyzed brain activity in children who were spanked and compared it to those who were not.
A new University of Manitoba-led research study found that children are less infectious with SARS-CoV-2 than adults, indicating safer in-person learning and daycare environments. The study analyzed samples from 175 children and 130 adults, revealing lower viral loads in the pediatric group.
Infants from deaf families exposed to American Sign Language at home looked primarily at the face while watching a signer, whereas those with hearing parents who spoke English barely looked at the hands. The study suggests that sign-language exposure impacts infant gaze patterns and may support later language learning.
A study by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign found evidence linking pregnant women's exposure to phthalates to slower information processing in their 7.5-month-old infants. Males were more likely to be affected, especially when exposed to certain chemicals and unfamiliar faces.
A comprehensive review of early research on TV time and attention problems in children found no direct link, contrary to previous claims. The study's authors suggest that parents should not feel guilty for allowing their young children to watch TV.
A new study from the University of Bath found that children with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) face significant challenges in social interactions and peer relationships. The researchers highlight the importance of early referrals and suggest adjustments to playtimes to accommodate children's specific needs.
Researchers at the Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD) presented their latest findings on various child development topics. Key presentations include discussions on how COVID-19 has altered screen use among children and strategies to promote social justice in developmental science.
A longitudinal study found that the ForsythKids preventive dentistry program reduced untreated cavities from 39% to 19% over six years, highlighting the effectiveness of school-based prevention programs. The study also highlights the critical need for accessible dental care in low-income communities.
A new study found correlations between increased autistic-like behaviors in pre-school aged children and gestational exposure to environmental toxicants like metals, pesticides, and phthalates. Higher maternal concentrations of cadmium, lead, and some phthalates were associated with increased autistic-like behaviors.
The British Academy has awarded a prestigious grant to the University of Huddersfield's 'Back Chat' project, which explores the impacts of pandemic policies on children's lives. The project aims to give voice to disadvantaged children through arts-based methods and visually chronicle their experiences using digital art.
A study found that pregnant women who consumed moderate amounts of caffeine had infants with smaller birth sizes, lower lean body mass, and smaller head circumferences. This may increase the risk of obesity and related health issues later in life.
A team of researchers identified a novel biomarker, membrane-bound BASP-1 protein, to visualize adult human neural stem cells in the live mammalian brain. This discovery enables better understanding of neurogenesis and its relevance to neurological disorders, potentially leading to new therapeutic approaches.
A meta-analysis of studies with monolingual and bilingual children found that they generally favor native speakers over non-native speakers. However, children raised in diverse environments may have a greater awareness of linguistic-based group differences.
Researchers found that early intensive training improved motor and memory skills in a mouse model of Rett syndrome, delaying symptom onset. The study proposes newborn genetic testing followed by training to help girls retain milestones and improve quality of life.
A study by Baylor University researcher Matthew A. Andersson found that US work-family policies are inadequate, leading to significant gaps in children's health between rich and poor families. Cash transfers, while important, do not provide the same benefits as paid parental leave and flexible work hours.
Nearly two-thirds of Canadian adults aged 45-85 reported adverse childhood experiences, including physical abuse, intimate partner violence, and emotional abuse. The research found that exposure to these experiences varied by demographic factors, such as age, sex, education, and socioeconomic status.
Researchers found that more than 50% of children in high-risk populations are not receiving behavioral health services. The study highlights the need for better identification and access to intervention resources, particularly for young Black children.
Researchers investigate potential treatments for improving cognition in infants, including engineered gut microbes to counter antibiotic-exposure effects. A choline supplement is also being studied as a treatment for prenatal alcohol exposure-related cognitive impairments.
Research published in Thorax journal found a strong association between exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and the development of childhood allergic rhinitis. The study suggests that infants exposed to high levels of PM2.5 during late pregnancy and early childhood are at increased risk of developing allergic rhinitis.
Research suggests autistic individuals, particularly females, exhibit unique neural connections and reduced default network activity compared to neurotypical males. These findings indicate a combination of sex-dependent and independent effects on brain connectivity in autism.
A new study by Durham University reveals that playing with ultra-thin dolls can negatively impact young girls' body image, particularly when combined with exposure to 'thin ideals' in media. The research suggests that this can lead to body dissatisfaction and potentially eating disorders.
A new study by Children's National Hospital explores the neural circuitry of premature birth and its impact on locomotor development. Researchers found that Purkinje cells play a central role in learning deficits caused by complications at birth.
A study analyzing verbal autopsies from 230 families found that almost 83% of infants experienced delays in care, including family decisions and transportation issues. Simple low-tech interventions can potentially save many infant lives by addressing these complex issues.
Research found that green tea supplements can reduce facial dysmorphology in children with Down syndrome, especially when administered during the first three years of life. The study also suggests that high doses may disrupt facial and bone development, highlighting the need for further research and caution.
Scientists have identified a region within the GLI1 gene responsible for regulating its expression, providing a potential target for cancer treatment. Removing this region eliminates GLI1 activity, halting excessive cell division characteristic of cancer.
A large Danish study found an association between exposure to green spaces and reduced risk of ADHD diagnoses. The research suggests that living in green environments may be a protective factor for children, but further studies are needed to confirm the findings.
A recent study of homeless preschoolers found that strong teacher-child relationships are crucial in predicting healthy behaviors and emotional well-being. The study discovered that 70% of children were well-adjusted and exhibited positive behaviors, while the remaining 30% struggled with behavioral challenges.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia analyzed seven patients with MIS-C-associated rashes and found several common types, including small-to-medium annular plaques on the chest and back, and purpura in the center. The study aims to help doctors and parents identify suspicious rashes and seek further examination.
A study from Oregon State University found that dogs synchronize their behavior with children, but not as much as they do with adults. The researchers observed that dogs exhibited behavioral synchronization with children at a higher rate than expected by chance, particularly in terms of active synchrony and proximity. However, the leve...
A new study aims to improve understanding and treatment of developmental prosopagnosia, a condition affecting face recognition. The research will develop and test training interventions for children with facial recognition difficulties.
A new study found that preschoolers with higher cardiorespiratory fitness perform better on cognitive tests and other measures of brain function, including academic ability tasks and attention skills. The research suggests that the relationship between physical activity and brain health is evident even in early childhood.
A new anti-inflammatory nanotherapy has shown promising results in reducing intestinal inflammation and shrinking lesions in a rodent model of severe Crohn's disease. The approach could potentially replace biologic antibody therapies with fewer side effects.
A new study by Penn State researchers demonstrates that facilitating researcher-policymaker interactions can influence legislators' thinking about policy issues and drafting legislation. Participating legislative offices sponsored more bills containing research language, and members showed a modest increase in believing research eviden...
A Johns Hopkins Medicine study reveals that emotional stress promotes symptoms of genetic heart disease and worsens its progression. Physicians and patients are advised to focus on good mental health, in addition to exercise avoidance, to keep patients healthy.
A longitudinal study found that prosocial behavior in young children can protect against academic risk in low-socioeconomic neighborhoods. Children who displayed high levels of helping behavior had better academic outcomes compared to those with low levels of prosocial behavior.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital characterized genomic abnormalities of 84 therapy-related myeloid neoplasms in children, identifying notable mutations and increased expression of a transcription factor called MECOM. Early detection of these mutations could lead to early interventions and potentially benefit patients.
Children who received prenatal repair of their spina bifida had better gross and fine motor skills, stronger leg muscles, and were more likely to walk independently up to 10 years after surgery. They also showed improved self-care skills and a higher quality of life compared to those who underwent postnatal repair.
A validated tool measuring child feeding practices, sDOR.2-6y, provides a quantifiable assessment of parents' adherence to the Satter Division of Responsibility in Feeding approach. The survey identifies children at nutrition risk and correlates with other validated instruments on parent feeding.
A study published in Current Psychology found that both positive and negative childhood experiences can manifest as anxiety or other mental health disorders in adulthood. Researchers believe adaptability plays a key role in determining adult mental health.