Research programs focused on child health and development. Covers pediatric research standards, infant nutrition and sleep, rare disorders, and childhood diabetes.
A new tool using 3D facial imaging and machine learning could help diagnose genetic syndromes more quickly and inexpensively. The prototype was created by a team of researchers from the University of California, San Francisco, and has been shown to accurately classify most subjects as either unaffected or having a syndrome.
Researchers found that six-month-old infants could discriminate between major and minor musical tones with eye movements and visual stimuli. This capacity is similar to adults, with approximately 30% of infants able to distinguish the difference and 70% unable to.
A study found that children who used rhythmic gestures while narrating improved their oral narrative skills in terms of structure and fluency. The research suggests that body movements play a crucial role in language development, and multimodal training can enhance oral storytelling abilities.
Enrichment programs have been shown to increase a child's ability to solidify new information and apply it to new situations. The study found that children who participated in these programs could differentiate between similar items even outside of the program's domain.
Children with COVID-19 often require hospitalization and intensive care due to inflammation and respiratory issues. Researchers found that obesity and asthma were not associated with increased risk of enhanced care, but over half of the children had no known contact with a positive person.
A new global mapping method provides accurate estimates of human mobility at a fine-grained resolution, capturing movements of 300 million mobile phone users. The study reveals patterns influenced by local geography, infrastructure, and income, with implications for disease propagation and disaster response.
The article outlines a roadmap for better understanding COVID-19 in children, emphasizing the need for widespread testing, antibody studies, and vaccine evaluations. Critical steps are required to ensure children receive timely attention, treatment, and prevention strategies.
A recent study analyzing Medicaid claims data found a lower prevalence of food allergy among enrolled children (0.6%) compared to previous estimates (7.6%). The research suggests potential under-diagnosis and highlights disparities in adequate management, particularly for racial and ethnic groups.
A new study published in Frontiers in Pediatrics finds that children with digestive tract symptoms, fever, and/or history of exposure to COVID-19 should be suspected of having coronavirus infection. The research also suggests an alternative route of infection through the digestive tract.
Research finds that children and young adult burn survivors are more affected by staring, bullying, and uncomfortable questions than physical discomfort. The study suggests that burn units should incorporate supportive strategies to improve social interactions and overall quality of life.
Flinders University researchers warn that social and community disruptions caused by COVID-19 restrictions may have a lasting effect on child wellbeing. The closure of playgrounds and schools has likely had significant impacts on children's opportunities for play and ability to exercise agency during this time of transition.
Children with chronic health conditions may experience higher rates of mental illness in early adolescence, according to new research. The study found that children with chronic health problems showed higher rates of mental illness at 10 years and continued to be associated with poor mental health at ages 13 and 15.
During the pandemic, time spent in parks and outdoor spaces decreased by nearly a third, while travel by public transport dropped by more than half. Experts recommend incorporating physical activity into daily routines and promoting healthy movement behaviors among children.
A new study estimates that nearly 3 million US children have visual-spatial learning disorder, affecting math, executive function, and fine motor skills. The disorder is often overlooked due to its name and lack of consensus among physicians on diagnosis and treatment.
A recent study reveals that passion is significantly more important for men's success than in women, who exhibit stronger correlations between factors. Women's achievement is tied to the intertwined factors of passion, grit and positive mindset.
A study by New York University researchers found that children who hold positive views of women are also likely to have negative ones, with girls' benevolent sexism decreasing with age but not boys', while both sexes' hostile sexism decreases with age.
Research found that children with mild RSV infections had higher viral loads than those requiring hospitalization, but less expression of inflammatory genes. This suggests a key role for innate immunity in determining RSV severity.
Children have an insatiable appetite for understanding why things happen, leading them to be 'little scientists'. A new study suggests that storybooks rich in causal information can increase children's interest in reading. By choosing such books, parents and teachers can foster early literacy and language skills.
A Swedish study found that children of parents with mental illness are at a higher risk of injuries, particularly during the first year of life. The risk remains elevated even after age 17, and is slightly higher for common parental disorders such as depression and anxiety.
A new mobile app, FMF Connect, has been designed to support caregivers of children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). The app provides easily accessible information and connects users with others who understand their experiences. Researchers conducted focus groups and beta tests to refine the app's components, including a Fa...
A study found that parents and infants both experience a slowed heart rate during hugs, while younger infants also show relaxation when their back is pressed by a parent's hand. The research suggests that hugs play an important role in early bonding between parents and children.
A new modelling study published in The Lancet Public Health finds that school closures to reduce COVID-19 transmission may lead to increased childcare needs among healthcare workers, potentially compromising the system's response. Researchers estimate that up to 15% of health-care workers may need additional childcare, with certain occ...
New research reveals that ancient hominins had a mosaic of ape and human features. The study resolves a question about whether these species had prolonged childhood, which allowed for cognitive and social skill acquisition.
Research from UC Davis found that preschoolers' self-regulation skills are lower when they use screen media devices, which can impact academic success, social functioning, and mental health. The study recommends delaying screen introduction and limiting mobile device use to promote optimal development.
A new FSU study suggests that competition for mates leads to increased risk-taking and aggression in men, but also reveals a lesser-known female response: settling down quickly to avoid competition. The study found that when women outnumber men, they become more open to casual relationships and less likely to get married.
Children from wealthier families tend to excel academically due to enhanced language abilities at nursery school age. These verbal skills explain around 50% of the achievement gap between family backgrounds.
A multistate study found that youth with mental health diagnoses, especially mood disorders, schizophrenia, and substance use, have higher suicide risks. However, those who received more mental health visits within the six-month period before death had lower suicide rates.
Dr. Stephanie Roberts receives the SPR Bridging to Success Award for supporting transitioning pediatric physician-scientists. Her research focuses on understanding genetic variants affecting pubertal onset and reproductive disorders.
This special issue of Neurochemical Research honors Vittorio Gallo's groundbreaking research on glutamate neurotransmission, including his development of cerebellar granule cell cultures and biochemical assays. Gallo's work has had a lasting impact on our understanding of neural development and regeneration.
A scorpion venom-derived drug has shown promise in treating fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) by reversing motor skill deficits. The study found that administering the drug at 30 days of life improved large- and small-muscle motor skills, suggesting potential treatment for children with FASD.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital developed a new version of botox B with improved binding to nerves, leading to more effective paralysis, longer-lasting results, and reduced systemic toxicity. The enhanced toxin showed higher therapeutic efficacy and better safety range in a mouse model.
Children's museums offer a perfect environment to study early science learning. Researchers found that timing is crucial in explaining concepts, as it enhances exploration and discovery. Parents can support their children's learning by listening to them, watching their actions, and offering explanations at the right moment.
Research from Binghamton University found that older children's brains respond more strongly to rewards and less strongly to losses later in the day. This may lead to increased risk of risky behavior at night. The study suggests that understanding these differences can help prevent teenage risk-taking and psychopathology.
New research from the University of Cambridge suggests that parents of children with genetic learning disabilities are at risk of mental health problems. The study found that social factors do not predict a parent's risk of low mood and stress, instead highlighting the impact of the child's genetic disorder and behavior on family life.
Researchers at the University of Warwick found that leaving babies to 'cry it out' does not affect their behavior or attachment, but may actually help them learn self-regulation and reduce crying duration. Parents who adapt to their baby's needs and wait before intervening can provide a safe space for their child to develop.
A study published in Frontiers found that mothers can accurately detect their child's developmental stage through their body odor. The research suggests that infantile body odors mediate affectionate love towards the child during bonding periods, while postpubertal classifications could indicate a mechanism for detachment.
A special edition of Early Childhood Research Quarterly presents 18 language-intervention research studies on the 'word gap,' which documents significant language disparities in young children. The research highlights the need for targeted interventions with parents, educators, and healthcare providers to address these gaps.
A new study found that partners with relationship anxiety before having a child are more likely to feel jealous of the baby. The research suggests that expectant parents should be aware of their relationship style before having their first baby, as this may help them deal with feelings more constructively.
A recent study on Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh found that 64% had significant physical disabilities, while caregivers reported providing over 13 hours of care per day. Another study in the UK found that migrant mothers were less likely to visit emergency departments with their children, but those who did had higher utilization rates.
A new study links maternal depression during pregnancy to lower immunoglobulin A levels in infants, linking them to higher risks of infection, asthma, and depression later in life. The research found that even mild depressive symptoms had a significant impact on the infant's immune system.
Researchers are examining the outcomes of neonates who undergo treatment at Children's Specialized Hospital for withdrawal from prenatal exposure to opioids. The study aims to understand the factors that influence the severity of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) and responses to treatment protocols.
A new study led by Murdoch Children's Research Institute found that caesarean delivery had a small link to asthma but no association with eczema or lung function. The research suggests parents need not worry about caesarean birth impacting their child's risk of allergies.
The updated online tool provides information on infant survival and neurological impairment, incorporating hospital data to inform treatment decisions. Researchers found that hospital-specific estimates of survival are as important as gestational age in determining infant outcome.
Researchers evaluated association between state firearm laws and pediatric firearm fatalities from 1991 to 2016. The study found that certain laws may be effective in reducing child access-related deaths.
Researchers have developed an improved mobile phone app, QUiPP v2, to determine the risk of preterm birth in women. The app helps doctors identify women at high risk and offer timely interventions to prevent complications and improve survival rates for newborns.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia developed a new imaging method to visualize the enteric nervous system, a key part of the human colon, in three dimensions. This allows doctors to gain new insight into cells that control bowel function and may help understand disorders of the colon.
Researchers at USC developed personalized learning robots for children with autism, which could autonomously gauge engagement in long-term therapeutic interventions. The robots achieved 90% accuracy in detecting a child's interest in tasks.
Researchers will investigate how religion shapes children's understanding of the supernatural, science, and social interactions. The five-year project aims to address a lack of diversity in previous studies and explores how children form beliefs about people from different religious backgrounds.
A new study found that an enriched environment with physical activity, socialization, and cognitive stimulation helps heal young, injured brains in premature newborns. The study suggests that recovery of the brain's white matter requires a combination of all experimental interventions, not just a single one.
Caregivers and pediatricians identify transportation, childcare, and financial stress as key barriers to attending scheduled well-child visits. The study suggests that addressing these social determinants of health could improve attendance rates.
Research found early exposure to household cleaning products increases risk of childhood asthma and wheeze by age 3, with scented products posing the highest risk. The study suggests avoiding or reducing use of sprays and fragrance-based cleaners to minimize a child's exposure and reduce the risk of respiratory issues.
A Rutgers study found that children with a documented history of abuse or neglect were 23% more likely to suffer a fingertip injury before age 12. The researchers analyzed medical records from 79,108 children and identified a link between fingertip injuries and abuse or neglect.
A collaborative research effort has identified key amino acid sequences responsible for liquid-liquid phase separation in proteins. The study's findings reveal that spacers play a crucial role in diluting the interaction strength of sticky amino acids, allowing proteins to condense into liquids.
A study of nearly 100 infants found that even when hungry, they gave a tasty snack to a stranger. The researchers suggest early social experiences can shape altruism in young children.
Research from the University of Warwick found that shorter sleep duration is associated with increased depression and anxiety in children. The study examined brain structure and cognitive performance in 11,000 children aged 9-11, revealing lower brain volume in areas involved in emotional regulation.
Gary M. Shaw, DrPH, receives the SPR's Douglas K. Richardson Award for his significant contributions to child health research. He has made substantial contributions to understanding genetic and environmental risk factors for human birth defects.
The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) has announced a research affiliation with Shriners Hospitals for Children to study genetic orthopedic conditions in children. JAX scientists have also published papers on recombination and its role in meiosis and fertility, as well as the impact of microbiome diversity on skin health.
Dr. Lindsay Burrage receives the SPR's Young Investigator Award for her research on urea cycle disorders, a paradigm for understanding rare diseases and developing new therapies.
Dr. Susan Furth is recognized for her exceptional mentorship and leadership in pediatric research, training dozens of post-doctoral fellows and junior faculty. She is also the principal investigator of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Pediatric Center of Excellence in Nephrology.
A new study by University of British Columbia researchers found that young children between 4-5 years old prefer learning from people who consistently match their accuracy and confidence. This ability helps them distinguish reliable information sources, making them less susceptible to misinformation.