Teenagers gamble away their education
A long-term population-based study found that teenagers who gambled at age 14 and 17 had lower academic performance. The study controlled for socio-familial risk factors and impulsivity.
Research On Children
Articles tagged with Research On Children
How quickly can children learn routes?
A new study published in the Journal of Experimental Child Psychology found that children aged 8-12 can learn routes quickly and efficiently with minimal repeated experience. The research suggests that young children's brains are capable of learning complex spatial information, even with a large number of turns.
New study finds large increase in non-powder gun-related eye injuries
A new study published in Pediatrics reveals a significant increase in non-powder gun-related eye injuries among US children over a 23-year period. The rate of such injuries rose nearly 170%, accounting for 11% of all eye injuries and almost half of hospitalizations during this time.
US childhood mortality rates have lagged behind other wealthy nations for the past 50 years
Childhood mortality in the US has been higher than other peer nations since the 1980s, with leading causes including prematurity and injuries. The study calls for continued funding of programs that save children's lives.
Overweight children more likely to underestimate their body size
A study found that overweight children tend to underestimate their body size, which can hinder efforts to manage their weight. The research, led by Associate Professor Silje Steinsbekk, suggests that accurate perception of body size is crucial for addressing obesity and related psychological issues.
Pretty in pink and boisterous in blue?
A recent study published in Springer's journal Sex Roles found that preschoolers' ideas about what is appropriate for their gender can be easily influenced by colour labels. The researchers, Sui Ping Yeung and Wang Ivy Wong, recruited 129 Chinese children aged 5-7 from two kindergartens in Hong Kong and showed them cards and toys in di...
Girls' social camouflage skills may delay or prevent autism diagnosis
A new study finds that girls with autism often struggle more than boys with performing routine tasks and making small talk, even when standardized tests are normalized for sex. This suggests that girls with autism may be 'camouflaging' their symptoms, leading to delayed or missed diagnoses.
SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateJan 4, 2018
Researchers offer new evidence on 4-year-old children's knowledge about ecology
A new study explores the ecological knowledge of 4-year-old children from urban Native American, rural Native American, and urban non-Native American communities. The research found that rural Native American children were more verbal in their play, while all children displayed realistic and imaginary ecological relations among living ...
Obesity can add five weeks of asthma symptoms per year in preschoolers
A new study from Duke University Medical Center finds that obesity can add five weeks of asthma symptoms per year in preschoolers. The research suggests that maintaining a healthy weight may be an effective strategy for controlling asthma, and that inhalers work effectively for all preschoolers.
SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateDec 19, 2017
Genitourinary health problems worse for sexually abused girls
A study published in The Journal of Pediatrics found that sexually abused girls receive more medical diagnoses for urinary and genital health problems compared to their peers. Researchers also discovered no significant difference in the number of diagnoses for sexually transmitted infections between girls and boys.
Quality of contact with grandparents is key to youths' views of ageism
A new study found that young people who have good contact with their grandparents have the lowest levels of ageism. Poor quality of contact was the most important factor associated with ageist stereotypes in children and adolescents.
Children's screen-time guidelines too restrictive, according to new research
A new study found that limiting digital device use in young children may not improve their wellbeing, but rather lower positive affect. The researchers suggest that the quality of parental engagement and social interaction with technology may be more important for children's psychological wellbeing.
Recordings reveal deep credibility gap when doctors and parents discuss outcomes for critically ill
A study analyzing recorded conversations between doctors and parents of critically ill infants found that medical staff often downplay quality of life issues, leaving families more optimistic than intended. Clinicians' prognostic statements were twice as likely to be optimistic than pessimistic.
Injuries from window blinds send two children to the emergency department every day
A new study from Nationwide Children's Hospital found nearly 17,000 children under six were treated for window blind-related injuries between 1990 and 2015. Parents are advised to replace blinds with cordless options or retrofit existing ones to reduce the risk of strangulation.
Certain books can increase infant learning during shared reading, study shows
Researchers found that labeling people and objects in books enhances infant attention and retention. The study, led by Lisa Scott, suggests that shared reading with labeled books can support cognitive development in the first year of life.
Immunotherapy drug nearly eliminates severe acute graft-versus-host disease
Abatacept significantly improves survival and disease-free rates for patients with severe acute graft-versus-host disease, a life-threatening complication of stem cell transplantation. The treatment reduces the occurrence of acute GvHD from 32% to 3% in pediatric and adult patients.
Research suggests new pathways for hyperaldosteronism
A study by Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute founds a previously unknown regulatory axis that controls aldosterone levels, offering new avenues for drug discovery of secondary hypertension. The findings suggest that the adrenal glands' structure and cholesterol biosynthesis play a crucial role in hyperaldosteronism.
Children on sex offender registries at greater risk for suicide attempts, study suggests
A new study suggests that children who were required to register as sex offenders are at a higher risk of suicidal intent and victimization experiences. The researchers found that registered children were four times more likely to report a recent suicide attempt than non-registered children.
Preschool program helps boost skills necessary for academic achievement
A preschool program called REDI (Research-based, Developmentally Informed) has been shown to improve executive function skills and academic performance in low-income children. The program focuses on building social and emotional skills, which are critical for learning and classroom engagement.
Sperm RNA may serve as biomarkers of future health, Wayne State researchers find
A study by Wayne State University School of Medicine researchers found that sperm RNA elements can predict human health, potentially leading to improved fertility clinic predictions and better neonatal care outcomes. The discovery may also enable the development of preventive measures against diseases.
SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·JournalSystems Biology in Reproductive Medicine·DateDec 1, 2017
Teens get more sleep when school starts later
Research by Penn State found that high school start times after 8:30 a.m. increased the likelihood of teens obtaining eight hours of sleep, benefiting their overall health. Earlier school start times were associated with decreased time in bed and morning wake-up times.
Length of stay in neonatal ICU can affect behavior of premature babies
Research shows that longer stays in the neonatal ICU are linked to behavioral problems and impaired emotional regulation in preterm babies. The study highlights the importance of developmental care programs to reduce stressful experiences and promote protective strategies during early development.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalEarly Human Development·DateNov 30, 2017
NIH study of WWII evacuees suggests mental illness may be passed to offspring
A recent NIH study found that the children of female WWII evacuees were more likely to experience mental health disorders, including depression and bipolar disorder. The research suggests that a mother's childhood traumatic exposure may have long-lasting health consequences for her daughters.
SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateNov 29, 2017
Critical link between obesity and diabetes has been identified
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center identified a critical link between obesity and type 2 diabetes, finding that insulin delivery is impeded due to abnormal immunoglobulins. The study may lead to new strategies for diabetes risk screening and prevention.
Dyslexia: When spelling problems impair writing acquisition
Studies show that spelling problems in dyslexic children can modify or impair their writing skills. Researchers analyzed the relationship between learning to spell and physical writing processes, finding that spelling difficulties significantly affected handwriting.
York U research finds children show implicit racial bias from a young age
Children as young as five years old demonstrate an implicit pro-White bias when exposed to images of both White and Black children. The research suggests that positive and negative racial attitudes can follow distinct developmental trajectories, with younger children more likely to show automatic positivity toward their own racial group.
Asthma in infant boys may eventually be preventable
A University of Alberta study found that infant boys born to mothers with asthma have a reduced gut microbiome, particularly lower levels of Lactobacillus, which could lead to a preventative approach to reduce the risk of asthma. The study also suggests sex-specific differences in the impact of maternal asthma on infant gut microbes.
SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateNov 27, 2017
Holding infants -- or not -- can leave traces on their genes
A study published in Development and Psychopathology found that infants who experienced higher distress and received less physical contact had an underdeveloped molecular profile compared to those with more comfortable interaction. This effect was detectable four years later, pointing to the possibility of slower epigenetic aging.
How badly do you want something? Babies can tell
A new study from MIT and Harvard University found that babies as young as 10 months can integrate information about costs and benefits to calculate the value of a goal. By observing an agent's effort to achieve a goal, 10-month-old infants inferred the amount of value they placed on it.
The brains of children with a better physical fitness possess a greater volume of gray matter
Researchers found that children with higher aerobic capacity and motor ability had increased gray matter in brain regions important for executive function, learning, and language processing. This association was also observed in regions essential for reading and language skills.
Spanking linked to increase in children's behavior problems
A new study published in Psychological Science found that spanking is associated with an increased risk of behavioral problems in children. Children who were spanked by their parents showed greater increases in behavior problems at ages 6 and 8 compared to those who were not spanked, according to the study.
Engaging children in math at home equals a boost in more than just math skills
Research from Purdue University found that preschool children who engage in math activities at home show improvements in both math and language skills. The study suggests that dialogue about values and comparisons during math lessons helps young children develop oral language skills.
Queen's researcher uses monitoring device to understand feeding of high-risk newborns
A new study at Queen's University is using a nipple-monitoring device to evaluate the feeding skills of high-risk newborns in intensive care. The goal is to better identify and address feeding difficulties, allowing for more accurate treatment recommendations and potentially shorter hospital stays.
Telling teeth
Researchers at Wits University found that the Willems method of dental age estimation is more accurate than the Demirjian method in different populations. The study highlights the need for population-specific standards for age estimation in Africa, where birth registry and date of birth challenges are common.
Academic performance predicts risk of suicide attempt
A recent study found that poor academic performance at age 16 significantly increases the risk of suicide attempt, with those in the lowest GPA quartile facing a near five-fold higher risk. Researchers followed 26,315 Swedish individuals from age 16 to 46 and controlled for potential confounding factors.
Love actually: Americans agree on what makes people 'feel the love'
A study found that Americans largely agree on what makes people feel loved, with small gestures like compassion and snuggling topping the list. Behavioral actions, such as a child snuggling with someone, were seen as more loving than verbal expressions.
Youth uniquely vulnerable to sleep disruption from screens
A review of over five dozen studies reveals that excessive screen time in youths aged 5-17 is associated with delayed bedtimes, fewer hours of sleep and poorer sleep quality. Biological, neurological and environmental factors contribute to the negative impact of digital media on sleep patterns.
Childhood spankings can lead to adult mental health problems
A new study by University of Michigan researchers links childhood spankings to depression, substance abuse and suicidal tendencies in adulthood. The study suggests that spanking should be considered an adverse childhood experience, similar to physical and emotional abuse.
New NIH grant to help researchers follow children with autism transition to adulthood
Researchers at George Washington University will follow children with autism through adolescence and into adulthood to understand differences in ASD risk between boys and girls. The study aims to identify biomarkers of developmental pathways that might differ for boys and girls, and generate insights on how to further explore the data.
Bilingual preschoolers show stronger inhibitory control
A University of Oregon study found that bilingual preschoolers develop faster inhibitory control skills than monolingual peers. The research used a longitudinal approach to examine the effects of bilingualism on executive function development in low-income children.
Trends in kids' fitness not as bad as assumed
A study published in Frontiers in Pediatrics found that first-graders in one region of Germany have remained reasonably fit over the past decade. Aerobic fitness has declined only in boys, while speed and balance have improved in both sexes.
Early childhood adversities linked to health problems in tweens, teens
Research found that multiple adverse experiences in early childhood are linked to depression and physical health problems in kids as young as 9-15. The study identified a potential pathway in the brain that explains how stressful experiences influence poor health.
Breastfeeding for two months halves risk of SIDS, study finds
A recent international study found that breastfeeding for at least two months significantly reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by almost half. This finding suggests that any amount of breastfeeding provides some level of protection against SIDS, regardless of whether it's exclusive or partial.
Sharp rise in children admitted to intensive care in England and Wales since 2009
The number of children admitted to intensive care has risen sharply since 2009, defying expectations of population growth or birth rate increases. The trend, driven by higher admission rates among younger children and those with breathing or cardiovascular problems, poses a significant challenge for the NHS.
Some infant rice cereals contain elevated levels of methylmercury
Recent research reveals that some infant rice cereal samples tested for high amounts of methylmercury, posing health risks to babies who consume them. The study found rice-based cereals had significantly higher levels of the substance compared to products with no rice.
Starting at age 6, children spontaneously practice skills to prepare for the future
A new study reveals that children spontaneously practice skills from age 6, developing cognitive processes essential for expertise and lifelong learning. The study suggests improvements in episodic foresight, metacognition, and executive functions contribute to increased understanding of practice.
Infants' inference of others' emotions
Researchers found that infants can match emotions with probable causes and search for the cause when it's incongruent. They distinguished between five positive emotional expressions in tasks involving looking and searching behaviors.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 23, 2017
Dartmouth economist outlines reforms to improve access to affordable, high quality child care
A new policy proposal by Dartmouth economist Elizabeth Cascio aims to relieve the burden of child care costs on low-income families, particularly those with children under five. The proposed reform recommends replacing current federal child care tax policies with a new, refundable tax credit that would benefit lower-income families.
How genes and environment interact to raise risk of congenital heart defects
Researchers at Nationwide Children's Hospital describe a gene-environment interaction that increases the risk of congenital heart defects in infants born to diabetic mothers. Maternal hyperglycemia disrupts normal heart development by reducing nitric oxide production and increasing expression of Jarid2, a repressor of Notch1.
New report calls for national review of Intersex, DSD medical and social treatment in UK
A new report by University of Huddersfield researchers calls for a national review of Intersex medical and social treatment in the UK. The report highlights the potential harm caused by early childhood interventions, which can lead to long-term negative effects on mental health and sexual function.
Reducing racial bias in children
Researchers teach Chinese children to identify black male faces, reducing implicit bias that lasts for at least two months. A second training session boosts effects and has a longer-lasting impact.
Fighting racism: Teaching kids to identify individual black people can reduce racial bias
A study by researchers including Dr. Kang Lee and Miao K. Qian found that teaching 4-6 year old Chinese children to distinguish individual black faces using a touch-screen app significantly reduced their implicit anti-black bias, which lasted for at least two months.
A liquid biopsy for retinoblastoma
Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles developed a safe and effective way to derive genetic information from retinoblastoma tumors without removing the eye. The technique uses aqueous humor, which contains tumor DNA, to provide valuable insights for diagnosis and treatment.
Simplifying information aids fight against childhood obesity, study finds
A new study found that simplified health information and instruction can improve outcomes for families with low health literacy in childhood obesity treatment programs. Families saw similar improvements in body mass index, sugar-sweetened drink consumption, and quality of life, regardless of their ability to understand health information.
Got a picky eater? How 'nature and nurture' may be influencing eating behavior in young children
Researchers found associations between genetic variations and limited dietary variety, struggles for control during mealtime, and bitter taste perception. This study aims to understand the interplay of nature and nurture in shaping picky eating behavior in early childhood.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Nutrigenetics and Nutrigenomics·DateOct 3, 2017
The Children's Tumor Foundation and PLOS ONE are pleased to announce partnership
The Children's Tumor Foundation and PLOS ONE are collaborating on a new funding program in neurofibromatosis (NF) research, integrating the Registered Reports model to enhance rigor, reproducibility, and transparency. The partnership aims to accelerate transparent science and eliminate publication bias.
Autism's gender patterns
The largest study to date finds a significant difference in autism recurrence risk based on sibling gender. Boys are more susceptible to autism, especially when an older female sibling has the condition. Meanwhile, female siblings with older brothers have lower risks.
Psychological impacts of natural disasters on youth
A new criterion for studying post-traumatic stress disorder in children has been developed, identifying those who need support services after a disaster. The study found that two-thirds of distressed children recover naturally over time, with factors such as social support and coping skills playing a key role.
SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalInternational Journal of Clinical and Health Psychology·DateSep 25, 2017
Organ donation in Ontario increased 57 percent since 2006 after new Canadian donation policy
A new study published in CMAJ found that organ donation in Ontario rose 57% since 2006, primarily due to the introduction of a policy allowing donation after circulatory functions cease. The study suggests that this increase has led to a positive impact on transplant activity and the overall number of donors.
SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateSep 25, 2017
Child abuse affects brain wiring
Researchers found reduced myelin coating thickness and molecular alterations in brains of adults who experienced severe childhood abuse. These changes may contribute to depressive disorders, suicidal behavior, and altered emotional processing.