Research programs focused on child health and development. Covers pediatric research standards, infant nutrition and sleep, rare disorders, and childhood diabetes.
Research from Concordia University reveals that bilingual children are better at certain types of mental control, with those who practice more language switching showing greater skills. This advantage is attributed to the cognitive benefits of bilingualism, including increased cognitive flexibility and selective attention abilities.
Dr. Sing Sing Way, a pediatrician specializing in infectious diseases, has made significant contributions to understanding pregnancy complications and infection susceptibility in newborns. His research has the potential to develop vaccines that protect against pregnancy complications.
Research suggests that while positive fantasies may alleviate depressive mood in the moment, they can actually exacerbate symptoms over time. The study found a link between increased positivity and lower grades, which is associated with higher depression scores.
Researchers found that exposure to second-hand smoke is associated with increased body fat and poorer cognitive function in children. The study of 220 overweight or obese children aged 7-11 years found that smoke exposure was linked to a larger waist size and reduced attention span, with implications for future health outcomes.
In a study, researchers found that making small modifications to a task during repeated practice sessions can lead to faster skill acquisition. This is due to the process of reconsolidation, which strengthens motor skills by recalling and modifying existing memories. By adjusting their performance despite unawareness of subtle changes,...
A new study finds that moderately farsighted preschoolers and kindergarten students perform worse in early literacy than children with normal vision. The researchers hope this research is an important step in clearing up the uncertainty surrounding what to do with these kids.
Researchers have identified the cells responsible for childhood brain tumor subtype Group 4 medulloblastoma, a breakthrough that may lead to more effective treatments. By studying the epigenome, scientists found that these tumors originate from neural stem cells in the developing cerebellum.
A large-scale survey of US children found that nearly 3.3 million have dizziness or balance issues, with prevalence increasing with age. Girls and non-Hispanic white children are more likely to experience these problems.
The study found that antibiotic use in early childhood alters the composition of intestinal microbiota, reducing biodiversity and affecting age-driven development. Macrolide antibiotics were particularly associated with changes in microbiota features linked to obesity and metabolic diseases.
Research at Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that obese children's brains exhibit an imbalance between food-seeking and food-avoiding behaviors. The study suggests that mindfulness may help recalibrate this balance to prevent obesity, which has nearly doubled in the US over the past 30 years.
A new study by researchers at Dartmouth College finds that certain types of parental debt, such as mortgage and student loans, can have a positive impact on children's socioemotional well-being. Children whose parents have higher levels of home mortgage and student debt tend to have fewer behavioral problems than those with less debt.
A new brain imaging study from MIT and Harvard Medical School may lead to a screen that could identify children at high risk of developing depression later in life. The researchers found distinctive brain differences in children known to be at high risk due to family history of depression, suggesting an early intervention strategy.
Researchers discovered that soldiers with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are more 'tuned' to perceive threatening facial expressions than people without PTSD. This is caused by more over-connected brain circuits, particularly in the amygdalae and ventral medial prefrontal cortex.
A new study suggests that childhood trauma is associated with worse impulse control in adulthood, particularly among those without bipolar disorder. The research found that adults who experienced physical, emotional, or sexual abuse as children performed poorly on a quick task measuring inhibitory control.
A new study by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign found that children who participate in collaborative group work to learn about significant social issues become better decision-makers than their peers. The study compared the efficacy of collaborative group work with conventional direct instruction, and found that students ...
Researchers at Tohoku University found that omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in brain development. A balanced diet rich in fish can help prevent premature aging of fetal neural stem cells and improve brain function in children.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital restored vision in mice with optic nerve injury using gene therapy and a channel-blocking drug. The study found that the regenerated nerve fibers needed to be helped to conduct impulses without myelin sheath, which can be achieved by adding a potassium channel blocker.
Researchers discovered a link between babies with hyperactive immune cells at birth and the development of food allergies in early life. Monocytes activated immune cells encouraged allergic reactions to common foods.
A new study suggests that as early as 3 years old, toddlers begin to grasp the fundamental difference between a written word and a drawing. The research indicates that this understanding could be an important early indicator for children who may need extra help with reading lessons.
A study by NIH researchers found that children conceived through infertility treatment have similar developmental scores to those conceived naturally, with some increased risks for twins but not ART treatment groups.
A $30,000 donation will support research into dogs and children with cancer at the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), following an 8-year-old girl's battle with cancer. Brooke Hester's genomic analysis of canine cancer could help develop new therapies for children with cancer.
A new study from Nationwide Children's Hospital found that antibiotics alone can be a safe and effective treatment for children with uncomplicated acute appendicitis. The non-operative management was associated with less recovery time, lower health costs, and no difference in complications at one year.
Researchers found that children from low-income environments are at a higher risk of neurological impairment than those from more economically secure circumstances. The study suggests that maternal stress hormones during pregnancy and maltreatment may contribute to this increased risk.
Research suggests children as young as 5 use high-fidelity imitation to re-affiliate with excluded groups, mimicking behaviors such as dress and activities to appear part of the group. Ostracized children exhibit increased anxiety and frustration compared to those included by out-groups.
New research finds that gut damage from infection is the primary cause of malnutrition and vaccine failure in infants. The study suggests that prevention measures such as improved sanitation, targeted vaccination, or treatment of infections can help combat malnutrition.
A review of 18 studies found that health professionals' knowledge of female genital mutilation (FGM/C) varies greatly according to their work setting. FGM/C is a harmful practice affecting 100-140 million women worldwide, with long-term complications including recurrent urinary infections and psychological problems.
A study reveals that factors contributing to healthy living behaviors among children differ between countries, challenging the notion of a 'one-size-fits-all' approach. Short sleep duration and poor sleep quality are linked to unhealthy habits in high-income countries, while flexibility and discretionary time may play a role in low-inc...
Research from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found genetic variations associated with an 8-to-15-fold increased risk for osteonecrosis in young ALL patients. These variants were more common in patients who developed osteonecrosis, particularly near the BMP7 gene important for bone development.
A study by McGill University researchers reveals that early exposure to a language shapes the brain's ability to process sounds from a second language later in life. Brain imaging showed that children who were adopted into French-speaking families and no longer spoke Chinese still had brains processing language similarly to bilingual c...
A study by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that hospital-to-home transitions can cause mental exhaustion, emotional toll, and uncertainty among family caregivers. The researchers identified a need for in-home follow-up visits, telephone calls from nurses, and enhanced care plans to improve the transition.
A recent study found a significant increase in infant deaths and injuries caused by crib bumpers, with 48 deaths specifically attributed to the bedding accessory between 1985-2012. The researchers recommend a nationwide ban on crib bumpers due to their role in suffocation and strangulation incidents.
A new study from the University of Maryland School of Public Health found that children exposed to Medicaid in early childhood have significant improvements in adult health. The research suggests that increased access to and use of healthcare services, as well as reduced family medical debt, contribute to better adult outcomes.
Researchers from Wayne State University and Michigan State University will receive funding to develop a mindfulness-based intervention for parents and teachers of toddlers. The project aims to strengthen skills in responding to children's cues, promoting social-emotional development and school readiness.
A new study found that children from chaotic homes who attended more hours of child care experienced better cognitive, emotional and social development. Higher degrees of household chaos were associated with less optimal executive functioning, weaker vocabularies and worse social behavior.
A recent study published in American Journal of Epidemiology found that moderate amounts of caffeine during pregnancy do not harm the child's intelligence or behavior. Researchers analyzed data from 2,197 expectant mothers and found no associations between maternal caffeine intake and childhood obesity or behavioral problems.
A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that only 3 in 10 children get at least 60 minutes of outdoor recess time, despite guidelines recommending it. Preschoolers in child care centers with ample outdoor time were more active over 24 hours.
Eight-year follow-up study shows significant weight loss and improved lipid profiles in gastric bypass surgery patients, with no improvement seen in non-surgical counterparts
A new study found that counting ability was a strong predictor of whether children would distribute resources based on merit, not age or education. Children as young as 3 can understand the concept of rewarding more effort, but struggle to translate it into an accurate distribution.
A study by NIH researchers found no increase in stillbirths after implementing a policy to delay elective deliveries before 39 weeks. The analysis of national infant birth and death statistics over several years showed that efforts to prevent elective deliveries were not linked to an increase in stillbirths on a national level.
Researchers found that reminders helped young children control impulsive behavior, while waiting didn't make a difference. The study suggests that training individuals to look for tangible cues can help improve inhibitory control. Effective reminder-based interventions could involve setting up situations where cues are always present.
Researchers found that infants can identify and link new sounds to meaning, indicating a social capacity for recognizing and learning from novel communicative signals. This ability broadens our understanding of infants' coordination of social, language, and cognitive development.
A new study found that children who watch TV channels airing ads for kids' fast food meals are more likely to request visits to those restaurants. The study suggests that toy premiums in these ads may influence children's food preferences and encourage families to visit the featured restaurants.
Researchers found that couples with typically-developing children who can pitch in to care for and support their siblings with developmental disabilities may experience less marital stress. In contrast, parents of children with developmental disabilities experienced a similar risk of divorce regardless of family size.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center used computer-based modeling to improve outcomes for infants born in drug withdrawal. The study reduced methadone treatment duration from 16.4 to 14.1 days and inpatient treatment from 21.7 to 18.3 days.
A new study finds that polygynous households in northern Tanzania have better access to food and healthier children, as well as more cattle and farmed land. However, the practice is associated with low food security and poor child health in marginalized ethnic groups.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have identified a way to test RNA and specific genetic signatures in amniotic fluid to determine fetal lung maturity. This test could help doctors decide when it is safe to deliver premature babies, allowing for better preparation and care for neonatal morbidities.
A parent involvement program, REDI-P, helps young children retain literacy skills and positive learning behaviors through home visits with educational counselors. The study found that REDI-P offsets summer loss and improves academic performance and social interaction in children from disadvantaged backgrounds. By the fall of their kind...
The Autism & Beyond app, developed by Duke University researchers, uses smartphone questionnaires and video analysis to gather information about children's development. The six-month study aims to detect early signs of autism and other developmental disorders, with the potential to provide broader access to mental health screening.
A new study by the University of Iowa found that parents' conversations with their children after an injury play a crucial role in shaping their safety values. The study revealed that parents are more likely to urge daughters than sons to be more careful and discuss why certain activities are dangerous, especially for older children. B...
A new study published in Canadian Medical Association Journal found that EV-D68, a respiratory virus affecting young children, does not lead to an increased risk of death or critical care admission. Children with EV-D68 were more likely to present with respiratory distress and have a family history of atopy.
A new computer program analyzing functional brain MRIs of hearing-impaired children can predict effective language skills after cochlear implant surgery. The study identified two brain regions that effectively predict successful outcomes, providing potential biomarkers for clinicians.
The Harry Winston Fellowships support research to prevent, treat and cure disease in children. The three new Fellows are Dr. Claire Baldauf, studying intra-uterine growth restriction, Dr. Jina Lim examining aortic valve disease, and Dr. Emily Whang investigating inflammatory bowel disease.
Researchers found a clear age effect in human children's ability to use tools, with 2-year-olds struggling but improving by 4 years old. In contrast, nonhuman primates rely on their sense of touch, known as haptic senses, to complete spatial reasoning tasks.
A recent study has found a strong association between prenatal exposure to common flame retardants and attention problems in children aged three through seven. The researchers followed 210 mother-child pairs from birth through early childhood and assessed child behavior using standardized rating scales, revealing that those with the hi...
Teaching children theory of mind enables them to engage in deception, suggesting a causal link between the cognitive ability and lying behavior. Children who received ToM training were more likely to lie in hide-and-seek tasks compared to those in control groups.
Infants diagnosed with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) are at increased risk for hospital readmission, particularly due to withdrawal symptoms. The study suggests that families of infants with NAS may benefit from additional post-discharge resources to mitigate this risk.
A study published in Neurology found that colds and flu may increase stroke risk in children, but routine childhood vaccines can decrease this risk. Researchers analyzed medical charts and conducted interviews with over 700 children to reach these findings.
Researchers at UBC and BC Children's Hospital found that acquiring four specific gut bacteria can protect infants from developing asthma. The study analyzed fecal samples from over 300 children and confirmed the finding in mice, opening the door to probiotic treatments for premature babies.
A team of researchers used a toddler-like robot to study infant-parent interaction, finding that babies intentionally smile to elicit a response from their caregivers. By analyzing the timing of these smiles, they discovered a statistically strong correlation between intentional smiling and mutual smiling in both humans and robots.
Researchers found a 30% increased risk of myeloblastic leukemia in children living within 150m of heavily used roads with combined road lengths over 260m. However, no association was observed for the more common lymphoblastic type of leukemia.