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Want to help your child succeed in school? Add language to the math, reading mix

A University of Washington-led study reveals that children's language skills are the strongest predictor of their future academic success, including better performance in math, reading and social areas. The study found that language skills, such as vocabulary and grammar, can provide a foundation for social interaction, executive funct...

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalEarly Childhood Research Quarterly·DateMay 17, 2018

Attentive adults increase children's ability to empathise

Research at Lund University reveals that attentive adults can increase children's ability to empathize by engaging in interactive storytelling. Children as young as 33 months old demonstrated an understanding of false beliefs when hearing stories together with engaged adults.

SourceLund University·JournalChild Development·DateMay 15, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

CU researchers: infant growth patterns affected by type of protein consumed

A new study by CU School of Medicine researchers found that dairy-based protein intake promoted greater weight gain while meat-based protein intake resulted in increased length gain. The study tested 64 formula-fed infants and found significant differences in growth patterns between the two groups.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMay 14, 2018

Living in better neighborhood may protect health of kids in poverty

Research from UCSF found that living in better neighborhoods can reduce cortisol levels in low-income children, associated with improved physical and mental health. Access to green spaces, clean air, and quality grocery stores were key factors in this protective effect.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateMay 8, 2018
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Children hospitalized for injuries have increased mental health needs

A study found that children hospitalized for unintentional injuries have a 63% increase in mental health diagnoses and a 155% increase in medications prescribed to treat mental illness. Children under four years old with burns and head injuries are at greatest risk.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateMay 7, 2018

Intestinal worm infections could be dramatically reduced: Study

A new pilot study suggests that treating adults as well as children can significantly reduce soil-transmitted helminth infections, which affect 1.5 billion people worldwide. The study found that community-wide interventions were more effective in reducing STH infections than school-based programs.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateMay 3, 2018
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.

Risk factors involved in the early onset and severity of childhood obesity

A new study reveals that a family history of obesity is a significant risk factor for early onset and severity of childhood obesity. The research found that the youngest children were the most severely obese and showed signs of insulin resistance, increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Endocrinology·DateMay 2, 2018

Curiosity is key to early childhood success in math and reading

A study found that curiosity is a small but significant contributor to academic achievement in kindergarten-age children. Children from lower socio-economic backgrounds may particularly benefit from fostering their curiosity as an alternative intervention strategy.

SourceSpringer·JournalPediatric Research·DateApr 26, 2018
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Malaria study reveals gene variants linked to risk of disease

A large-scale study has revealed two gene variants linked to increased malaria risk and one variant that protects against other childhood diseases. The study found that the Sl2 mutation in the CR1 gene offers protection against cerebral malaria, but only if alpha-thalassaemia is not present.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·DateApr 24, 2018
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

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.

Childhood exposure to flame retardant chemicals declines following phase-out

Research reveals a decline in blood levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in children following the phase-out of these toxic chemicals. However, PBDEs were still detected in nearly all child blood samples, suggesting ongoing exposure to flame retardants.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology·DateApr 4, 2018

Three-month-old infants can learn abstract relations before language comprehension

Researchers found that three-month-old infants can learn same and different relations in just six trials, with better performance when presented with fewer examples but more comparison opportunities. This finding suggests that humans' talent for relational learning is present from infancy and may even be a precursor to language learning.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalCognition·DateApr 3, 2018

Study: Parental conflict can do lasting damage to kids

New research shows that even low-level parental conflict can have lasting damage on children's emotional development. Shy children are particularly vulnerable, with shyness exacerbating the problem. Children from high-conflict homes struggle to accurately identify neutral interactions, leading to potential instability in adulthood.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·DateMar 28, 2018
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.

In a severe childhood neurodegeneration, novel mechanism found

Researchers have discovered a novel mechanism underlying severe childhood neurodegeneration, caused by gene mutations that disrupt mitochondrial energy production. The study found that these mutations interfere with the function of an enzyme involved in protein transport into mitochondria.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMar 22, 2018

Children with physical disabilities are at higher risk of poor mental health

A new study reveals that children with physical disabilities are at a higher risk of poor mental health, especially girls from socio-economically vulnerable families. The research found that these children use medication for mental health issues more frequently and experience greater problems if they also come from low-income families.

SourceLund University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 22, 2018

Metagenomics of early childhood oral health and early childhood caries

Researchers analyzed preschool-age children's supragingival microbiomes to understand early childhood caries (ECC) development. Notable differences in bacterial species abundance were found among caries-free, restored disease, and untreated disease groups, suggesting that restorative care alone may not reverse ECC-associated dysbiosis.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateMar 22, 2018
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

'Missing mutation' found in severe infant epilepsy

Researchers discovered a 'missing mutation' in SCN3A gene that causes severe infantile epileptic encephalopathy. Early anti-seizure medications may prevent disabling brain injury by controlling epilepsy shortly after birth.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateMar 20, 2018

Study identifies effective parenting strategies to reduce disruptive behavior in children

Researchers found that a combination of teaching parents how to manage behavior and relationship-building strategies was more effective than just behavior-management strategies for reducing severe disruptive behavior. For children who haven't developed severe behavioral issues, only behavior-management strategies were beneficial.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateMar 20, 2018

Researchers join forces to improve life for children with genetic disorder

A team of researchers at Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute improved the developmental skills of three girls with microcephaly, a genetic disorder affecting brain and body development. The girls made significant gains in skills and abilities after receiving intensive therapy for four hours a day for 10 days.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalBMC Research Notes·DateMar 16, 2018

Oseltamivir does not increase risk of suicide in children

A new study analyzed 21,047 children and found no association between oseltamivir use and increased risk of suicide. The research used a novel study design to reduce statistical concerns and concluded that oseltamivir does not increase the risk of suicide in pediatric patients.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 13, 2018
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

In the eye of the medulloblastoma

Researchers from CNRS and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have identified a gene cluster involved in medulloblastoma tumour development. They found that genes normally expressed only in the eye can be activated in brain tumors, promoting cell proliferation and inhibiting cell death.

SourceCNRS·JournalCancer Cell·DateMar 12, 2018
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Newest data shows childhood obesity continues to increase

A new analysis from Duke University Medical Center reveals that childhood obesity rates have increased by 4.7% since 2014, affecting 35.1% of US children aged 2-19. The study also shows significant disparities in obesity rates among different ethnic groups.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateFeb 26, 2018

Sandhoff disease study shows proof of principle for gene therapy

Researchers found that disruption of ganglioside enzyme leads to cell overgrowth in Sandhoff disease organoids, mimicking large brains of patients. Gene therapy approach was successful in improving size and reducing ganglioside accumulation after treatment.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·DateFeb 22, 2018

Infants are able to learn abstract rules visually

Researchers at Northwestern University found that infants as young as 3 months old can detect and generalize visual patterns, solving a puzzle about their cognitive abilities. The study demonstrates that infants are capable of learning abstract rules visually, indicating an early origin in infancy.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 22, 2018
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.

C-sections and gut bacteria increase risk of childhood obesity

A new study found that C-section deliveries and changes in gut bacteria increase the risk of childhood obesity. Overweight mothers who gave birth via C-section had children who were three times more likely to be overweight or obese by age three.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateFeb 22, 2018

Tackling health problems in the young is crucial for their children's future

Researchers emphasize that addressing obesity, mental health issues, poor nutrition, and substance abuse in adolescents before pregnancy is essential for a healthy start to life. The study highlights the importance of engaging health services with young adults and creating healthier environments to prevent intergenerational health risks.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalNature·DateFeb 21, 2018

Blood and urine tests developed to indicate autism in children

Researchers at the University of Warwick have developed a new test that can detect damage to proteins in blood plasma, which may indicate autism spectrum disorders. The test has shown promise in distinguishing between children with ASD and healthy controls.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalMolecular Autism·DateFeb 18, 2018

Back-and-forth exchanges boost children's brain response to language

Researchers found that back-and-forth conversations between adults and children significantly impact brain response to language and lead to better language skills. The study suggests that parents can influence their child's language development by engaging them in interactive dialogue, not just talking to them.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 14, 2018
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Measles vaccine increases child survival beyond protecting against measles

A new study in Ghana found that the timing of measles vaccination can significantly impact child survival rates. Measles vaccination after DTP3 increased child survival by 28% within the first year and 18% until age five. The vaccine also showed a stronger beneficial effect on boys compared to girls.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·DateFeb 12, 2018

Which commonly prescribed drug is more effective for infants with epilepsy?

A multicenter observational study has revealed that levetiracetam is more effective than phenobarbital in treating infants with nonsyndromic epilepsy. After six months of single-drug treatment, 40% of infants treated with levetiracetam achieved a successful outcome, compared to only 16% of those treated with phenobarbital.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateFeb 12, 2018

Building a future in science with construction-based toys

A new study by CIRES at the University of Colorado Boulder reveals that children who played with construction-based toys and video games had higher spatial skills compared to their peers. The research found that when childhood play patterns were controlled for, gender differences in spatial skills disappeared.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalGeosphere·DateFeb 5, 2018

Premature babies make fewer friends -- but not for long

Children born prematurely make fewer friends and are less accepted by peers in early childhood, but improve as they enter school. Interventions can help social interaction skills before school age to prevent later problems.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateFeb 5, 2018

Family impact of congenital Zika syndrome likely to last a lifetime

A new supplement in Pediatrics synthesizes research on congenital Zika syndrome, exploring prevention, development profiles, and family support. It highlights the need for accurate information, active surveillance, and formal support services to address the ongoing health impact of Zika virus.

SourceRTI International·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateFeb 1, 2018
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.

Warning follows report into online child sexual abuse risk

A new report commissioned by IICSA highlights the growing risk of online child sexual abuse and exploitation. Researchers found that vulnerability characteristics include adverse childhood experiences, disability, and above-average internet use, while digital skills and openness can protect children from unwanted experiences.

SourceLancaster University·DateJan 23, 2018

Baby brains help infants figure it out before they try it out

Researchers found that most babies develop new skills in irregular bursts, while their brain activity grows steadily behind the scenes. This study supports long-standing theories about infant development and provides insight into what's happening beneath the surface.

SourcePenn State·JournalChild Development·DateJan 17, 2018
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.

Being bilingual may help autistic children

A new study published in Child Development suggests that bilingualism may increase cognitive flexibility in kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Bilingual children with ASD outperformed their monolingual peers in shifting tasks, indicating a potential benefit of language exposure on executive functions.

SourceMcGill University·JournalChild Development·DateJan 16, 2018

Brain imaging predicts language learning in deaf children

A novel machine learning algorithm using brain scans predicts language ability in deaf children after cochlear implant surgery. This study has broad implications for children with developmental challenges, enabling clinicians and educators to intervene with therapy to maximize language learning.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 15, 2018