Research programs focused on child health and development. Covers pediatric research standards, infant nutrition and sleep, rare disorders, and childhood diabetes.
A new systematic review of 70 studies reveals strong relationships between sign language competences and spoken and written language abilities. The findings suggest that English-only approaches may not be suitable for d/Deaf students, who benefit from nurturing their bilingualism through BSL.
New research shows that routine symptom screening using a validated tool (SSPedi) can reduce symptom burden and support implementing care pathways for improved symptom management. This study found a clinically meaningful decrease in total symptom score, with 12 of 15 symptoms measured showing significant improvement.
In a groundbreaking trial, CAR-T cell therapy has shown promising results in shrinking brain tumors and restoring neurologic function in children with deadly brain cancer. The study found significant clinical benefits in nine out of 11 participants, including four who experienced complete tumor regression.
A recent study published in Med found that pregnant women who chewed xylitol-containing gum twice daily experienced a 24% decrease in preterm births compared to those who did not receive the intervention. The study also saw a 30% drop in low-birthweight babies.
A new study demonstrates that Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation (TSS) and movement training can improve walking ability in children with Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM). Three children showed significant improvements in walking distance, posture, speed, and overall function.
Researchers analyzed medical trends for the most common childhood rheumatic disorder, finding that newer biologic and targeted therapies surpassed traditional treatments. The study revealed a significant decline in conventional therapy use and an increase in biologic therapies, particularly adalimumab.
The American Pediatric Society has welcomed 98 new members for 2025, including outstanding advocates, scholars, educators, and clinicians. These individuals have distinguished themselves as child health leaders and are making a significant impact on the lives of children throughout North America and the world.
Professor Amal's research has uncovered crucial links between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Alzheimer's disease, suggesting shared molecular mechanisms that could revolutionize treatment approaches. He is developing biological diagnostics and treatments for ASD through his biotechnology companies, Point6 Bio Ltd and NeuroNOS Ltd.
A new Penn State study found that consistent bedtimes are crucial for children's emotional regulation and behavioral control. Children who followed a regular sleep schedule displayed improved self-regulation skills, while those with inconsistent bedtimes showed increased impulsivity.
A recent study found that over a quarter of new mothers have fallen asleep while feeding their babies, increasing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Researchers are urging care providers to inform new moms about the potential risks and provide guidance on safe feeding practices.
A longitudinal cohort study found no significant associations between prenatal SARS-CoV-2 infection and child neurodevelopment outcomes in the first two years of life. Follow-up research is needed to determine if these effects persist into later childhood.
A study by Texas A&M University has revealed high levels of lead, barium, and chromium in soil samples from the Greater Fifth Ward neighborhood. The findings highlight the need for environmental protection programs to address health risks associated with heavy metal exposure.
The CRISPR tool was successfully used to correct a genetic defect in cells affected by chronic granulomatous disease. However, the repair process also introduced new genetic defects, highlighting the need for caution when using CRISPR technology in clinical settings.
A study of over 2.4 million individuals born in Canada found that preterm birth is associated with lower employment income, university enrollment, and educational attainment through age 28. The findings suggest that long-term supports are vital to mitigate the effects of preterm birth on socioeconomic outcomes.
A global research team, led by Indiana University's Linda Smith, will investigate how shape perception influences language acquisition in children with typical and atypical developmental trajectories. The project aims to develop a cross-disciplinary theory of the dynamic interaction between language and cognitive systems.
A new study published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health found that children living in areas with a high burden of tuberculosis have a consistently high annual risk of developing TB infection throughout childhood. By age 10, over 10% of children developed TB disease.
A new NIH study found exposure to organophosphate esters (OPEs) during pregnancy may affect childhood obesity risk. Children exposed to higher levels of certain OPEs had a greater or lower risk of obesity compared to those with lower exposure.
A study by Uppsala University finds that childhood overweight is associated with socio-economic disadvantage, particularly in regions with high rates of single parenthood and low education levels. The prevalence of overweight among 4-year-olds has fallen to pre-pandemic levels, but regional disparities persist.
A Johns Hopkins study found that adding digital feedback to traditional health counseling for parents improves healthy growth in young children. The study, which used text messages and a web-based dashboard, reduced obesity rates in the first two years of life.
A USC study involving 8,500 children found that exposure to certain sources of air pollution, particularly ammonium nitrate, is linked to poor learning and memory performance in 9- and 10-year-olds. This study contributes to the mounting evidence that fine particulate matter PM2.5 can cause neurocognitive harm across the lifespan.
A new study found that improving pediatric emergency care readiness can prevent up to 2,143 child deaths annually with modest financial investment. The research suggests an annual cost of $3 per child can save approximately 30 lives in Oregon.
A new study from the University of Toronto finds that childhood neglect is associated with a range of mental and physical health problems in adulthood. The presence of a supportive adult and higher socioeconomic status largely attenuate this relationship.
Research reveals that antenatal corticosteroids can lead to smaller volumes of key brain areas in preterm infants, affecting emotion processing and motor control. The study suggests a delicate balance between benefits for respiratory health and potential risks to neurological development.
A University of Minnesota Medical School research team has found that giving iron supplements to children living with HIV can optimize brain development. The study, published in the Lancet HIV journal, demonstrates that iron is not only beneficial but also safe for these children.
A national study found that genomic sequencing can diagnose mitochondrial disease in over half of patients, simplifying the diagnostic journey and sparing invasive testing. The study also identified factors that impact testing results, particularly among children.
A new study by UCLA Health reveals that standard medical record surveillance methods miss youth with suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, boys, and Black and Hispanic youths. Machine learning algorithms improved detection rates when incorporating additional data from visit notes.
A comprehensive review of global evidence highlights the devastating effects of family violence on mental and physical well-being. The study, involving over 3 million individuals, reveals a strong connection between family violence and various adverse health outcomes.
Professor Vicki Clifton's team has identified a sex-specific variant of the glucocorticoid receptor isoform that enhances inflammation in the placenta during maternal stress. This finding could transform how clinicians approach pregnancy complications and neonatal care, leading to targeted interventions based on placental function.
Dr. Bonnie W. Ramsey is recognized for her significant contributions to advancing child health and the profession of pediatrics. Her work on cystic fibrosis has dramatically improved life expectancy for children with the disease.
A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics reveals that 30% of parents with a very low birth weight baby have had to make an employment decision due to their child's health and ongoing care needs. Having a medically complex baby often forces parents to consider leaving their job, impacting their health insurance plans and networks.
Researchers at UCLA Health found an association between childhood attention problems and increased psychosis risk, with genetic variants acting as a middleman. The study used data from over 10,000 children to explore the relationship between attention span variability and psychotic-like symptoms.
Research from Karolinska Institutet finds that abnormal BMI in children can lead to impaired lung function, but normalizing BMI before adulthood may offset this. The study, which followed over 4,000 children, also found a correlation between low BMI and reduced lung growth.
Researchers have identified a genetic signature that can predict neonatal sepsis in newborns before symptoms appear, allowing for earlier recognition and life-saving treatment. The discovery has the potential to improve healthcare outcomes in lower- and middle-income countries where neonatal sepsis is most prevalent.
Researchers at the University of Illinois are using a wearable device called LittleBeats to collect data on infant behavior in real-world settings. The first grant focuses on infant-parent interactions and emotional regulation, while the second grant explores infant sleep/wake patterns and health outcomes.
Researchers found that brief interventions with core physician teams boosted internal coordination, leading to better learning and productivity among trainees. Team coordination with external roles, such as nurses, also enhanced trainee learning and patient stays were shorter.
Research from Lancaster University found that restricting new fast-food outlets led to fewer overweight and obese children in Gateshead, England. The policy resulted in a statistically significant reduction of 4.80% in childhood obesity prevalence in deprived areas.
A randomized controlled trial found that removing toddler screen time in the hour before bed leads to better sleep quality and more efficient nighttime sleep. The study suggests that limiting screen time before bed may be a useful strategy for improving toddler sleep.
A new study by Florida Atlantic University explores the experiences of harm in the metaverse among US youth, finding that 33% of teens own a VR device and 13% use it weekly. The study reveals significant percentages of youth reporting hate speech, bullying, harassment, and grooming behaviors.
New research from Ohio State University found a 7% increase in US infant mortality rates in the months following the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health decision. The study also revealed a 10% increase in infant deaths among babies born with chromosomal or genetic abnormalities.
Researchers found Inuit children's head circumferences were significantly larger than WHO charts, leading to overdiagnosis of macrocephaly and underdiagnosis of microcephaly. This perpetuates a system that brings harm to Inuit people due to historical context of racism and mistreatment.
Researchers found that female mouse models of Rett syndrome have a mosaic-like distribution of cells expressing wild-type and mutant MeCP2 protein, leading to dysregulated genes. The study also discovered an unusual disease progression, with females having more dysregulated genes at the pre-symptomatic stage than later on.
A new study by Simon Fraser University researchers found that folic acid supplementation may weaken the link between blood-lead levels and autistic-like behaviors in children. The study suggests that adequate folic acid supplementation mitigates the neurotoxic effects of lead, reducing the risk of autism.
The Wayne State University College of Education is conducting a three-year project to examine the impact of mixed-income neighborhood initiatives on educational inequality for Black low-income youth. The research team will investigate how HUD's Choice Neighborhoods Initiative in Detroit's Corktown neighborhood improves social cohesion ...
A large-scale study of children with genetic disorders found that thousands benefited from targeted treatments and support after receiving a genetic diagnosis, with over 20% able to start or adjust therapies. Researchers expect this number to grow as new genetic therapies develop.
Researchers at the University of Calgary found that girls and non-binary youth who experience teen dating violence are at an elevated risk for concussion. The study, published in Journal of Adolescent Health, analyzed data from Canadian Grade 9 and 10 students and found that one in three experienced physical, psychological, and/or cybe...
Researchers identified three key trauma features - boggy swelling to the head, abdominal bruising, and thigh swelling or deformity - that prompt immediate review and prioritized treatment. The study found children brought in by carers were seen within an average time of 58.5 minutes, highlighting the need for improved triage alerts.
The Northwestern Mental Health, Earlier Center will address the youth mental health crisis by targeting early signs of vulnerability to mental health problems in toddlers through routine pediatric care. The center aims to foster self-regulation skills and reduce mental health risk by promoting developmental health promotion frameworks.
A study from the University of Kansas found that parents trust AI-generated text, like ChatGPT, more than healthcare professionals' content. Parents rated ChatGPT as more trustworthy, accurate, and reliable in many cases, even when there were significant differences in ratings.
New research suggests parenting programs that address both mental health and parenting skills can improve children's development. However, these programs often fall short in providing effective mental-health support for parents, who may struggle with depression during the perinatal period.
A study published by PLOS ONE analyzed 1,255 books from 34 countries and found that sexist stereotypes are prevalent globally. Lee Crawfurd's research highlights a need for balanced content in textbooks to broaden options for both boys and girls.
Researchers have developed a novel gene therapy approach that targets and breaks down faulty ribonucleic acids in the KCNA2 gene, which is associated with recurring seizures. The therapy has shown promise in reducing excessive neuron activity linked to epilepsy.
Researchers found that lap support overestimated systolic pressure by nearly 4 mmHg and an unsupported arm hanging at the side overestimated systolic pressure by nearly 7 mmHg. The study emphasizes the importance of adhering to clinical guidelines for accurate blood pressure measurement.
A study by researchers at UCLA found that Black, Hispanic, and American Indian adolescents are more likely to be tested for drugs and alcohol than white adolescents at pediatric trauma centers. The study suggests that clinician biases may contribute to these disparities.
Researchers at Wayne State University are exploring the connections between PFAS exposure, bacterial infections, and preterm birth. The study aims to identify critical pathways responsible for preterm birth and establish a causative link between pollutant exposures and adverse birth outcomes.
A new study led by UCL researchers found that UK toddlers obtain nearly half of their calories from ultra-processed foods, with this ratio increasing to 59% by the age of seven. The most common ultra-processed foods consumed were flavoured yoghurts and wholegrain breakfast cereals.
A study of over 1,329 adults and 1,907 caregivers found that two-thirds of adults with food allergies and three-quarters of adult caregivers reported psychological distress related to food allergy. The biggest barrier to access to psychological help was cost, highlighting the need for free or low-cost support.
A recent study by UC San Francisco and the University of Michigan found that childhood trauma can lead to increased pain, depression, and loneliness in older adults. Participants who experienced more traumatic events were more likely to experience these symptoms during their final years.
A new study published in Scientific Reports reveals the importance of foot movement in early infant development and interaction. By using machine and deep learning techniques, researchers found that AI can accurately classify five-second clips of 3D infant movements, with foot movements showing the highest accuracy rates.
Research reveals that children who attended day care regularly are more likely to overcome stereotypical beliefs in adulthood. Participants who spent time in day care were quicker to adjust their behavior when interacting with people of different ages.
As of 2019, over 1.4 million US children have lost a family member to a drug overdose, according to a USC Dornsife study. The trend shows younger children are increasingly affected, with 5-year-olds experiencing loss at the same rate as 10-year-olds 15 years ago.