Research programs focused on child health and development. Covers pediatric research standards, infant nutrition and sleep, rare disorders, and childhood diabetes.
A study published in Pediatrics shows a significant increase in emergency room visits for children with sports-related traumatic brain injuries, including concussions. The number of admissions also rose, with patients with less severe injuries being treated in the hospital more frequently.
A national study of 2 to 5 year olds shows that psychotropic prescription use has leveled off since 2006. The likelihood of receiving behavioral diagnoses increased during this time but was not accompanied by a corresponding increase in psychotropic prescriptions.
A new Indiana University study found that preterm birth is strongly linked to infant and young adult mortality, autism, and ADHD. However, it also suggests that other associated issues, such as severe mental illness and economic woes, may be related to shared family factors rather than preterm birth itself.
A new study published in Child Development found that playing with blocks improves preschoolers' spatial skills, which support later math-related learning. Low-income children, who often lag behind in spatial skills, can particularly benefit from block play to close the gap.
A UMass Amherst study found that daytime naps improve memory and visual-spatial task performance in preschool children. Children who napped did significantly better on a test after a nap and the next day compared to those who didn't nap.
A parental survey to measure vaccine hesitancy was linked to children's underimmunization rates. Parents with higher survey scores were more likely to have underimmunized children, highlighting the potential for such surveys as a predictive tool.
A new study published by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found a strong link between exposure to diesel exhaust and increased asthma severity in children. The research suggests that neutralizing the protein IL-17A could be a useful potential therapeutic strategy to counteract the effects of traffic-related air pollution.
A systematic review by CWRU researchers found that parents of chronically ill children experience significant stress due to the added demands of caregiving, including managing medical treatments and school issues. The study suggests that parenting stress can be intervened upon with targeted support and coping strategies.
Researchers at Children's National Medical Center have found that the new oral drug VBP15 decreases inflammation and protects muscles, potentially preventing or delaying the onset of symptoms in Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients. Initial clinical trials are planned pending FDA review and approval.
Children's National Hospital has received a five-year NIH grant to identify reliable early signs of prenatal brain injury in congenital heart disease. The study aims to develop non-invasive methods to detect high-risk cases before birth, opening windows for new treatments to prevent impaired brain development.
Children who feel connected to their peers exhibit fewer behavioral problems, while girls are more likely to intervene when needed. Strong collective efficacy among youth promotes positive outcomes, similar to those seen in adult communities.
A study found that children with behavioral problems at age 8 had higher CRP and IL-6 levels in their blood at age 10, indicating an early warning sign for potential health issues later in life. This link highlights the importance of monitoring both mental and physical health in children with behavioral problems.
Researchers at the University of Strathclyde are working to better understand how cerebral palsy affects children's speech. They hope to develop more effective treatments by analyzing speech patterns in over 40 affected youngsters.
Researchers from Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that inhibiting RUNX1 protein could be a promising therapeutic strategy for acute myeloid leukemia. The study suggests that blocking this protein may stop the development of leukemia cells, offering potential new treatment options.
Researchers at Children's National Hospital discovered that apoptosis activates an 'escape' replication process in human herpesviruses, potentially leading to disease reactivation. This process may be triggered by chemotherapy agents, suggesting the need for antiviral treatment during such procedures.
Researchers have identified a molecular signature in human tissue samples from women who experienced premature birth. A combinatory treatment strategy involving rapamycin and progesterone effectively prevented preterm birth in mice model, suggesting potential for reducing incidence in high-risk women.
A multidisciplinary team led by Irina Buhimschi at Nationwide Children's Hospital has been awarded a Grand Challenge grant for their low-cost, paper-based urine test to diagnose preeclampsia. The test enables early diagnosis of the condition in resource-limited areas, reducing morbidity and mortality related to preeclampsia.
New research by World Vision and Columbia University shows that Child Friendly Spaces can help Congolese children recover from trauma after fleeing conflict. Children who frequently attended CFS sustained their psychosocial wellbeing, while those who didn't showed significant deterioration.
A new study from the University of Michigan researchers found that children with higher BPA levels had a higher odds of obesity and adverse levels of body fat. The study measured BPA levels in children's urine and found an association between high BPA levels and abnormal waist circumference-to-height ratio.
New research reveals that allowing children to make a difficult choice to sacrifice their own toys leads to increased sharing behavior in the future. By giving children autonomy over sharing decisions, they are more likely to see themselves as people who like to share, leading to greater prosociality and generosity.
A study by University of Warwick researchers found that young children under 4 struggle to understand the concept of competition and how it relates to others' goals. They failed to appreciate the intentional use of poaching moves in games, even when faced with their opponent's actions.
A new study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers found that children exposed to lead are nearly three times more likely to be suspended from school by the 4th grade. This highlights a significant disparity in school discipline, with African-American students facing a notable disadvantage.
A new study out of the University of Cincinnati examines how parents use bibliotherapy, using books as interventions for children with social disabilities. The study found that parents' own childhood memories influence their views on intervention strategies, and training on bibliotherapy can improve communication and behavior.
Researchers found that texting significantly affected drivers' speed and lane position for all study participants, with added risks for drivers with ADHD. The study used a driving simulator to test 61 16- and 17-year-old drivers with varying levels of ADHD diagnoses.
A longitudinal study found that children with lower conscientiousness tend to experience worse health, including greater obesity, as adults. Childhood conscientiousness was significantly associated with decreased cardiovascular and metabolic system function, leading to increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
A study by Baylor College of Medicine found that growth-restricted mice became obese due to reduced physical activity, not increased appetite. This discovery has implications for the worldwide obesity epidemic affecting millions of low birth weight babies.
A new study found that over 12,000 US children are treated each year for nonfatal food-related choking, with hard candy being the leading cause. The study also showed that more than half of choking episodes involve high-risk foods like hot dogs, seeds, and nuts.
A large study from Boston Children's Hospital found that 61% of teenagers had been exposed to at least one potentially traumatic event, with girls more likely to develop PTSD than boys. Risk factors for developing PTSD include lack of both biological parents in the home and pre-existing mental disorders like ADHD.
A team of Nationwide Children's Hospital researchers identified a genetic mutation in the FOXP1 gene that contributes to congenital heart disease. The study found that a rare mutation in FOXP1 affects Nkx2.5 transcription factor expression, which is implicated in congenital heart disease.
New research from The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia estimates a potential surge in medically-attended injuries, particularly among currently uninsured young adults who will now be able to access affordable care. The study predicts an increase in demand for treatment among younger patients with mild and moderate injuries.
A new mathematical model developed by the NIH predicts how weight and body fat in children respond to adjustments in diet and physical activity. The results suggest that obese children may require more calories per pound of extra weight than adults, and may have therapeutic windows for weight management.
In a study published in Developmental Psychology, researchers found that gesturing significantly improves young children's performance on cognitive tasks. The study shows that even 2-and-a-half-year-olds who use gestures outperform their peers, suggesting a strong link between gesture and cognitive development.
Infants develop wariness of heights after gaining locomotor experience, contradicting the idea that they follow a maturational script. The study suggests that exploration and movement strategies are crucial in developing skills and learning to adapt to terrain.
Researchers found that only one type of alveolar macrophage can fend off secondary bacterial infections, which are depleted during flu infections. The study aims to develop strategies for treatment and immunotherapies to supplement natural defenses.
Two proteins, TMC1 and TMC2, critical for hearing were identified by researchers at Boston Children's Hospital. The study found that these proteins form channels converting sound waves into electrical signals for the brain.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital found that split liver transplantation carries no increased risk of failure in recipients, allowing surgeons to save young patients and adults. By allocating infants and small children first and splitting available livers, doctors can virtually eliminate waitlist mortality for children.
Researchers found that pairing vegetables with flavored dips increased acceptance among children, with 64% finding veggies yummy when paired, compared to 31%. The dip's flavor and type played a significant role in kids' willingness to try vegetables.
A new study identifies poor planning skills as a contributing factor to the income-achievement gap in children, which can emerge as early as kindergarten. The study found that lower household income during infancy is associated with poorer performance on reading and math in fifth grade.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University traced chronic health problems of adult inner-city women to childhood abuse and neglect. The study found that childhood trauma affects physical health in adulthood through lifetime drug dependence, smoking, and psychological distress.
A recent brain imaging study by Boston Children's Hospital suggests that consuming highly processed carbohydrates can stimulate the brain's reward and craving centers, leading to excessive hunger. Limiting high-glycemic index foods may help obese individuals control their appetite.
Research shows that almost all children with congenital heart disease have low Vitamin D levels before and after surgery. Children with lower post-operative Vitamin D levels require more life-sustaining therapies and stay in the ICU longer.
The practice of carrying loads on the head has significant biomechanical, maternal, and psycho-social impacts. Load-carrying is linked to poor school attendance and time budgets for women, affecting gender relations.
New research at the University of Chicago shows that non-verbal clues about words can help young children learn new vocabulary faster. The quality of these cues explains a quarter of the differences in children's vocabularies when they enter kindergarten.
A new study by University of Pennsylvania psychologists reveals that early vocabulary improvement is linked to the quality of interactions, not just quantity. High-quality interactions with parents significantly predict a child's success throughout schooling.
Research by Dr. Robert Wyatt and his team provides insights into the molecular mechanism of IgA nephropathy, a common kidney disease in North America. The study's findings suggest noninvasive tests for diagnosis and monitoring, potentially leading to improved treatment outcomes for patients.
A new study found that children with extended evening office hours had half as many emergency department visits, but only half of parents knew their child's office was open after 5 PM. Enhanced access services like same-day sick visits were not associated with reduced emergency department use.
Children exposed to maternal depression are nearly twice as likely to develop emotional problems and separation anxiety symptoms. However, regular group-based child care attendance is linked to a more positive outcome for these children, including reduced chances of developing emotional problems.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health conclude that community-based approaches are crucial in preventing childhood obesity. The study found that comprehensive interventions incorporating schools and focusing on both diet and physical activity are more effective in preventing obesity in children.
A study of 596 parents found significant differences in perceived positive effects of TV viewing between parents of ethnically/racially diverse children and non-Hispanic white children. Children watched an average of 462 minutes of TV per week, with African American kids watching more than other racial groups.
A new study reveals that medical devices contribute to complications in children with complex medical conditions. The research found that vascular access devices and nervous system devices were the most common types of devices associated with adverse events, which often affected young children under the age of 2.
Researchers found anesthesia-induced cell death in neurons is not limited to the immature brain, but targets neurons of a certain age and maturational stage. This finding may have implications for millions of children and adults undergoing surgical anesthesia annually.
A new study by University of Maryland researchers finds that peer group pressures can start in elementary schools, affecting children's development from an early age. Children show moral independence and will stand up to the group, but also struggle with conflicts between loyalty and fairness.
A new study found that formula-fed rhesus monkeys experienced metabolic stress, similar to those who were breastfed, which may explain the link between early feeding practices and chronic diseases. Reducing protein content in infant formula could be beneficial in reducing metabolic stress.
A new international study found that prolonged, intense initial treatment in children with multi-system Langerhans cell histiocytosis (MS-LCH) can achieve survival rates as high as 84 percent. The study also showed a significant reduction in disease reactivation rate compared to shorter treatment periods.
UCLA will study the use of videoconferencing technology to deliver integrated behavioral and mental health services to children in community primary care settings. The project aims to provide effective, efficient, and family-centered care to children in low-income communities.
The first-ever enterovirus 71 vaccine has been shown to be highly effective in protecting young children against the potentially deadly hand, foot, and mouth disease. The vaccine demonstrated 90% protection against clinical EV71-associated HFMD and 80.4% against EV71-associated disease for at least 12 months.
A cross-sectional study found that bicycle helmet laws significantly reduced the risk of death and injury for children under 16 involved in bicycle-motor vehicle collisions. The study showed a 20% lower fatality rate in states with helmet laws, with an average annual reduction of 900 fatalities.
A new study from Cornell University found that increasing gym class time reduces youth obesity probability by 4.8 percentage points. The study suggests PE is more beneficial for boys than girls, who may substitute increased PE with TV watching.
A study published in Early Human Development found that massage therapy increased heart rate variability in male preterm infants, similar to term infants, suggesting improved stress response. However, female preterm infants did not show a significant increase in HRV after massage therapy.
A new PLOS Collection evaluates the effectiveness of maternal, newborn, and child health interventions in low- and middle-income countries. The study reveals that some coverage indicators can be measured accurately, while others require further investigation to ensure valid results.