Magnets and kids: A dangerous duo
Between 2002 and 2012, magnet ingestions by children tripled in number and nearly doubled in severity, with a significant increase in high-risk injuries featuring multiple smaller magnets.
Research On Children
Research programs focused on child health and development. Covers pediatric research standards, infant nutrition and sleep, rare disorders, and childhood diabetes.
Mothers' symptoms of depression predict how they respond to child behavior
A new study finds that mothers' depressive symptoms predict both increased and reduced negative reactivity to their children's behavior. When the child's behavior is pleasant, mothers with depression tend to be less responsive, but when it becomes unpleasant, they become more over-reactive.
Study finds family-based exposure therapy effective treatment for young children with OCD
A new study from the Bradley Hasbro Children's Research Center found that family-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is beneficial to young children between the ages of five and eight with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). The treatment was more effective in reducing OCD symptoms and functional impairment compared to a relaxati...
Many heavily breastfed infants not getting needed dietary diversity
A new study from Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that nearly three-quarters of heavily breastfed infants in the US do not receive adequate dietary diversity until age 2. The researchers suggest that better education on introducing multiple food groups may be necessary to address this issue.
Kempe Scientific Impact Award
The Kempe Center presents its first National Kempe Scientific Impact Award to Dr. David Finkelhor for his sustained scientific contributions to the field of child abuse and neglect. Finkelhor's extensive research has informed policy and practice to benefit children and families.
Babies recognize real-life objects from pictures as early as 9 months
Researchers found that babies can learn about a toy from a photograph well before their first birthday. The study used high-quality images and showed that infants formed a mental idea of the object after a brief exposure to the picture, even when it was out of sight.
Watch out: Children more prone to looking but not seeing
A new UCL study found that children under 14 are more prone to inattentional blindness, failing to notice their environment while focused on simple tasks. This can lead to increased risk of accidents and safety hazards, especially for young children crossing roads or engaging in activities.
Want a young child to 'help' or 'be a helper'? Choice of words matters
A new study found that using nouns like 'helper' instead of verbs like 'helping' motivates young children to participate in household tasks. The researchers used two experiments with over 150 preschoolers and found significant differences in helping behavior between the two groups.
Genealogy and biogeography meet personalized medicine
A team of researchers has developed a tool to accurately identify the biogeography of worldwide individuals using genetic distribution and geographical distance. This method, called GPS, is sensitive and specific, allowing it to identify place of origin even in ethnically diverse regions like the US.
Girls make higher grades than boys in all school subjects, analysis finds
Research spanning nearly a century reveals that girls have consistently higher grades than boys across various subjects, including math and science. The study's findings contradict recent claims of a 'boy crisis' and suggest social and cultural factors may contribute to the difference in performance.
Genetic disorder causing strokes and vascular inflammation in children has been discovered
Researchers identified a genetic disorder, DADA2, caused by inherited mutations in the ADA2 blood enzyme, leading to sporadic fevers, skin rashes, and recurring strokes. The discovery may lead to novel diagnostics and potential treatments using artificial forms of the protein.
$2.3 million study to examine how neighborhoods influence child maltreatment rates
A $2.3 million study will analyze 20 Cleveland neighborhoods to understand the impact of neighborhood conditions, social services, and reporting processes on child maltreatment rates. The research aims to identify factors tied to reduced abuse and neglect, potentially highlighting new targets for interventions at the neighborhood level.
Higher calcium intake may reduce body fat, mitigating genetic risk for diabetes
African American children with a genetic predisposition to diabetes can reduce their risk by consuming the USDA-recommended dose of calcium. Higher calcium intake appears to mitigate the impact of some risk genes for type 2 diabetes.
'Horsing around' reduces stress hormones in youth
Research from Washington State University found that children who participate in horse-riding programs have lower stress hormone levels. The study, which measured cortisol levels in saliva samples, suggests a potential prevention strategy for young adolescents at risk of developing physical and mental health problems.
Take the bat, leave the candy
Researchers found that high-calorie snacks and sugar-sweetened drinks dominate the youth baseball scene, contributing to weight problems among children. The study suggests that parents and sports leagues should plan ahead and advocate for policies addressing snack and drink options.
Pollutants from coal-burning stoves strongly associated with miscarriages in Mongolia
A study by Children's Hospital Los Angeles found strong correlations between seasonal ambient air pollutants and pregnancy loss in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The researchers discovered a striking seasonal pattern of variation in miscarriage incidence, with increases in December due to increased hours of darkness and coldest temperatures.
Picture books aren't just fun
A new study from the University of Waterloo reveals that reading picture books with toddlers exposes them to sophisticated information about animals in a way that allows children to apply this knowledge broadly. Moms use generics and provide facts about animals when reading picture book stories.
Study provides new insight into how toddlers learn verbs
A study from the University of Liverpool found that showing toddlers similar but distinct actions helped them understand what a verb refers to. This new insight sheds light on how children progress throughout preschool and school years.
In child custody disputes, LGBT parents face bias in the courts, new Drexel review finds
A new review from Drexel University finds that court decisions favoring heterosexual parents over gay or lesbian parents often ignore important social science research on parenting by gay and lesbian individuals. The researchers recommend considering this research to guide policy and inform judges' decisions in complex custody cases.
SourceDrexel University·JournalPsychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity·DateApr 15, 2014
Study: SSRI use during pregnancy associated with autism and developmental delays in boys
A study of nearly 1,000 mother-child pairs found prenatal SSRI exposure was nearly 3 times as likely in boys with ASD relative to typical development. Exposure during the first trimester increased risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), while third trimester exposure elevated risk for developmental delays (DD) in boys.
Babies prefer fairness -- but only if it benefits them -- in choosing a playmate
A study found that 15-month-old babies value fairness unless they see a person of the same race receiving an unfair benefit. In such cases, babies are more tolerant of unfairness. The researchers also discovered that infants integrate information about race and social history when choosing a playmate.
Study gives high marks to NC Pre-K program
The NC Pre-K program has been found to improve language and literacy skills, math skills, general knowledge, and social skills in four-year-old students. Notably, children from lower-income families who attended the program showed higher reading and math scores by the end of third grade.
Researchers identify children with emotional behavior difficulties
A new diagnostic tool has been developed to identify children with emotional behavior disorders, including those orphaned by HIV/AIDS. The study found that poverty may wash out any effects of AIDS on the children's mental health, and that community-based organizations need training to respond to their needs.
Gene linked to pediatric kidney cancer suggests new strategies for kidney regeneration
Researchers found that nearly one-third of pediatric kidney cancer cases are linked to the Lin28 gene, which holds promise for regenerating damaged kidneys. The study's findings suggest that controlled expression of Lin28 can promote kidney development and may lead to new therapeutic targets for treating Wilms tumors.
Children's National researchers receive NIH grant for pediatric acute myelogenous leukemia treatment
The Children's National team, led by Drs Yang Liu and Reuven Schore, will investigate novel approaches to address unmet medical needs of relapsed pediatric AML patients. They aim to develop a therapy that can eliminate leukemia stem cells, which are highly resistant to conventional chemotherapy.
Parental obesity and autism risk in the child
A new study from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health found a doubled risk of developing autism and Asperger's syndrome if a father is obese compared to a normal-weight father. The researchers also found that maternal obesity had little association with the development of autism in children.
Hi-tech innovation gauges science learning in preschoolers
The iPad application is used to streamline behavior mapping, a research technique that records children's interactions in natural settings to assess their science skills and interests. The app allows for flexible data collection and upload, ensuring the safety of participant data.
Parental obesity and autism risk in the child
A recent study found that paternal obesity may be a greater risk factor for autism spectrum disorder in children than maternal obesity. The research analyzed data from over 90,000 Norwegian children and found a doubled risk of developing autism if the father was obese compared to a normal-weight father.
Fathers can lower their children's risk of going hungry by staying involved
A Rutgers University study found that nonresident father involvement is positively associated with lower food insecurity in early and middle childhood. Involvement includes time spent with the child, monetary contributions, and 'in kind' support, resulting in a 10-12% reduction in food insecurity.
Cereal box psychology
A study by Cornell Food & Brand Lab researchers found that cereal boxes marketed to children have a lower shelf placement and downward-facing characters, creating incidental eye contact. This leads to increased feelings of trust and connection with the brand, as well as higher ratings for consumer preference.
Study finds link between child's obesity and cognitive function
A new study by University of Illinois researchers finds that obese children are slower to recognize and correct errors, affecting brain activity. Healthy-weight children outperform their obese peers in this critical cognitive task, highlighting the physiological differences between weight status and brain function.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateApr 1, 2014
Esophageal function implicated in life-threatening experiences in infants, study suggests
A new study suggests that infants who experience near-death events (ALTEs) have abnormal regulation of esophageal and airway function. The research found that these infants are more likely to have pauses in breathing, gasping breaths, and difficulty coordinating swallowing and respiratory interactions.
Whether they reduce fat or not, obesity programs lower kids' blood pressure
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that obesity intervention programs lowered children's blood pressure, with healthy eating and physical activity promoting the most effective results. The study suggests that early intervention can help prevent long-term health consequences.
Public smoking bans associated with reduction in premature births and childhood asthma
Research found that public smoking bans led to a 10% decrease in preterm births and hospital admissions for childhood asthma. The study analyzed data from over 2.5 million births and 250,000 asthma-related hospital visits, demonstrating the positive impact of smoke-free legislation on child health.
Smoking bans cut premature births and childhood asthma attacks
Banning smoking in public places has been shown to cut premature births by 10% globally, according to a comprehensive study published in The Lancet. The research also found a 10% fall in hospital attendances for childhood asthma attacks in regions with anti-smoking laws.
Ottawa researcher receives international award for obesity research
Dr. Jean-Philippe Chaput, an Ottawa researcher, has won the International Journal of Obesity (IJO) New Faculty Award for Population Science and Public Health Research. He was recognized for his exceptional research in population health based on innovation and quality of science.
When mothers are active so are their children -- but many mothers are not
A new study found that mothers' levels of physical activity are closely related to those of their preschool children. Only 53% of mothers engaged in 30 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity at least once a week, with the amount of activity a mother and her child did each day being highly correlated.
Shorter sleepers are over-eaters
A new study by University College London researchers found that 16-month-old children sleeping less than 10 hours a day consumed an average of 105kcal more per day than those sleeping over 13 hours, contributing to weight gain in early childhood.
Preterm children at increased risk of having maths problems
Researchers have found that preterm children are at an increased risk of general cognitive and math problems, particularly if born small-for-gestational-age. The study of 922 children aged 7-9 showed a significantly higher odds ratio for math impairment compared to term-born children.
Safety first, children
A University of Iowa study found that mothers and children often disagree on the danger of situations, but mothers can bring their child's thinking around with effective conversations. Mothers use a specific tactic to explain why a situation is dangerous, focusing on present features rather than potential outcomes.
Children exposed to methamphetamine before birth have increased cognitive problems
Long-term study highlights the need for early intervention to improve academic outcomes and reduce negative behaviors in children exposed to methamphetamine before birth. Researchers found that these children were 2.8 times more likely to have cognitive problem scores than their unexposed peers.
Strengthening learning in children: Get outside and play
Researchers found that playscapes promote scientific inquiry, math education and environmental awareness, while reducing depression and attention deficit disorders. These specially designed outdoor spaces foster curiosity, nature exploration and sustainable practices.
New stroke research combines brain stimulation, gait training
A new study aims to improve patients' ability to walk after a stroke by combining brain stimulation with gait training. The treatment group will receive transcranial direct current stimulation before gait training to help restore balance in cortical excitability.
No one likes a copycat, no matter where you live
Researchers found that young children in different cultures do not fully grasp the concept of intellectual property until around age 5 or 6. In contrast, older children and adults across cultures view copying as negative. The study suggests that cultural differences may not be as significant as previously thought.
Gesturing with hands is a powerful tool for children's math learning
Research from University of Chicago finds that gesturing with hands is more effective in teaching math than concrete action. Children who use gestures to solve problems generalize the knowledge better, showing an underlying principle. Gestures help children learn abstract concepts and symbols.
Are you smarter than a 5-year-old? Preschoolers can do algebra
A recent study published in Developmental Science found that preschoolers (4-6 years old) can do basic algebra naturally, leveraging their Approximate Number System. The study used magic cups filled with objects to test children's ability to solve for a hidden variable.
Large-scale study shows power of pre-K
The study found significant positive outcomes for children enrolled in the state's universal pre-k program, with average scores above the national norm on key measures of language, literacy, and math. The results were most pronounced in key language and literacy skills, which are important precursors for later reading ability.
Are bilingual kids more open-minded?
New research from Concordia University suggests that bilingual children, like monolingual peers, prefer interactions with those speaking their mother tongue with a native accent. This bias may be related to children's preference for familiarity, according to the study.
Playing with Barbie dolls could limit girls' career choices, study shows
Researchers found that girls who play with Barbie dolls see fewer career options for themselves than boys. In contrast, playing with a neutral doll like Mrs. Potato Head had no significant effect on their career aspirations.
Childhood adversity launches lifelong relationship and health disadvantages for black men
African American men who endured greater childhood adversity are likely to experience disadvantages in health and relationships over time. Childhood adversity triggers an enduring pattern of psychological and physiological vulnerability to stress that undermines relationships in adulthood.
As one food allergy resolves, another may develop
Children who outgrow one type of food allergy may develop another, more severe type to the same food. Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) can cause swelling and inflammation in the esophagus, leading to symptoms like weight loss and swallowing difficulties.
Childhood adversity launches lifelong relationship and health disadvantage for black men
A new study by Debra Umberson and colleagues found that black men are more likely to experience adverse childhood experiences, leading to poor relationships and health outcomes in adulthood. The study suggests that policies targeting early childhood development may help reduce racial disparities in health.
SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateFeb 27, 2014
IU study ties father's age to higher rates of psychiatric, academic problems in kids
A recent study found a significant association between advancing paternal age at childbearing and increased rates of psychiatric disorders, such as autism and bipolar disorder, as well as academic problems like failing grades and low IQ scores. The likelihood of these problems increased steadily with paternal age.
Can babies learn to read? No, NYU study finds
Researchers at NYU's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development found no evidence that baby media products teach reading skills to infants. However, the study did reveal an undeniable effect on parents - their increased confidence in their children's vocabulary development
Parents' attitudes about helping their grown children affect their mental health
A study published in The Gerontologist reveals that parents' attitudes towards giving help to their grown children can impact their mental health. Researchers found significant interactions between tangible support and feelings of reward, as well as nontangible support and stress, in explaining parents' depressive symptoms.
Study finds potential solution for feeding, swallowing difficulties in children with autism
A collaborative study out of George Washington University found early signs of feeding and swallowing disruption in children with neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism. The research suggests that cranial nerves controlling food intake and swallowing are not developing correctly, leading to mis-coordination.
Study finds 3-fold increase in pregnancy among young girls with mental illness
A new study by researchers at Women's College Hospital and ICES found that young girls with mental illness are three times more likely to become teenage parents. The study examined live birth rates from 1999 to 2009 in 4.5 million Ontario girls, aged 15-19, with and without a major mental health illness.
Study identifies protein to repair damaged brain tissue in MS
A study published in Neuron has identified a small protein, Endothelin-1, that can be targeted to promote repair of damaged brain tissue in multiple sclerosis patients. The molecule inhibits myelin repair, and blocking it or using genetic approaches may help restore myelin in the brain.
Study correlates neonatal and early childhood outcomes with preterm birth
A study of over 1,700 premature babies found that about one in five had cerebral palsy or neurologic impairment by age 2. Babies with serious complications in the NICU also had a higher risk of these conditions.
'I know it but I won't say it'
A new longitudinal study of 816 toddlers found that shy children understand language as well as their less shy peers but struggle to express themselves. The research suggests that interventions targeting confidence and social competence can support the development of expressive language in these children.