Research programs focused on child health and development. Covers pediatric research standards, infant nutrition and sleep, rare disorders, and childhood diabetes.
A Penn State study found that a prenatal program aimed at enhancing couples' co-parenting relationship improved children's adjustment and school engagement at age seven. The intervention focused on fostering positive co-parenting, leading to better emotional security and well-being for the child.
A study by researchers at the University of Montreal found that children whose mothers consistently supported their autonomy had higher executive functioning skills. The mother's ability to teach problem-solving skills and take her child's perspective was crucial in shaping the child's cognitive abilities.
A new study finds that kindergartners and first graders with high maintenance temperaments showed less disruptive behavior and more active engagement in the classroom, thanks to a program that recognizes and adapts to individual differences.
A study by researchers at NYU and McGill University found that monolingual infants expect others to understand only one language, while bilingual infants do not share this assumption. The findings suggest that infants may see a good communication partner as someone who speaks the same language they were raised with.
A new technique allows scientists to trace and spatially map 'mosaic' mutations in the brain, providing a significant advance for genetics research. This capability enables the study of both normal brains and brain disorders such as epilepsy and autism, offering new avenues for investigation.
Researchers found that a specific gene variant is associated with children's vulnerability to negative environments, but also responded positively to an intensive intervention program called Fast Track. The study suggests that personalized treatments may be possible for society's most troubled children.
Researchers highlight four areas of concern for parents and practitioners: normal sleep patterns, nightwakings, parental presence at bedtime, and safe sleep training. The study aims to educate nurse practitioners on sharing current knowledge with parents to promote healthy nighttime care choices.
A*STAR scientists identified a genetic pathway responsible for the size of the human brain, which accounts for superior cognitive abilities. The KATNB1 gene is essential for central nervous system development in humans and other animals.
A new massive open online course (MOOC) will be launched to disseminate the curricula to Girl Scout troop leaders, providing videos, discussion forums, and feedback mechanisms. The MOOC aims to simulate in-person train-the-trainers technologies and advance behavior change among 10-13 year olds.
A study found that premature birth impairs a subtle but important aspect of memory: recalling context, such as what, when, and where. The hippocampus region is smaller in preterm children, affecting contextual recollection-based retrieval.
A recent study by the University of Manchester has investigated the effects of weak magnetic fields on human proteins, including those crucial for health. The research found no detectable impact on key proteins, suggesting that power lines and other electrical devices may be safer than previously thought.
A study published in the American Journal of Perinatology found that severely premature infants (23 weeks gestation) have higher death rates if born male, as multiples or without access to neonatal care. Lower birth weights and lack of steroid exposure before birth also increase disability risk.
Research from UC San Francisco found that kids living in renovated public housing had fewer repeat ER visits, while those in older public housing had more. Investments in physical infrastructure may foster better health among children.
Researchers discovered that punishing children for lying can have the opposite effect, making them less likely to tell the truth. Children are more likely to lie if they're afraid of punishment than if they believe it's the right thing to do.
New research reveals RSV mortality rates are significantly lower than previously estimated, affecting mostly premature babies and those with preexisting conditions. Most hospitalizations due to RSV can be managed with minimal complications.
A new study from the University of Florida and Northwestern University found that children with higher birth weights perform better in school, regardless of family background. The research, which analyzed data from over 1.6 million children, suggests that early health struggles may play a significant role in educational outcomes.
The study will enroll 200 Rhode Island Family Court-involved girls between 12-18 in either VOICES, a gender-responsive program or other community-based services. Researchers aim to identify the program's effect on reducing drug use and sexual risk behaviors.
Researchers at the NIH have found a duplication of a short stretch of the X chromosome in people with a rare disorder that causes excessive childhood growth. They believe that a single gene within the region likely has a large influence on how much children grow.
A study by researchers from Kessler Foundation and Children's Specialized Hospital found that retrieval practice can improve memory in children and adolescents with TBI. This method was found to be the best learning strategy for each of the participants, improving learning and memory among this age group with TBI.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University found that witnessing parental violence can trigger negative behaviors in children, with girls internalizing the trauma and boys acting out aggressively. The study highlights the importance of early interventions to help children develop emotionally and interact socially.
Research from Northwestern University found that heavier newborns have higher test scores from third through eighth grade. Even among twins, heavier-born twins have higher average test scores. However, other factors such as maternal education can be a larger predictor of academic achievement.
Research finds that physically active children outperform their inactive peers in the classroom and on tests of achievement. Physical activity is associated with larger brain volumes, increased concentration, and enhanced attention spans.
An estimated 3,278,073 children were treated for toy-related injuries in US emergency departments from 1990 to 2011. The study found a nearly 40% increase in injury rate, with foot-powered scooters being a leading cause of injuries among young children.
A new study from the University of Georgia found that boys engage in relationally aggressive behavior more often than girls across all grade levels. The longitudinal study analyzed data from over 600 students and found that almost all of them had experienced relational aggression at least once.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have found no causal link between antibiotics and childhood asthma, contradicting previous studies. The study of half a million children suggests that respiratory infections may increase the risk of asthma, regardless of antibiotic treatment.
A recent study found that individuals who experienced intense verbal aggression as children are more resilient to conflict as adults. The researchers measured cortisol levels in saliva samples from 50 romantically involved couples and found a weakened physiological stress response for those with higher childhood exposure.
A recent study published in JPEN found that premature infants who received sodium supplementation gained weight faster, had lower rates of hyponatremia, and no increased risk of prematurity-related morbidities. The researchers recommend further studies to determine the optimal dose and duration of sodium therapy.
A study led by NYU Langone Medical Center found that a mother's soothing presence can alter gene activity in an infant's brain, reducing pain and promoting emotional development. This research offers new insights into the short-term effects of maternal caregiving on a developing brain.
A nationwide study of over 43,000 children with head trauma provides valuable data on epidemiology, mechanisms, diagnoses, and treatments. The study found that falls were the leading cause of injury in young children, while older kids more often suffered head injuries due to assaults or motor-vehicle crashes.
A new review reveals significant knowledge gaps about preterm birth, its causes, and prevention strategies, emphasizing the need for increased research efforts. The authors stress that identifying women at risk and developing effective interventions are crucial to addressing this global epidemic.
A new study found that laundry detergent pods pose a significant risk to young children, with 17,230 cases reported between 2012 and 2013. Children under 6 years old accounted for nearly two-thirds of cases, with nearly half experiencing vomiting after exposure.
Researchers developed a standardized approach to reducing cardiac monitor alarms, resulting in an 80% reduction in daily alarms and a 95% increase in caregiver compliance. The process increased staff's ability to address significant alarms promptly, improving patient safety.
A systematic review found that theory-based interventions were beneficial for vegetable intake only, with limited overall effects. The authors recommend future research examining the causality and strength of relationships between theoretical variables and dietary change behaviors.
A UB study found that preschoolers raised with food rules have healthier eating habits than those without rules. The study also showed that self-regulation skills at 2 years old influence eating habits by 4 years old, while parental rules play a key role in teaching healthy eating habits.
A recent study from Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that a child's ability to distinguish musical rhythm is related to their capacity for understanding grammar. The study, led by Reyna Gordon, suggests that rhythm could be used as an indicator of grammar skills in children with language disorders.
Researchers identified significant alterations in the thalamus and putamen of premature babies, which may lead to designing effective prevention strategies and early interventional treatments for cognitive disabilities. These findings suggest that brain structure and circuitry changes related to prematurity can affect important functio...
Studies reveal human children as young as 2 years old conform to peer behavior to avoid social disadvantage, whereas apes prefer to stick with their own strategies. The research suggests that the motivation to fit in emerges early in humans and may be influenced by environmental factors.
A new study published in Journal of Radiological Protection found little evidence to support the 'corona-ion hypothesis', which suggests a possible link between air pollution from power lines and childhood leukemia. Researchers used data from over 7,000 children born near high-voltage overhead power lines and found no increased risk of...
Children in high-quality early childhood education and care centers are less affected by changes in family income. Research found that low-income families' children exhibit more behavioral issues when their income decreases, but those attending regulated centers show stable levels of internalizing problems.
A new study found that mothers with gestational diabetes and those who were overweight before pregnancy have daughters who are more likely to be obese. The research, published in Diabetes Care, suggests that behavior modifications during pregnancy may help reduce the risk of obesity in offspring.
A study analyzing 1.5 million births in US hospitals found significant variation in cesarean delivery rates, with rates ranging from 8% to 48% across hospitals. The analysis adjusted for maternal factors and hospital characteristics but did not account for parity or gestational age.
Researchers are working to develop a therapy for Sanfilippo disease, a devastating inherited disorder that affects the brain. The $223,102 grant will be used to create an enzyme replacement therapy to treat the underlying causes of the neurologic symptoms of MPS III.
A Northwestern University study found that Head Start programs benefit parents' educational status and employment, particularly among African-American parents and those with some college education. The program may provide a platform for expanding parents' own educational opportunities and improving their work-school-family balance.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles developed a tissue-engineering technique to grow an entire esophagus from human cells on a biodegradable scaffold. This breakthrough may lead to new treatments for children born with missing portions of the organ, as well as patients who have had esophageal cancer or damaged tissue.
Research at the University of Washington shows that children who spent their early years in institutions have thinner brain tissue in areas related to attention and impulse control. The study provides strong evidence for a link between childhood neglect and ADHD, with significant differences seen in brain structure and behavior.
A recent study published in BMC Public Health found that childhood obesity rates in Ireland have leveled off, but one in four Irish children remain overweight or obese. The researchers analyzed data from 14 studies conducted between 2002 and 2012 and found that national obesity rates dropped from 7% to 4% after 2008.
Michael Meaney's groundbreaking research shows that nurturing affects gene expression, leading to increased stress response and other problems in children who face harsh early environments. The award supports his ongoing research into psychosocial interventions and social policy measures for better child development.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that by age five, children are more likely to believe accurate but hesitant speakers over confident liars. This development in critical thinking is crucial for effective learning and evaluation of information.
Researchers found that toddlers use visual and social cues to understand the motivations of people around them, and their impulsive tendencies influence their behavior. The study suggests that early self-control skills are crucial for children's development, with individual variability predicting later school readiness and behavior.
Researchers found that restrictive behaviors can appear before puberty and are often linked to anxiety, mood disorders, and attention deficiency. Treatment should start as early as possible to address these conditions.
A 10-week group counseling and caregiver training intervention, GIRLSS, has been found to decrease relational aggression among middle school girls. The study, published in the Journal of Child and Family Studies, showed a reduction in 'mean girl' behaviors among participants.
Researchers confirm the diathesis-stress model for low birth weight populations, showing they catch up but don't outperform normal-weight peers. A new differential susceptibility model suggests vulnerable children can thrive under optimal conditions, even with risk factors.
Researchers detected a distinctive DNA signature in children born after the massive Quebec ice storm, linked to maternal hardship and stress. The study found that objective stress exposure, not emotional distress, caused long-lasting changes in the epigenome of their babies.
Researchers discovered that disrupting a tumor suppressor gene disrupts the formation of the protective insulating sheath on peripheral nerves, leading to muscle wasting and neuropathy. The study suggests that normal molecular function of Lkb1 is essential for proper myelination.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine advocate for standardized assessment tools and evidence-based treatment choices for infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome. Nonpharmacologic interventions like breastfeeding may also help decrease NAS symptoms.
Researchers analyzed genetic information from 356 patients and identified novel causes for severe childhood epilepsies. Strong evidence was found for additional novel genes involved in synapse function, which may help address underlying disease mechanisms and improve treatment options.
A large study has pinpointed synapse genes with major roles in severe childhood epilepsies, providing a new target for treatment strategies. The research identified 429 de novo mutations, including strong evidence for novel genes involved in synapse function.
Eosinophilic gastritis is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by high levels of eosinophils in the blood and gastrointestinal tract. The study found that it involves allergy-associated-immune mechanisms and has a distinct gene expression pattern, paving the way for improved diagnosis and treatment.
A new research study published in JAMA Pediatrics analyzed the effects of different exercise programs on obese youths. The study found that combining aerobic exercise with resistance training resulted in significant weight loss and reduced body fat compared to other exercise programs or diet-only control groups.
A new study by Nationwide Children's Hospital found that 34% of major trauma patients are undertriaged in the United States. The most common diagnosis for undertriaged patients is traumatic brain injury, affecting over 40%. Increasing trauma center capacity by 51% would be needed to accommodate all undertriaged patients.