Research programs focused on child health and development. Covers pediatric research standards, infant nutrition and sleep, rare disorders, and childhood diabetes.
A new study by CU-Boulder researchers suggests that shy toddlers may not be delayed in language acquisition, contrary to common assumptions. The study found consistent evidence that shy toddlers understand what's being said, but are reticent to speak.
Research by American Psychological Association found that single-sex schools do not offer advantages in academic performance or attitudes towards school. A comprehensive analysis of 184 studies involving over 1.6 million students worldwide showed trivial benefits, if any, for boys and girls in math and science subjects.
A study by researchers in South Korea found that children engage in moderate- to high-intensity physical activities while gardening. The research informs the development of garden-based therapeutic interventions for youth and promotes healthy lifestyles.
A new video game called Stroke Hero has been found to improve children's understanding of stroke symptoms and the importance of calling 9-1-1. The game, designed for kids aged 9-10, teaches them how to recognize stroke symptoms and take action in an emergency.
Researchers found that practicing intuitive numerical exercises can enhance children's ability to solve math problems. Children who practiced evaluating the number of objects performed better on arithmetic tests immediately afterward than those who evaluated other qualities.
A new diagnostic tool, PERSEVERE, has been developed to predict mortality risk in children with septic shock. The tool, which measures five biomarkers and combines patient information, estimates the probability of survival and helps guide treatment decisions.
Researchers at Southern Methodist University found that a brief exposure to research findings can reduce positive corporal punishment attitudes in parents and non-parents. The study used a simple, fast method to expose subjects to short summaries detailing the negative impact of spanking on child behavior.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 30 studies found that preterm birth is associated with an increased risk of developing asthma and wheezing disorders during childhood. Children born before 32 weeks of gestation were nearly three times as likely to develop these conditions compared to those born at full term.
A study found a positive correlation between healthy white matter quality and addition and multiplication proficiency in 12-year-olds. The researchers also suggest that this link may explain why some children with dyslexia or dyscalculia struggle with arithmetic problems.
Researchers will analyze genomes of three breeds to identify genes responsible for OCD-like behaviors. The study aims to provide insights for earlier diagnoses and innovative therapeutics, potentially benefiting children with autism.
A new study by Duke University finds that children growing up in dangerous neighborhoods exhibit more aggressive behavior across nine countries. The research suggests a link between perilous environments and harsh parenting practices, which may contribute to increased child aggression.
A new study found that an estimated 530,494 children were injured in US emergency departments from 1990 to 2011 due to shopping cart-related incidents. The majority of injuries were head trauma cases, with a significant increase in concussions and closed-head injuries over the study period.
A Dartmouth-led team has received an $8 million grant to study the effects of arsenic exposure on children's health, including allergies, infections, growth, and neurobehavioral development. The research aims to deepen understanding of environmental contaminants' impact on early life exposure and their long-term health consequences.
A study by Julie Boergers linked later school start times to improved sleep and mood in teens. The research found a significant increase in sleep duration and reduction in daytime sleepiness, depressed mood, and caffeine use after the delay in school start time.
A recent study at Mayo Clinic suggests that certain types of fractures in children may be linked to lower bone strength and a higher risk of osteoporotic fractures later in life. The study found that children with mild-trauma distal forearm fractures had weaker bones compared to those with moderate trauma or no fractures.
Women with prenatally diagnosed fear of childbirth are at a higher risk of postpartum depression, even those without a history of depression. The study analyzed data from over 500,000 mothers in Finland and found that nearly one-third of women experiencing postpartum depression had no previous history of depression.
Researchers have identified two biomarkers, low N-acetylaspartate/choline and rising choline/creatine, that are significantly correlated with developmental delays in premature infants. These chemical ratios at birth can predict the likelihood of motor development problems one year later with 70 percent certainty.
Researchers found boys raised by two-parent homes had lower rates of adult hypertension; living with one parent increases risk of blood pressure as an adult. The study suggests biologically protective mechanisms developed early life may help prevent high blood pressure later.
Researchers found that childhood cancer survivors reported lower physical and mental quality of life as symptoms increased over time. The study suggests that managing symptoms can improve daily functional status and quality of life for these patients.
Research from Concordia University shows that girls in single-sex schools report feeling more pressure to act like typical girls, while those in mixed-sex schools are less likely to be victimized by their peers. This highlights the negative repercussions of not conforming to gender roles in all-girls schools.
Research analyzed top-grossing children's movies from 2006-2010, finding 70% included weight-related stigmatizing content. The study also reveals that 26% of movie segments showed exaggerated portion sizes and 51% depicted unhealthy snacks.
A study by Nationwide Children's Hospital found nearly all high chair-related injuries involve a fall, with 93% of cases reporting a child climbing or standing in the chair. The annual number of injured children increased by almost 90%, with closed head injuries and facial injuries being most common.
A new study led by Meghan Azad found that probiotics have no effect on preventing childhood asthma. However, the research did identify a potential association between probiotics and lower respiratory infections in babies who received them as infants or in utero.
An estimated 463 children in England start smoking every day, while 55 and 30 do so in Scotland and Wales respectively. Smoking at a young age poses significant health risks, including lung development issues and increased cancer risk.
Scientists will attempt to identify a molecular signal indicating severity of brain-injury in patients at risk for vasospasm after hemorrhagic stroke. The goal is to establish individualized care and respond rapidly to changing health conditions, allowing earlier intervention and preventing secondary injuries.
A recent study by Boston Children's Hospital researchers has identified Tet1 as a crucial protein involved in wiping out genetic imprints from primordial germ cells. The findings could provide insights into the cause of certain neonatal growth defects, while also advancing the development of stem cell models of disease.
A new study from CAMH found that people carrying the SORL1 gene for Alzheimer's disease show brain changes beginning in childhood. These changes are linked to an increased risk of late-onset Alzheimer's, a condition that typically appears decades later.
Researchers at Children's National Hospital have discovered two distinct subtypes of pediatric diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPGs), a type of brain stem tumor that is almost always lethal. The study found that these subtypes are associated with poorer overall survival rates, particularly for patients with histone 3 mutations.
A strong sense of ethnic identity can help Latina girls feel positive about their body and appearance by acting as a buffer against the media's barrage of unrealistic images. The study found that cultural pride can be partially protective against body dissatisfaction, but it's not a panacea.
A study by the University of South Carolina's Arnold School of Public Health found that US mothers are less physically active than previous decades, spending more time watching TV than cooking, cleaning, and exercising. This decline in physical activity has led to a decrease in energy expenditure, potentially predisposing children to o...
Researchers found that toddlers who interacted with food in a high chair learned words for nonsolid objects more effectively due to familiarity with the setting. The study showed that changes in environment and exploration help children acquire early vocabulary, linked to better later cognitive development.
Javad Nazarian, a Children's Research Institute researcher, has received a $99,979 grant to study pediatric diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) using proteomics and RNA sequencing. The goal is to understand the molecular biology of this lethal childhood cancer.
Researchers found brain growth differences in infants carrying APOE-E4 gene, which increases risk for late-onset Alzheimer's. The study suggests early changes may provide a 'foothold' for disease pathologies.
A new study analyzed data on 1,400 preschoolers and 325 teachers to understand the impact of different types of teacher-child interactions. The research found that responsive teaching, cognitive facilitation, and structured classroom environment were crucial for supporting children's academic progress and social development.
A Michigan State University study discovered anatomical differences in the brains of children with nonverbal learning disability compared to those with Asperger's and high-functioning autism. The research found smaller spleniums in children with NLVD, which may lead to more targeted intervention strategies.
A CU-Boulder study found that sleep strengthens connections between the left and right hemispheres of young children's brains, which may help with brain function maturation. This growth is linked to improved skills such as language, attention, and impulse control.
Researchers found that playing board games like Chutes & Ladders with the 'count-on' method yields learning gains in early number skills. This approach helps children develop their ability to encode the relationship between numbers and spaces.
A groundbreaking global study on preterm birth and disability has found baby boys are at a higher risk of death and disability due to preterm birth than baby girls. The study reveals that boys are 14% more likely to be born preterm than girls, with disabilities ranging from learning problems and blindness to deafness and motor problems.
A study by Indiana University cognitive scientists reveals that 1-year-olds and their parents coordinate visual attention to objects through hand-eye coordination, rather than just following gaze. This new mechanism has implications for language learning and the treatment of children with early social-communication impairment.
A new Princeton study reveals that military children and their families face unique challenges despite being resilient. The report sheds light on the economic, social, and emotional impacts of military life on these families, highlighting the need for adaptive programs and community support.
Researchers have identified a new pathway that kills eosinophils before they can cause harm. The study found that targeting this pathway could lead to new therapies for devastating eosinophilic disorders.
A new study analyzes injuries to children under 7 years old born to teenage parents, revealing a significant risk of falls and ingested objects. The study emphasizes the need for injury prevention programs focusing on home safety and parental supervision skills to mitigate these risks.
Research at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center reveals that newborn infants' immune systems suppress helpful bacteria colonization by CD71+ cells, leading to infection susceptibility. The study proposes a new explanation for neonatal infections and suggests temporary immune suppression extends beyond the intestines.
A new study found that obesity is the largest predictor of earlier onset puberty in girls, with white girls experiencing breast development at a median age of 9.7 years. The study suggests that greater obesity may be the cause of this phenomenon, highlighting potential psychosocial and biologic outcomes for affected girls.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that 17.9% of adolescent boys in the US are extremely concerned about their weight and physique, leading to increased risk of drug use and binge drinking. Boys focused on muscularity were more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors.
Women working in Head Start programs experience higher rates of physical health conditions, depression, and poor overall health. The researchers suggest addressing the staff's health through wellness initiatives, mindfulness, and a supportive workplace culture.
Research suggests that older children with HIV may need to start antiretroviral therapy (ART) earlier to achieve high CD4 counts in later life. The recommended CD4 count thresholds for ART initiation are unlikely to maximize immunological health in children who have never received ART before the age of 10 years.
A UT Dallas study shows that preschoolers tend to trust nice people with no expertise over mean experts who clearly know the answer. Children as young as 4 years old recognize expertise in specific areas and prioritize niceness when deciding whom to believe.
A new study at Washington University School of Medicine found that nurturing home life can offset negative brain changes in poor children. The research suggests teaching nurturing skills to parents can provide a lifetime benefit for their children.
A recent study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics reveals that children with brain injuries are at a higher risk of developing depression. The research, which analyzed data from over 2,000 children with brain injuries, found a 4.9-fold increase in the odds of diagnosed depression compared to other children.
Researchers at the Bradley Hasbro Children's Research Center are developing an interactive web-based computer game for children with food allergies. The game aims to increase knowledge, improve self-efficacy, and reduce risk of serious allergic reactions by teaching children how to avoid trigger foods and manage symptoms.
A six-year study of 2,400 children found emotional and behavioral symptoms linked to poor housing quality and stress on parents. The report highlights the importance of housing quality over affordability in improving children's growth and development.
Research found that early spatial and written language skills predict later math competence in children, with strong oral language skills not contributing to math ability. Children with better spatial skills and knowledge of written letters showed stronger math performance and rapid advancement over time.
Research suggests that NICU environments may affect premature infants' developmental outcomes. Private rooms showed lower language scores and motor skills in some children at 2 years old. Further research is needed to determine the optimal environment for premature infants in the NICU.
Research shows that high-quality preschool programs can have significant impacts on children's early learning, reduce disparities, and benefit middle-class children. Coaching teachers to implement engaging curricula is key to quality education.
A new study published in Pediatrics reveals that childhood gunshot injuries are a leading cause of death and injury in children and adolescents in the US. The research found that gunshot injuries result in higher proportions of serious injuries, major surgery, and hospital deaths compared to other injury sources.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that children whose parents used an integrated personal health record were twice as likely to attend all recommended well-child care visits. The study also found a positive correlation between PHR use and immunization receipt, although the results in Hawaii were statistically non-significant.
Researchers found that young people who are overweight are twice as likely to have hypertension; moderately obese youths have four times higher risk. The study suggests pediatricians need to be particularly vigilant about screening overweight and obese children for hypertension.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry suggests a strong association between prenatal tobacco exposure and an increased risk of developing bipolar disorder (BD) in adult children. The study, which analyzed data from the Child Health and Development Study, found that maternal smoking during pregnancy was associat...
New research from the Children of the 90s study at the University of Bristol suggests that fish accounts for only seven per cent of mercury levels in the human body. This finding has significant implications for official advice warning against eating too much fish during pregnancy, which may need to be reviewed.