Research programs focused on child health and development. Covers pediatric research standards, infant nutrition and sleep, rare disorders, and childhood diabetes.
A study by the University of California, Berkeley, and the Max Planck Institute in Germany found that children who transitioned earlier to a formal school environment learn to be more focused and less impulsive than their preschool peers. This is attributed to the structured learning environment of school, which boosts certain cognitiv...
A new study by University of Washington researchers found that kids are unaware of their toys' recording capabilities, while parents have numerous privacy concerns. The study highlights the need for toy designers to create ways to notify children when they are recording and provide parental controls to manage data.
A study published in The Journal of Pediatrics suggests that genetic mutations and family history are common risk factors for children diagnosed with acute recurrent and chronic pancreatitis before age 6. Researchers analyzed 342 children and found that 71% had at least one pancreatitis-associated gene mutation.
A new school-based program called SPARK has been shown to promote resilience and prevent depression in 11-12 year old girls. The program, which provides tools to identify stressful situations and learn to control negative reactions, increased self-reported resilience and decreased depression symptoms after its implementation.
A study found that fathers who interact more with their babies in the first few months can positively impact cognitive development. Babies of involved dads scored higher in cognitive tests at two years old, regardless of gender.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered that a protein called KROX20 is essential for hair pigmentation and a gene called SCF determines the color of hair. The study found that deleting these genes leads to gray or white hair in mice, providing potential insights into balding and aging.
A five-year national study found that regions with stronger gun laws had significantly fewer firearm-related pediatric emergency department visits. The study suggests an association between regional gun laws and firearm-related injuries in children, with stricter laws linked to lower incidence rates.
Reading to infants as early as six months can have a lasting impact on their language and literacy skills, with higher vocabulary and reading abilities recorded four years later. The study found that the quality and quantity of shared book-reading during infancy and toddlerhood are strongly tied to later emergent literacy skills.
A Kentucky study highlights the harms from disruptions in children's Medicaid coverage, finding that children who lose coverage for at least 45 days are more than three times more likely to visit an emergency department and nearly five times more likely to have unmet health care needs compared to those with continuous coverage.
Research reveals that over 5,800 US youth were hospitalized for firearm injuries in 2012, resulting in 16 children per day. The study found that most injuries among 15- to 19-year-olds were the result of assault, while nearly 90% of gunshot patients were male and over half were Black.
Researchers studied 240 children with autism between 15-71 months old, finding that IQ, communication skills, and speech ability explained less than 3% of their tantrums. Children with clear speech and high intelligence had the same number of tantrums as those with lower speech skills.
A study found that primary school children spent less time doing physical activities and more time sedentary as they aged. By Year 4, around a third of boys and two-thirds of girls failed to meet the recommended hour of physical activity per day. The researchers tracked 1,300 children over a week in Year 1 and again three years later t...
A large-scale study found three clinical decision rules to be effective in identifying children at low risk of traumatic brain injury, potentially reducing unnecessary CT scans. The PECARN rule from the US was shown to be most accurate, with no missed cases requiring neurosurgery.
Researchers at the University of Washington found that swinging in unison enhances cooperation in preschoolers, enabling them to adapt to situations and work towards common goals. This study suggests that simple movements like swinging can create a sense of 'being like' another child, encouraging communication and teamwork.
A new national center at Penn State will focus on preventing and treating child maltreatment, a critical issue affecting 2 million US children annually. The Center for Healthy Children will translate research into solutions to enhance the child welfare system.
Dr. Beverly Davidson has been elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, a testament to her outstanding contributions to neuroscience. Her research focus on understanding molecular basis of neurodegeneration in inherited brain disorders has made significant impact.
A new study finds that inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) cases are rising rapidly among young Canadian children, particularly those under five years old. The incidence of IBD has stabilized for children over five but continues to rise in younger age groups, with an estimated 600-650 children diagnosed annually.
Researchers found that children tend to pay attention to all information presented, even when asked to focus on one item. This helps them notice things adults miss due to selective attention. The study's findings have implications for education environments and suggest a need to design classrooms with fewer distractions.
A longitudinal study of 96 children found that high-quality early education improves social skills, employment status, and parent-child relationships. The treatment group showed significant advantages in middle age, with improved family bonds, assets, and a greater sense of social equality.
A new study from Ohio State University suggests that body weight plays a significant role in the effectiveness of omega-3 fatty acid supplements in children. The researchers found that the more a child weighed, the smaller the measurement was of key omega-3 fatty acids in their bloodstream.
A recent review of published research found that hearing their mother's voice can benefit the health of preterm infants. The study linked maternal voice exposure to physiological and behavioral stabilization, including fewer cardiorespiratory events.
A new study found that brain signals associated with fullness are dulled in obese children, leading them to overeat and gain weight. Obese children's brains responded more strongly to high-calorie foods after eating, suggesting a blunted satiety response.
The STEP-UP program, supported by a $1.3 million NIH grant, provides biomedical research training to disadvantaged college undergraduates, promoting careers in biomedical research and academic medicine. Over 230 students have been trained, with 80% enrolling in doctoral or professional degree programs.
Kessler Foundation and Children's Specialized Hospital renew their three-year collaboration to improve mobility, cognition, and educational outcomes in children with disabilities, leveraging $3.4 million in funding.
Researchers used brainwaves to measure children's reading levels and found that brain activity differed between those who showed reading success later on. The study suggests that brain activity can be a long-term predictor of reading development and may help identify children who need extra support.
Researchers found that premature infants exhibited decreased responses to light touch compared to full-term infants when discharged from the NICU. However, providing more 'supportive touch' experiences, such as skin-to-skin care and breastfeeding, strengthened their brains' response to light touch.
According to a large international study, one out of four children in ICUs develops delirium. The prevalence nearly doubles after five days, highlighting the need for routine monitoring.
A long-term study of British children found that physical activity levels began to decline at age 7, not just during adolescence. The study suggests that a shift in research focus is needed to understand the factors behind this decline and inform policy and practice.
A new study from Nationwide Children's Hospital found that nursery product-related injuries are increasing, with nearly 25% more incidents in the last 8 years. Parents can reduce risks by following the 4 Rs: researching products, checking for recalls, registering products, and reading manuals.
A pilot study by Oregon State University found a significant relationship between exposure to flame retardants and externalizing behaviors such as aggression, defiance, and hyperactivity in children aged 3-5. Higher exposure rates were associated with less responsible behavior and more social issues.
A new Tel Aviv University study published in Child Development found that disruptive behavior in one child does not encourage similar behavior in their brothers and sisters. In fact, older siblings of young children who are disruptive tend to become less disruptive themselves over time.
Recent research published in Frontiers in Public Health found that horseback riding enhances learning and problem-solving skills in children. The study, led by Professor Mitsuaki Ohta, suggests that the vibrations produced by horses during riding activate the sympathetic nervous system, leading to improved cognitive performance.
A study by Leslie Ashburn-Nardo found that US adults who choose not to have children are stigmatized and face moral outrage, with participants rating them as less fulfilled and feeling anger, disapproval, and disgust.
A study by NYU's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development found that excessive TV viewing is negatively associated with early academic skills, particularly math and executive function. Children from low-income families are disproportionately affected.
A new study reveals that stuffed animal sleepovers at libraries significantly increase children's interest in picture books and encourage them to read with their stuffed animals. The program's effectiveness in developing prosocial behavior is also demonstrated.
A study found that living with children affects women's sleep patterns, but not men's. Women with kids report feeling tired for more days than those without children.
Research found that children with ischemic strokes exhibit notably greater mood, anxiety, somatic, oppositional defiance, and conduct problems compared to those without a stroke. Younger children who suffered strokes at ages under six had higher anxiety levels, possibly due to changes in family dynamics.
Scientists at CU School of Medicine developed an animal model for studying paralysis caused by EV-D68 virus, a rare cause of polio-like illness. The model replicates the human disease, offering hope for therapeutics and understanding its development.
A new study reveals that headaches are a far more frequent symptom of stroke in children than adults. Headache was reported in 6% of children under age 3 and 46% of those 3 or older, according to the research presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2017.
A study from Sahlgrenska Academy reveals a clear reduction in mean BMI and the frequency of childhood overweight and obesity among 8-year-old boys. The percentage of boys suffering from overweight or obesity decreased to its lowest levels since the early 1990s, with significant declines in both weight and obesity percentages.
Zika virus exposure in utero may lead to a range of health issues, including abnormal reflexes, limb abnormalities, and brain defects such as microcephaly. A multidisciplinary approach is needed for Zika-affected children, involving both clinical treatment and research strategies.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have discovered a strong link between yeast in babies' guts and an increased risk of developing asthma. The presence of Pichia, a microscopic fungus or yeast, was more strongly linked to asthma than previously identified gut bacteria.
The Children's National Health System has received a prestigious Clinical and Translational Science Award, worth $24 million, to break down research barriers and foster innovative pediatric-focused translational research. The partnership enables the translation of research into real-life improvements in child health, addressing various...
Zero tolerance policies unfairly target black girls, resulting in higher suspension rates and harsher discipline for minor offenses. The paper argues that these policies perpetuate a prison-type mentality, snuffing out the identities of black girls.
A new study uses magnetic resonance imaging to identify infants at high risk for developing autism by age two, with over 90% accuracy. The research found that rapid growth of the brain's surface area is a key indicator of autism risk.
A study published in Nature used MRI scans to identify infants at high risk of developing autism as toddlers. The researchers found that brain overgrowth in the first year of life was linked to increased growth rate of overall brain volume in the second year, and this was associated with emerging autistic social deficits.
A new study led by Duke Health has found that babies born at 23-24 weeks of pregnancy are showing small but measurable improvements in survival rates and neurodevelopment. The study analyzed the records of over 4,200 infants and found a larger percentage developing into toddlers without cognitive or motor delays.
A study published in Nature found that brain imaging biomarkers at 6 and 12 months can accurately predict which infants will develop autism spectrum disorder by 24 months. The predictive power of the findings may inform the development of a diagnostic tool for ASD, potentially intervening earlier to improve outcomes.
A new study found that preschoolers who napped after learning new verbs had a better understanding of the words when tested 24 hours later. The study suggests that parents may want to consider maintaining regular naptimes for preschoolers, who are at an age where naps have a tendency to dwindle.
A new study found that high-quality early education programs improve language and social skills in low-income infants and toddlers. Children who attended a comprehensive program called Educare showed better outcomes than those who did not attend.
Researchers suggest that universal screening at 18 months and 24 months can help diagnose ASD earlier, reducing disparities among disadvantaged communities. The new policies aim to improve outcomes for relationships and careers.
Researchers emphasize the need for ongoing social support for mothers, minimizing harsh parenting, and promoting emotional regulation among parents and children. Evidence-based intervention programs can help vulnerable families, but resources must be committed to ensure their accessibility and implementation.
Research reveals that parents of children with critical congenital heart defects are at high risk for mental health problems, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression. The study found that up to 30% of these parents experience symptoms consistent with a diagnosis of PTSD.
The new e-tool has strong potential to encourage parents to make healthy lifestyle changes for their children, improving their diet and activity habits. Almost half of participating parents said they used the resources they selected from the tool.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that children exposed to complications before or during birth were at a higher risk of developing autism spectrum disorder. Children with birth asphyxia and preeclampsia had a significantly increased risk, with a 10-44% greater risk compared to those without perinatal complications.
A long-term study tracked hundreds of children from kindergarten through high school, finding that chronic bullying was related to lower academic achievement and less engagement in school. Some children were able to recover from bullying if it decreased, revealing a hopeful message.
Research at Princeton University finds that premature babies don't use sensory-prediction brain process to shape their brains like full-term babies do. This lack of processing is linked to higher risks of developmental delays as they grow.
A new study found that by age 6, girls are already absorbing societal stereotypes about intellectual ability and choosing activities based on these notions. The researchers used experiments to evaluate the beliefs of 5-, 6- and 7-year-old boys and girls about gender and brilliance.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have developed new diagnostic screening and treatment recommendations for high-risk pediatric patients with acute megakaryoblastic leukemia (AMKL). The study identified three genetic alterations that can predict treatment success, enabling personalized medicine approaches.
Children living in slums in Brazil and East Lubbock, Texas, experience similar cognitive and behavioral effects due to toxic stress. The research project aims to identify chronic toxic factors common to both regions and promote cross-border scientific partnerships.