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Variation of FTO gene linked to weight gain and obesity in children

A new study found that a genetic variant of the FTO gene is associated with increased food intake in children who are at risk for obesity, even before they develop the condition. The study suggests that early identification of this behavior can inform best practices for intervention and prevention of obesity in children.

SourceThe Obesity Society·JournalObesity·DateMay 23, 2019
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Embedded psychiatrist in pediatric clinic improves evaluation access, short-term treatment

A novel method of embedding child psychiatric care in an urban pediatrics clinic increases access to and engagement in psychiatric care among primarily Latino patients. The study found that nearly two-thirds of referred patients completed evaluations, with younger children and those with a history of therapy more likely to do so.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalJournal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved·DateMay 23, 2019

Want to expand your toddler's vocabulary? Find another child

A new study by Ohio State University and Purdue University found that young children are better teachers when it comes to learning new words. The research suggests that toddlers learn more effectively from other children, rather than adults or family members.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateMay 13, 2019
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

CHOP researchers to present new findings at 2019 INSAR Annual Meeting

Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia present two innovative studies on virtual reality technology for training children with autism to interact with police, and a routine developmental screening method to identify developmental deceleration. The studies show promise in improving early detection of autism spectrum disorder.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·DateMay 1, 2019

Chatterbox parents may boost tots' intelligence

A new study by the University of York found that young children who hear a large amount of adult speech tend to have better cognitive skills. The researchers also discovered that high-quality adult speech can benefit children's linguistic development and positive parenting styles can reduce restless behavior.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateApr 30, 2019

In HIE, lower heart rate variability signals stressed newborns

Research at Children's National Hospital found that infants with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) exhibit lower heart rate variability, a marker of autonomic nervous system stress. This study suggests heart rate variability as a valuable physiological biomarker for detecting brain injury in babies with HIE.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·DateApr 27, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Breastfeeding boosts metabolites important for brain growth

Research at Children's National Hospital found that breastfed preterm infants have higher levels of key metabolites, such as creatine and choline, which support brain growth and development. This study suggests breastfeeding may play a crucial role in neurodevelopmental outcomes for preterm infants.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·DateApr 27, 2019

Children's NICU slashes unintended extubation rates by 60% over 10 years

The Children's National Hospital NICU implemented a quality-improvement project that reduced unintended extubations by 60% over 10 years through standardized taping methods, bedside review of events, and reducing chest X-rays. The project saved an estimated $1.5 million per year and improved patient safety.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateApr 26, 2019
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Young children judge others based on facial features as much as adults do

Research published by the American Psychological Association found that children as young as 5 use facial information to determine how to behave toward people. The study also showed that children's judgments from faces have consequences for behavior, similar to adults.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateApr 18, 2019

Cutting-edge discovery points to potential treatment for NEC in preemies

Researchers at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago have discovered a protein that causes intestinal permeability in NEC, which can lead to sepsis or death. Inhibiting a special molecule called ROCK may prevent this process, offering a new potential treatment strategy.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 18, 2019

Preschoolers with chronic constipation tend to be picky eaters

Children with chronic constipation exhibit heightened sensory sensitivity, particularly in oral processing, leading to feeding problems and avoidance behaviors. This association could transform clinical practice by incorporating sensory considerations into treatment plans.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateApr 18, 2019
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

New study first to identify cause of rare genetic metabolic disorder

Researchers have identified a rarely-seen type of DNA mutation as the cause of an inherited metabolic disorder, a condition where the body can't break down specific nutrients. The gene responsible for the disorder is intact but a repeat expansion error prevents it from functioning.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 15, 2019

Autism rate rises 43 percent in New Jersey, Rutgers study finds

A new report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows a significant increase in autism prevalence in New Jersey, with the rate rising 43 percent from 2010 to 2014. The state's autism rate is now one in 35 among 4-year-olds, significantly higher than the national average of 1.7 percent.

SourceRutgers University·DateApr 11, 2019
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

A 'million word gap' for children who aren't read to at home

A new study found that young children whose parents read them five books a day enter kindergarten having heard about 1.4 million more words than kids who were never read to. This 'million word gap' could be one key in explaining differences in vocabulary and reading development.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics·DateApr 4, 2019
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Defining the emotional bond forced onto teen victims of sex trafficking

Researchers identified three tools traffickers use to force a psychological bond: severe power imbalance, alternating brutal and seductive behavior, and social isolation. This 'trauma coercive bonding' disrupts children's development, leading to depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and repeat victimization.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Pediatric Nursing·DateApr 4, 2019

Researchers test new imaging method for first time on human patients

Researchers have successfully tested a new ultrasound technology on human patients, enabling detailed images of internal structure and blood flow. The vector flow imaging method provides advanced detail of blood flow patterns within cardiac chambers, across valves, and in the great arteries.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas·JournalProgress in Pediatric Cardiology·DateApr 3, 2019

Research shows impact of poverty on children's brain activity

Children born into poverty show weaker brain activity and poorer distractor suppression in the left frontal cortex area of the brain that is involved in working memory. Researchers used portable neuroimaging technologies to measure brain activity in children aged four months to four years in rural India.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalDevelopmental Science·DateApr 2, 2019
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Simple directions from parents can guide children's discovery

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin studied how parent-child collaboration influences children's learning behavior, particularly in a real-world setting. Parents who encouraged their children to explain or explore showed unique effects on child behaviors, with those who explored building more complex gear machines.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalChild Development·DateMar 14, 2019

National survey of emergency department management of self-harm highlights successes, room for improvement

A national survey found that only 15% of hospitals surveyed routinely provided all recommended safety planning elements to patients who present for self-harm. The study highlights successes in emergency department management, but also identifies areas for improvement in reducing the risk of repeated self-harm and suicide.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateMar 13, 2019

For infants, distinguishing between friends and strangers is a laughing matter

A new study by New York University researchers found that five-month-old infants can differentiate between laughter from friends and strangers. The ability to detect the nature of social relationships is thought to be an early emerging tool in human infancy, possibly due to a detection system using vocal cues.

SourceNew York University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 11, 2019
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Gay and lesbian spaces in the city becoming more diverse, not going away

New research by University of British Columbia shows LGBTQ Americans dispersing and diversifying their living spaces beyond traditional gayborhoods. The study reveals a range of emerging neighborhoods catering to specific subgroups within the LGBTQ community, including queer communities of color and same-sex couples with children.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalCity and Community·DateMar 7, 2019

New mothers reduce their alcohol intake, but this change is short-lived

Research tracked drinking habits of over 4,000 people from teens to thirties and found most mothers returned to pre-pregnancy drinking patterns within five years. The study also reported that 15% of mothers with a child aged five or older reported binge drinking in the past week.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateFeb 26, 2019

Fetal growth inhibited by cocktail of chemicals in the mother

Researchers at Aarhus University have found that exposure to a combination of perfluorinated substances in pregnant women significantly impairs fetal growth and development. The study, published in Environmental Health Perspectives, highlights the potential health risks associated with these environmental chemicals.

SourceAarhus University·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateFeb 25, 2019
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Nearly two-thirds of American children live in asset poverty, new study shows

A recent study from Oregon State University reveals that over 63% of American children and 55% of Americans live in 'asset' poverty, meaning they have limited assets to rely on during financial crises. This form of poverty poses significant challenges for families, especially those headed by single mothers.

SourceOregon State University·JournalChildren and Youth Services Review·DateFeb 21, 2019

Bringing delivery forward to collect the 'baby check' posed a risk to babies

A study by Libertad González and colleagues found that children born prematurely due to the scrapping of the 'baby cheque' subsidy weighed less at birth and had more hospitalizations, mainly respiratory issues. However, no long-term effects were observed on their health.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalJournal of the European Economic Association·DateFeb 19, 2019
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Let's dance!

Researchers from University of the Arts Helsinki recommend incorporating dance into schools' curriculum to boost cognitive performance, social interaction, and group cohesion among children. The study highlights dance as a valuable tool for learning, especially for children with kinaesthetic and creative learning styles.

SourceUniversity of the Arts Helsinki·DateFeb 19, 2019

Children with autism, co-occurring ADHD symptoms lag in key measures of independence

New studies provide insight into the struggles of children on the autism spectrum with co-occurring ADHD symptoms, highlighting difficulties with adaptive behavior and brain connectivity. Researchers found a strong relationship between ADHD symptoms and adaptive behavior scores in both home and school settings.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateFeb 19, 2019

New model mimics persistent interneuron loss seen in prematurity

Research at Children's National Hospital created a novel preclinical model that mimics persistent interneuron loss in preterm human infants. The study identified specific interneuron subtypes as potential therapeutic targets to prevent or lessen neurodevelopmental risks.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournaleNeuro·DateFeb 19, 2019

Researchers find febrile infants may not need painful tests, antibiotics, hospitalizations

Researchers developed a new protocol to identify febrile infants under 60 days old who are at low risk of serious bacterial infections. The study showed that using simple laboratory tests, such as urinalysis and blood cell count, can confidently exclude these cases, reducing unnecessary invasive procedures and hospitalizations.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateFeb 18, 2019

Why children struggle with the 'cocktail party effect'

A study published in JNeurosci found that children's brains have trouble focusing on speech in noisy environments, a phenomenon known as the 'cocktail party effect'. This ability develops from childhood to adulthood and may not fully mature until the teenage years.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateFeb 11, 2019
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Tune in and switch off

A recent study from the University of South Australia found that watching TV is strongly associated with obesity in children, even more so than other types of sitting. The research also revealed differences between boys' and girls' sedentary behaviors, with boys spending more time playing video games and having higher body fat.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalObesity Research & Clinical Practice·DateFeb 7, 2019

'Doing science,' rather than 'being scientists,' more encouraging to girls

A new psychology study by New York University and Princeton University found that describing science as actions, rather than identities, encourages girls to show greater persistence in science activities. The study suggests that efforts encouraging girls to enter science might benefit from focusing on the activity of doing science.

SourceNew York University·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 6, 2019

Symmetry, a resource that children spontaneously use to draw the plant world

Children spontaneously use symmetry in drawings of plant life between the ages of 4 and 7. The research found that girls use complex symmetries more frequently than boys and that complexity increases with education level. This study provides insight into children's geometrical thinking and its connection to graphical expression.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalSymmetry·DateFeb 6, 2019

Certain characteristics linked with depression before and after giving birth

A study found associations between depression during pregnancy and postpartum periods with smoking, intimate partner violence, and pre-existing medical conditions like migraines or premenstrual syndrome. The findings suggest that different perinatal depression trajectories have distinct characteristics, paving the way for individualize...

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Neuroscience Research·DateFeb 6, 2019
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Many suffering children in Somaliland need surgery, but most of those needs go unmet

A Baylor University study highlights the need for expanding access to surgery for children with conditions that can be corrected through surgery. The research found that nearly 250,000 children in Somaliland are unable to access necessary treatment due to lack of access to healthcare and financial constraints.

SourceBaylor University·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateJan 29, 2019

Cassava high in iron and zinc could improve diets and health in west Africa

Researchers developed cassava with significantly higher iron and zinc concentrations through genetic modification, which can improve diets and health in West Africa. The 'biofortified' cassava retains mineral levels after processing and cooking, providing a nutritionally available source of essential micronutrients.

SourceDonald Danforth Plant Science Center·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJan 28, 2019

Kids prefer friends who talk like they do

Children tend to prefer friends with similar accents, even if they're exposed to diverse accents daily. Regular exposure doesn't seem to change these preferences, according to a recent study published by the American Psychological Association.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalDevelopmental Psychobiology·DateJan 24, 2019
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Suicide deaths among incarcerated youth

Research finds no significant difference in mental health conditions between incarcerated and community youth who died by suicide. However, study highlights environment as a potential contributor to increased suicides among incarcerated youth. Practical recommendations include timely suicide assessments and targeted prevention programs.

SourceMediaSource·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateJan 23, 2019

Researchers create road map of care for children with severe head trauma

Researchers developed a comprehensive care model, PEGASUS, to treat pediatric patients with severe head trauma. The protocol showed improved outcomes, including reduced disability and death, by adhering to key performance indicators such as maintaining cerebral perfusion pressure and early initiation of nutrition.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·DateJan 23, 2019