Research programs focused on child health and development. Covers pediatric research standards, infant nutrition and sleep, rare disorders, and childhood diabetes.
A study of British motherhood influencers found that 3 in 4 posts feature children, with half linked to sponsorship and financial gain. The researchers express strong trust in Instagram's safety features, suggesting a deliberate strategy rather than accidental sharing.
A new research project led by Cambridge will review existing studies on the impact of smartphones and social media on children's mental health and wellbeing. The team aims to provide policymakers with high-quality insights to inform future action, considering factors such as online habits, emerging technologies, and vulnerable groups.
A new study found that Medicare Advantage patients with colorectal cancer are six percentage points less likely to receive a cancer drug compared to those on Traditional Medicare. For non-small cell lung cancer, the pattern was not as clear due to limited low-cost treatment options.
A new UC San Francisco study found that most 11- and 12-year-olds use TikTok and other social media platforms against the rules, showing signs of addiction. The study also revealed a quarter of children reported elements of addiction while using social media, linked to depression, eating disorders, ADHD, and disruptive behaviors.
A recent study by HSE University found that young adults in Russia consume media content about serial killers due to cognitive and emotional motives. Cognitive motives involve understanding the causes of human behavior, while emotional motives allow viewers to experience intense emotions often lacking in everyday life.
The study reveals GenAI development's significant environmental impact, including hardware production's resource consumption and e-waste generation. Socially, the research exposes labor concerns and unequal access to AI systems, advocating for energy-efficient designs, improved labor conditions, and inclusive governance.
Researchers document five cases of parvovirus B19-induced myocarditis in preschoolers from northern Greece, highlighting the virus's unique impact on endothelial cells. The study emphasizes the importance of quick diagnosis and treatment to reduce mortality and morbidity in children.
Stephania Cormier and colleagues lead a Frontiers in Immunology research collaboration to explain RSV's complex interplay with host immune responses. The team identifies gaps in knowledge, hindering therapeutics and vaccines development.
Researchers in Kenya, Norway, and Denmark are collaborating on a project to develop and test an improved dietary supplement for pregnant women. The goal is to reduce incidences of low birth weight, improve maternal and child health, and enhance growth and cognitive development in children. The new supplement, MMS+, will include additio...
The study found that female infants had significantly more grey matter than male infants, while male infants had more white matter. These sex differences are average and do not imply better or worse brains, but rather reflect biological sex differences during prenatal brain development.
The study found that COVID-19-related disruptions led to frequent delays in investigations or treatments for children with brain tumors. Caregivers reported feeling traumatized by their experiences, including lack of access to healthcare facilities and social situations, which made it harder to evaluate their concerns.
A new study reveals multilingualism enhances executive function skills, including focus, understanding perspectives, communication, and reduces repetitive behaviors in both autistic and non-autistic children. Parents of multilingual households report stronger overall executive function compared to mono-lingual households.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh developed a non-invasive nasal swab test that diagnoses specific asthma subtype, or endotype, in children. The test, published in JAMA, shows promise for improving asthma treatment outcomes and paving the way for better treatments for lesser-studied asthma types.
Dr. Cathy Barr's groundbreaking research sheds light on the genetic foundations of conditions including depression, ADHD, reading disabilities, and Tourette syndrome. Her work has the potential to lead to more targeted treatments and reduce stigma around psychiatric disorders.
A recent study by the University of Helsinki found that placentas from fresh embryo transfers are smaller on average compared to those from frozen embryo transfers. The researchers also identified altered gene function and DNA methylation in ART-conceived children, particularly in relation to metabolism and growth.
A new multicenter study design utilizing impulse oscillometry successfully assessed lung function in premature children, showing high technical acceptability and research-quality data. The study's protocol may provide a framework for future research on lung health in former preterm patients.
Researchers have identified molecular changes that occur long before symptoms appear, shedding light on the development of Rett syndrome. These findings hold promise for developing safe gene therapies and monitoring biomarkers to track MECP2 gene function.
A new test, SMC-Kids, has been developed to evaluate the motor competence of preschoolers without requiring specialized equipment or large spaces. The tool showed strong associations with established assessment tools and demonstrated excellent reliability.
The new therapy significantly improves three-year disease-free survival for children with B-ALL, with 96% being disease-free for at least three years. Blinatumomab is now being used in most patients due to its practice-changing breakthrough, offering improved quality of life and reduced side effects.
A new study finds that cardiovascular health scores start to decline around age 10, driven by health behaviors rather than health factors. Improving these health behaviors, especially between mid-childhood and early adolescence, could help optimize CVH.
Researchers discovered a novel combination of plasma-based biomarkers that can predict liver fibrosis in Latino adolescents with obesity. The study found that dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP) and alanine transaminase (ALT) were significantly associated with fibrosis, suggesting a potential low-cost, noninvasive screening tool.
A University of Gothenburg study found that people who started playing video games at an early age developed problematic gaming more quickly than those who started later. The study showed that younger gamers (average age 14) exhibited problems sooner than adult gamers (average age 21).
A study of 367 parents found that two-thirds recalled watching diverse media with their children, and their racial-ethnic identity predicted their attitudes but not their beliefs. Parents were more open to diverse content than previously thought.
A study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia researchers has identified four key themes to improve interactions between police and Black autistic youth, including concerns about police officers' training and the importance of patience and understanding. The study highlights the need for culturally responsive adaptations in police tra...
A new AI tool called PlacentaVision can rapidly evaluate placentas at birth to detect abnormalities associated with infection and neonatal sepsis. This could lead to improved health outcomes for both mothers and babies, particularly in areas with limited medical resources.
Research from Rutgers University-New Brunswick found that screen time has no effect on suicidal thoughts, but rather the content teens engage with and experiences they have. Positive social media interactions can protect against suicidal ideation, while negative ones increase risk.
A US study found that mothers carry the majority of the 'mental load' in managing daily household tasks. The imbalance affects not only family life but also women's careers and public life. Researchers encourage families to share the workload more fairly, benefiting everyone.
A new study suggests that excessive screen time can lead to reduced sleep quality in preschool-age children, worsening behavioral problems such as poor attention and emotional symptoms. The research also found a correlation between screen time and decreased sleep quality.
A new UC Berkeley study analyzed over 60,000 animal observations and found no conclusive evidence of inequity aversion in non-human species. However, the researchers suggest that some animals may exhibit disappointment or social protest when their expectations are not met.
Researchers found no correlation between adenotonsillectomies and undesirable weight gain in children with mild sleep-disordered breathing. The study used data from a clinical trial involving 458 children and showed that adenotonsillectomy improved symptoms, blood pressure, and quality of life but not primary neurodevelopmental outcomes.
A Concordia study of 300 Montreal households found that mothers have up to twice the impact on language exposure compared to fathers. Mothers typically transmit heritage languages, even if both parents are heritage-language speakers, due to cultural factors and spending more time at home.
A new study by New York University psychology researchers found that young children in the US are less likely than adults to view discriminatory acts as harmful. However, by the age of 8, children begin to recognize discrimination as more harmful when targeting certain groups. The study suggests the importance of teaching children abou...
A study from Tulane University found that a low-protein diet in one generation can lead to lower birthweights and smaller kidneys in offspring across multiple generations. The findings suggest that food scarcity or malnutrition may result in decades of adverse health outcomes.
A single-session intervention, E-MIND, was developed to cultivate a growth mindset about emotions in teenage girls. The study found that the E-MIND group showed significant improvements in emotion regulation self-efficacy and strategy use, with more girls reporting proactive handling of negative emotions.
Researchers developed an interactive screening model called RITA-T, which improved early identification of high-risk toddlers from underserved areas. The study found that toddlers screened via RITA-T had shorter wait times and more accessible diagnostic services compared to those not using the model.
A new toolkit has been developed for clinicians involved in Child Death Review to improve support for bereaved parents. The recommendations include having a named bereavement support key worker within 24-48 hours after the child's death and providing training for healthcare professionals to better understand parents' roles.
A new study found that Norwegian boys are outperforming girls in learning English as a second language, with the gap increasing at age 13. The researchers suggest that online gaming and digital technology may be contributing factors, contradicting conventional wisdom about gender differences in language acquisition.
A new grant will support a five-year investigation into the role of the brain's reward network in two neurodevelopmental conditions. Researchers will use high-resolution fMRI scans to analyze how the reward network interacts with other parts of the brain in autism, ADHD, and co-occurring autism and ADHD.
A Brazilian study of 89 father-mother-baby triads found that paternal overweight is linked to lower birth weight and may influence the baby's health in adulthood. The research suggests that fathers should prioritize healthy habits during pregnancy to support fetal development.
The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) has been awarded a $230,000 grant from the SynGAP Research Fund to characterize a mouse model for SYNGAP1-Related Disorders. This work aims to test innovative tRNA suppressor therapies and generate patient-derived research models.
A new report warns that the recent conflict in Lebanon has deepened a national education crisis, with children losing up to 60% of school time over the past six years. The study found that refugee children and students with disabilities face the greatest risk of missing out further due to uneven effects of violence.
A recent study found a substantial increase in psychotherapy use among US adults with mild to moderate distress since 2018. However, the benefits of this growth have not been equally distributed, with privately insured individuals and those with higher family incomes experiencing greater gains.
The University of Arizona researchers aim to gain a better understanding of factors contributing to the health and quality of life of people living with spina bifida. The project will collect data on patients of all ages, providing insights into gaps in care and unmet needs for individuals with spina bifida across the lifespan.
A recent study by the University of Bonn and CABI Centre in Kenya found that milk, eggs, and fish consumption has a positive effect on childhood development in Africa. The study covered over 32,000 child observations across five African countries and showed that animal products significantly reduce the risk of stunting.
SynGAP Research Fund appoints Virginie McNamar as President and COO, bringing extensive Rare Disease advocacy experience. The organization aims to accelerate progress with robust organizational structure and strategic focus.
Allophone children who attended preschool services show improved cognitive development, social emotional skills, and communication abilities compared to those who did not. Preschool education is a key factor in bridging the language gap for these children.
A study funded by NIH found no association between antiseizure drugs used during pregnancy and neurodevelopmental problems in children at age 6. Higher folate doses during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy were associated with better cognitive outcomes.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that antimicrobial photodynamic therapy using annatto colorant was effective in treating halitosis in mouth-breathing children. The researchers used a LED light source to target the annatto, which generated reactive oxygen species that killed bacteria on the tongue, leading to improved oral health.
Researchers develop gene therapy to improve placental function, which can lead to healthier babies and adults. The treatment involves nanoparticles loaded with DNA that encodes for a human protein, and has shown promise in short-term studies with monkeys.
A new study by UCL researchers found that mothers who regularly describe their child's thoughts and feelings have higher oxytocin levels in infants. The hormone oxytocin plays a crucial role in social relationships and bonding between parents and children.
New Curtin University research reveals complex factors shaping child development beyond screen time. Parental mental health and the type of screen used are found to have an impact on infant development at 12 months.
A recent study suggests that iconic animal characters can influence children's theory of mind skills, with younger children performing better on tests featuring animal characters. The research also highlights the importance of adapting educational activities to incorporate both human and non-human characters for optimal development.
New research highlights additional therapies being tested for hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) in newborns, including agents blocking glutamate receptor activation and antioxidant drugs. While therapeutic hypothermia is effective in high-income countries, its efficacy is uncertain in low- and middle-income nations.
A ground-breaking study found that war exposure causes adverse biological changes in children's DNA, leading to lifelong health impacts. The study discovered unique epigenetic responses to trauma, highlighting the need for further research into the long-term effects of war on children's development.
Dr. Beth Tarini receives the award for her clinical and research interests in genetic testing in pediatric care, including delivery of care following positive newborn screenings. She is a nationally recognized leader and scholar who supports growing child health research workforce.
A promising daily tablet, infigratinib, has been shown to increase height and improve proportional limb growth in children with achondroplasia. The medication is safe and effective in treating children aged 3-11 years, offering an alternative to existing treatments.
A recent study by researchers at Kumamoto University found a potential link between exposure to certain everyday chemicals during pregnancy and the development of asthma in children. The study analyzed data from over 3,500 mother-child pairs and measured 24 types of phenols in urine samples collected from pregnant women.
Research found that prolonged blue light exposure accelerates bone growth and bone age, leading to early puberty in rats. This could have implications for children's height and skeletal development in adulthood.
Global experts and medical professionals gathered in Tashkent to address rare diseases, enhancing patient care. The forum highlighted key findings on diagnosis and treatment of rare genetic disorders in Uzbekistan.
Researchers will track thousands of 11-13 year olds and follow the same participants over decades to determine how digital media affects attitudes, behaviors and health. The study aims to understand the impact of digital media use on sleep quality and mental health in adolescents.