Research programs focused on child health and development. Covers pediatric research standards, infant nutrition and sleep, rare disorders, and childhood diabetes.
A new 'DNA clock' can predict a child's age to within four months using chemical tags on their DNA. The tool, called PedBE, could help identify early developmental delays and diagnose conditions like autism spectrum disorder.
A Tulane University study links long-term soil lead changes to children's blood lead levels, highlighting urban areas' role in exposing kids to toxic metals. The research also reveals socioeconomic disparities in lead exposure, with black children more likely to have higher blood lead levels.
A new study reveals a stark mismatch between the number of US child firearm injuries and funding for research to understand and prevent them. Funding for pediatric firearm research is 30 times lower than needed to keep pace with other child health threats, resulting in less new knowledge and fewer discoveries.
New research from Lancaster University and Heriot-Watt University reveals that Ethiopian parents' attempts to level the playing field for disadvantaged children by investing more in education are ultimately ineffective. The study found that even with greater investments, low-ability outcomes persist later in childhood.
The grant will facilitate studies involving thousands of scientists and patients across the US and globally, sharing and analyzing large amounts of Big Data on rare diseases. Cincinnati Children's will serve as a centralized data storage and sharing source, learning center, and advocacy hub for the network.
Researchers found a significant correlation between low birth weight and cardiovascular risk factors in fifth-grade children, including high levels of 'bad' cholesterol and triglycerides. The study suggests that early intervention during pregnancy and childhood can help reduce the risk of chronic health conditions later in life.
A recent study found that African-American preterm births are associated with chronic inflammation of the placenta and underdeveloped vessels, leading to poor growth and increased risk of neurodevelopmental impairments. These abnormalities suggest that the fetus was not receiving enough oxygen and nutrients from the placenta.
A deadly neurological disease that affects infant boys has been linked to increased sensitivity to iron in the brain. A new study has identified a potential treatment, which enhances the survival of cells involved in the disorder.
Researchers found the widely used M-CHAT/F screening tool is less accurate in real-world settings than shown in previous studies. The study also revealed disparities in detecting early autism symptoms in minority, urban, and low-income children. Despite these findings, experts recommend continuing universal screening for all toddlers.
Three studies from Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center reveal a strong association between short-term air pollution exposure and exacerbations of psychiatric disorders in children, with higher risks for disadvantaged neighborhoods. The research also found links to generalized anxiety and depression in otherwise healthy children.
Researchers will investigate factors contributing to successful post-adoption development in children adopted from the child welfare system, focusing on household dynamics and physiological mechanisms.
Children between 3-4 years old value generosity and benevolence as a general norm, while older children (5-6) develop a more complex concept of fairness that includes reciprocity. The study suggests that reciprocity norms are not fully developed until around age 5.
A study found a germline mutation in the CD137 gene to be associated with childhood lymphoma, highlighting its key role in immune surveillance against EBV infection. The research aims to develop targeted therapeutics to stop this disease process.
Researchers used state-of-the-art brain imaging techniques to study nonverbal children with autism, finding delayed responses to simple auditory tones. The study suggests that measuring brain activity in the auditory cortex could serve as important objective markers for response to sound.
A new study reveals that childhood trauma is associated with earlier and non-marital births, which can lead to poorer health later in life. The findings suggest that early trauma affects decision-making in ways that cannot be entirely controlled.
A new study published in The Lancet Global Health found that nutrition programs have limited impact on cognitive skills and brain development compared to caregiving programs. Caregiving interventions such as parents playing games with their children significantly improved children's cognitive, language, and motor skills.
A large register study shows that refugee children with parents having PTSD are at a significantly higher risk of contact with the psychiatric system before turning 18. The researchers highlight the need for greater focus on this problem and early measures to support these vulnerable children.
A new study found that children are interested in politics and can provide information about candidates, but have gaps in their knowledge. The researchers argue that children need more input and guidance from adults to learn about politics and government.
A new study published in Psychological Science found that children as young as 4 years old exhibit a strong tendency to retaliate against those who wrong them, rather than showing gratitude towards their benefactors. Researchers discovered that kids readily punish the thieves but struggle to reciprocate kindness.
Scientists created a 3D map of a mouse genome using ultra-deep chromosome conformation capture technology, revealing surprising changes in genomic organization during development. The study used machine learning to gauge how easily accessible genes are for transcription, shedding light on gene regulation and its role in disease.
A unique Victorian databank that profiles children with hearing loss will help researchers globally understand why some children adapt and thrive, while others struggle. The study found that language development and speech in hearing-impaired children lags behind other children despite advancements in earlier detection and intervention.
Research published in Journal of Neuroscience shows brief periods of hypoxia persistently disrupt the hippocampus, vital for learning and memory, but brain cells do not die as previously thought. Instead, cells fail to mature normally, reducing long-term potentiation, a cellular basis of learning.
A new study found that children in preschool have unique interactions with teachers and peers, with some interacting more with their teacher than others. The study used video cameras to capture the class environment from each child's perspective.
Dr. Xuan Liu has received a $70,000 Switzer Research Fellowship to fund gait retraining research in children with cerebral palsy. The study aims to test two types of biofeedback gait training to correct stiff knee gait patterns.
A Rutgers-led study found that Head Start and Early Head Start programs alleviate the supply gap of center-based childcare in New Jersey, particularly in lower-income areas. The presence of these programs reduces the likelihood of a severe childcare supply gap by 14%.
A new report by pediatrician Dr. Robert D. Murray supports the inclusion of 100% juice in a healthy diet, citing positive attributes such as retaining key nutrients and bioactives. The study also found that consuming both whole fruit and juice is essential for meeting daily-recommended fruit servings and improving overall diet quality.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden reveals that children with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) are at a higher risk of developing psychiatric disorders. The study found that approximately 17% of children with IBD were given a psychiatric diagnosis, compared to 12% of healthy children and 10% of siblings.
Research reveals lavender oil exposure contributes to premature breast development in young girls and boys. Discontinuing use of lavender-containing products resolves the issue, suggesting essential oils mimic estrogen and block testosterone.
Researchers are developing technology to predict when a child will have an asthma attack and provide prevention and treatment suggestions. The system tracks geographical location, physical activity, air quality, and health data using smart phones, watches, and sensors.
Research found that children born prematurely in summer months are more likely to experience significant educational setbacks after their first year of school. Extra support for these children, such as tailored advice and learning resources, is recommended by the study's authors.
A recent study found that excessive screen time in Finnish children is associated with both overweight and abdominal obesity. The research, based on data from over 10,000 children aged 9-12, suggests a strong link between sedentary screen use and weight gain.
A study by World Vision and Columbia University found that Child Friendly Spaces have a positive impact on younger children's well-being but little effect on older children. Implementing high-quality spaces with local context is crucial for reducing protection concerns and promoting development.
A new Dutch study found that children of older parents tend to have fewer externalizing behavior problems, such as aggression, but not internalizing behaviors like anxiety and depression. The researchers analyzed data from over 32,000 Dutch children born after 1980.
A large cohort study found that babies with persistent fluid-filled areas in their kidneys during gestation are at higher risk of urinary tract problems and hospital admissions in early childhood. The study used data from over 21,000 children and showed a strong link between renal pelvis dilatation and increased risk of hospital admiss...
Researchers found that infants born via cesarean section had increased heart rate variability and lower relative gamma frequency EEG compared to those born through vaginal delivery. Autonomic tone appears to function well in both groups, but differences were observed after the first day of life.
Children as young as 3-5 years old use their prior knowledge to process new vocabulary, applying reasoning skills previously thought to develop later in life. The 'blowfish effect' shows that children learn more specific terms by associating them with unusual objects.
A new study by University of Illinois psychology professor Renée Baillargeon and graduate student Maayan Stavans found that infants as young as 17 months old expect leaders to right wrongs in their social groups. In experiments with bear puppets, infants stared longer when a leader ignored wrongdoing than when she rectified it.
Researchers studied LCH lesions under the microscope to investigate diversity in full molecular detail. They identified multiple LCH cell subtypes, including actively dividing cells that give rise to other subtypes, revealing an interplay of developmental, immunological, and oncogenic mechanisms.
A study found that only 24% of preschool teacher questions were challenging, while most responses from children were correct due to the simplicity of the questions. Teachers should aim for a balance between easy and difficult questions to push children's development forward.
A study published by The Endocrine Society found that exposure to bisphenol S (BPS) and bisphenol F (BPF) in plastics and canned foods may contribute to childhood obesity. Children with higher levels of these chemicals in their urine were more likely to have obesity compared to those with lower levels.
Researchers at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago discovered a previously unknown regulatory mechanism controlling stem cell differentiation into neurons in fragile X syndrome. This breakthrough offers novel targets for potential treatments for the condition.
Infants born to mothers exposed to high levels of air pollution are more likely to be admitted to a newborn intensive care unit (NICU), with risks increasing from 4% to 147%. The study suggests that limiting pregnant women's exposure to high levels of air pollutants may help reduce NICU admissions.
Researchers found that maternal education significantly predicts the amount and quality of a mother's language use with her child, as well as their child's later language skills at school age. This study challenges previous assumptions about racial disparities in maternal language input.
A new research network, CYSHCNet, aims to improve healthcare systems for children and youth with special needs. Led by Colorado and Boston hospitals, the network will coordinate national research activities to strengthen evidence-based care.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati found that adolescent girls who reach puberty earlier are more likely to develop migraine headaches. The study, which followed 761 girls over 10 years, suggests that early exposure to estrogen may be a trigger for migraine in some girls.
A study by Universitat Rovira i Virgili found that 16-18% of preadolescents have suicidal ideas, with a higher risk in boys. Factors such as depressive symptoms and anxiety in girls contributed to this risk. The research aims to help control and prevent suicidal ideation in preadolescents.
A new technique developed by researchers at the University of Waterloo can help doctors quickly and accurately diagnose autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children. The technique analyzes eye-gaze data to identify how children with ASD scan a person's face differently than neuro-typical children.
A new questionnaire has measured children's self-reported psychosocial, physical, and emotional needs in hospital settings. The top priorities identified by sick kids include feeling safe, getting enough sleep at night, being listened to, having places for parents to go for food and drinks, and family support.
Children who control their tics exhibit fewer and less significant problems when followed up after a year. Researchers identified factors predicting problematic tics at the one-year mark, including anxiety disorder history, vocal tic frequency, and autism spectrum behaviors.
A multi-country study found that Indigenous children experience poorer oral health compared to their non-Indigenous counterparts worldwide. The study assessed oral health indicators in Brazilian, New Zealand and Australian children, aged 5-15 years old, revealing significant inequalities.
Researchers found that children aged 4-6 struggle to comprehend complex moral lessons in TV shows, leading to increased stigmatization and negative attitudes towards characters with disabilities. Explicit explanations or discussions of lessons presented in the show can help improve children's responses.
A Université de Montréal study found that five- and six-year-old inattentive boys are more likely to report lower incomes at 33 to 35 years of age compared to their pro-social peers. Pro-social children, on the other hand, are on a trajectory leading to better-paying jobs.
A recent study published in Archives of Sexual Behavior found that many parents experience significant difficulty adjusting to their child's sexual orientation, with some struggling for years. The researchers suggest that interventions can help speed up the adjustment process and improve the relationship between parents and children.
A new study found that 64,686 children under five were treated in US emergency departments for personal care product injuries from 2002 to 2016. Most injuries occurred when children ingested or exposed themselves to these products, leading to poisonings and chemical burns.
A new study from McMaster University found that physical activity in children as young as three years old benefits blood vessel health and cardiovascular fitness, reducing early risk indicators of adult heart disease.
Researchers found that children with type 1 diabetes had slower growth in brain areas associated with mild cognitive deficits compared to children without T1D. The study suggests that glycemic exposure may adversely impact the developing brain in children with early-onset T1D.
New research reveals that eating habits, hydration, and supplements can positively impact children's brain function and academic achievement. Studies show that junk food is associated with poorer academic performance, while hydration and certain supplements boost brain function.
A meta-analysis found that attributing hostile intent is positively related to aggression, with the strongest link in emotionally engaging situations. This general thinking tendency guides how children process information across various contexts.
Researchers developed an automated cough analysis technology integrated in a smartphone app, achieving high accuracy (81-97%) in diagnosing asthma, croup, pneumonia, and other respiratory diseases. The tool may enable targeted treatments to begin sooner by removing the need for clinical examinations.
Children who engage in organized physical activity at a young age are less likely to experience emotional difficulties by 12, according to a new study. The research suggests that consistent participation in sports can promote global development and socio-emotional benefits.