Research programs focused on child health and development. Covers pediatric research standards, infant nutrition and sleep, rare disorders, and childhood diabetes.
Preterm infants with slower growth have delayed cerebral cortex development, report Canadian researchers in a new study published in Science Translational Medicine. The cerebral cortex is involved in cognitive and motor processes, and the study's findings may lead to new discoveries on optimizing brain development.
Scientists at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and the University of California, San Francisco, discovered a light-response pathway that controls retinal neuron development during pregnancy. This finding has significant implications for understanding fetal eye development and ocular diseases caused by vascular disorders.
A new UCLA study reveals that obese youngsters are at far greater risk of having three or more reported medical, mental, or developmental conditions compared to their non-overweight peers. The researchers found a nearly twice the risk of obesity, as well as a higher likelihood of poorer health, disability, and emotional problems.
A recent study published in Pediatrics found that 71% of pediatric patients attending specialty clinics in Edmonton used alternative medicine, while only 42% did so in Ottawa. The study highlights a need for better communication between doctors and parents about alternative medicine use, which can lead to potential drug interactions.
A recent study by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that mothers who were obese and had fussy babies spent more time watching TV with their infants. This finding highlights the growing concern of obesity and inactivity among US children, and suggests a potential solution for mothers to combat these effects
A research team from Université Laval has discovered a molecular pathway by which morphine can increase pain, leading to potential new strategies to improve treatment of post-operative and chronic pain. The researchers identified specialized cells called microglia as the culprit behind morphine-induced pain hypersensitivity.
A follow-up study by the National Institutes of Health found that very preterm infants who received higher oxygen levels continued to show cognitive and motor development benefits as toddlers. Continuous positive airway pressure therapy was also found to be an effective alternative to traditional respiratory therapy, without difference...
Two studies examine pediatric traumatic brain injuries in China, finding that falls, strikes, and traffic collisions are the leading external causes. Suspected child abuse accounts for approximately six percent of TBIs among children under two years old, a significant finding with implications for global injury research.
Research suggests that speaking skills play a vital role in closing the gap between hearing-impaired and normal-hearing children in the classroom. Children with better speech intelligibility exhibit higher social competence and reduced feelings of loneliness, according to Tel Aviv University researcher Prof. Tova Most.
Researchers at SDSU are analyzing the interaction between facial movements and speech-language development in children with cerebral palsy. They are using motion capture technology to collect data on mouth movements, which can help create more effective speech therapy techniques.
New studies published in Psychological Science found that young children can pass nonverbal versions of false-belief tasks, suggesting they are able to track the protagonist's perspective. Additionally, research showed that early executive-function skills and vocabulary knowledge predict analytical reasoning skills at age 15.
A UK-wide partnership is launching a research priority setting project to identify the most pressing questions in childhood neurodisability treatment. The project aims to prioritize unanswered questions on the effectiveness of treatments, taking into account the views of young people, families, and healthcare professionals.
Research from PolicyLab at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia shows that a home visiting program may not be effective in reducing early childhood injuries. Children served by the Nurse-Family Partnership had no fewer injuries than comparable families not enrolled in the program, with some even experiencing higher injury rates.
A mobile app named Picaa has been developed to support children with autism-related disorders or Down Syndrome. The application has shown significant improvement in perception, vocabulary acquisition, phonetic and syntactic performance, memory development and eye-hand coordination among its users.
A new study suggests that the same caregiving skills used in romantic relationships can also lead to better parenting. Researchers found a common skill set underpins caregiving across different types of relationships for both mothers and fathers.
A new method of prenatal testing using microarray technology is providing physicians with more comprehensive results than conventional karyotyping, according to George Washington University researchers. The study found that microarray analysis can identify additional abnormalities not detectable by karyotyping, allowing for earlier int...
Researchers identified MECP2 duplication syndrome as a cause of recurrent infections and neurological problems in infant boys. The study found that excess MeCP2 protein suppressed gamma interferon production, leading to partial immunodeficiency. This deficiency made it difficult for the immune system to fight off certain infections, su...
Researchers at the University of Iowa documented infants' ability to create knowledge by looking at their surroundings, starting nearly from birth. Infants need to dwell on objects to learn about them, and a mathematical model validates this importance.
Researchers found that teenage girls who smoke accumulate less bone during a critical growth period and carry a higher risk of developing osteoporosis later in life. The study suggests that strategies to help prevent osteoporosis should focus on preventing smoking, particularly among adolescent girls.
Researchers have identified a key piece of the Notch signaling pathway, specifically a domain within the Notch receptor that is crucial for determining which ligand to bind. This finding provides a molecular handle for future studies and potential therapeutic targets for diseases such as cancer.
A study by Brigham Young University found a strong correlation between the persistence of fears and the severity of classic symptoms of autism. Children with autism took longer to extinguish their original fear in response to a changing visual cue, highlighting the need to help them make emotional transitions.
A new brain study suggests that recognizing intentionality is the first step in moral computations, linking emotion to morality. The study found that adults can detect intentional harm within 60 milliseconds, triggering an emotional response.
A recent study published in Autism Research found that six-month-old infants at risk for autism spectrum disorder produce cries with higher and more variable fundamental frequency than low-risk infants. The study suggests the potential of cry acoustics as an early screening method for autism.
A Norwegian study of 963 children aged 14 and 15 found that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms were seen in roughly 33% of respondents who said they had been victims of bullying. The research also showed that girls are more likely to display PTSD symptoms than boys.
A new study reveals a 15-fold increase in inflatable bouncer-related injuries among children, with over 30 cases per day treated in US emergency departments. The research highlights the need for national safety guidelines to prevent these serious risks.
USC/CHLA researchers have found that air pollution is associated with a higher risk of developing autism in young children. Exposure to traffic-related and regional air pollution during pregnancy and early childhood may increase the risk by more than two-fold.
Infants exhibit remarkable rapid growth in new skills every day, with research showing that early abilities can predict later developments. For example, studies found that processing speed in infancy significantly predicted working memory and shifting ability at age 11, while memory in infancy predicted shifting ability.
The study identified BMP2 and BBS9 genes associated with sagittal craniosynostosis, which affects about one in 5,000 newborns. Surgical treatment is necessary to prevent increased pressure within the skull, visual problems, and learning disabilities.
Researchers will track brain development in infants with TSC using advanced imaging techniques to identify those at high risk for autism. The study aims to open new avenues of research and treatment for autism, not only in TSC but also in other causes.
A study by researchers at the University of Montreal found that children who attended daycare were 50% more likely to be overweight or obese between ages 4-10. The study suggests that diet and physical activity are key factors to reduce weight problems in children, regardless of whether they attend daycare.
Research found that adolescents spending long periods in sedentary activities are more likely to have low bone mineral content, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. Participating in high-intensity sports like football or running can significantly reduce this threat, especially for girls.
A new study published in Age & Aging found that an increase of about one glass of milk a day as a child was linked to improved physical ability and balance in older age. Childhood calcium, protein, and milk intake were associated with advantages in mobility later in life.
Researchers found that preschoolers with persistent nighttime fears were less able to distinguish reality from fantasy. Therapies like using a 'huggy puppy' toy can help children overcome their fears by leveraging their strong imagination. This study aims to develop interventions for clinicians and parents.
A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that homes with more housing quality code violations were less likely to have a working smoke alarm and safe hot water temperatures. The study, which surveyed low-income families in Baltimore, highlights the importance of improving home safety measures to reduce burn injuries among children.
A recent study published in Developmental Psychology found that variation in words, rather than similarity, may help early readers learn the rules of phonics more effectively. The study showed that students exposed to varied practice outperformed those with similar word lists, particularly among struggling learners.
A study by University of California, Berkeley researchers found elevated levels of formaldehyde and several other contaminants in day care centers, exceeding state health guidelines. Cleaning- and sanitizing-related chemicals were also present, with some at higher levels than in comparable studies on homes.
Researchers found that parents consistently rate their children as less worried and more optimistic than the children themselves. The study suggests that parental positivity bias should be taken into account when evaluating children's emotional well-being.
A study found that ATV manufacturer warning labels and formal training are largely ineffective in deterring child ATV use. Children under 16 suffer nearly 40% of all ATV-related injuries, with most crashes occurring when they were driving the ATV.
A new study found that most ATV dealers are willing to discuss selling adult-sized ATVs for children under 16, despite a federal law prohibiting such sales. Seventy percent of dealers were willing to show and discuss the sale of an adult-sized ATV when informed that it was for a 12-year-old rider.
A recent study found that only 23.2% of general orthopedic practices agreed to schedule an appointment for a pediatric fracture patient with Medicaid, while 82% accepted private PPO insurance. This decline in access to care is attributed to low Medicaid reimbursement rates.
A new study documents that US boys are experiencing an earlier age of puberty, with non-Hispanic white boys reaching puberty at 10.14 years, compared to 9.14 years for African-American boys and 10.4 years for Hispanic boys.
Researchers from Benaroya Research Institute, Seattle Children's Research Institute, and University of Virginia are joining forces to study the genetic causes of Type 1 diabetes. The study aims to identify immunologic pathways involved in the disease, which can be targeted for diagnosis and therapy.
The University of Michigan will receive a $5.2 million federal grant to study the relationship between birth-related pelvic floor injuries and common disorders such as urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. Researchers hope to develop new prevention strategies and treatment options for women suffering from these conditions.
Professor Fredrik Bäckhed and his team will study intestinal flora in newborn children to discover new methods for treating childhood obesity. The researchers aim to determine whether intestinal bacteria from non-obese children can be used to develop new prevention strategies.
A Kaiser Permanente study found no association between HPV vaccination and increased pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, or contraceptive counseling among girls. The study included 1,398 girls ages 11-18 who received at least one dose of the vaccine, with only 8% diagnosed with an STI or having a positive pregnancy test.
A study by the University of Iowa found that infants who form a secure relationship with either parent during the first two years of life are less likely to experience emotional and behavioral problems later on. The researchers discovered that being attached to one parent is just as beneficial as being close to mom, and that this bond ...
Stanford researchers used brain scans to scan the brain anatomy of 39 children once a year for three years. The scans revealed that children with above-average reading skills had specific nerve bundle FA values, while those with lower reading skills had high FA values that declined over time.
Scientists have assembled a large collection of research to examine how experiences interact with biology from before birth, affecting life course trajectories. The study provides new insights into the interaction between experience and biology in the early years, setting a direction for future research.
A new study found that nearly half of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) attempt to elope at least once after age 4, with 53% going missing long enough to cause concern. The study also reveals that elopement behavior is often goal-oriented and intent-driven, with children seeking to go somewhere or do something.
A randomized clinical trial of 377 premature babies found that receiving fresher blood did not improve clinical outcomes, including major organ injury, mortality, and infection. The study, led by Dr. Dean Fergusson, used the gold standard of medical science and challenged existing beliefs about fresh blood being better.
Using liposomes packed with local anesthetic, researchers at Boston Children's Hospital delayed the rise of neuropathic pain by two days and a month in animal models. The method could potentially allow doctors to stop the cascade of events leading to chronic pain.
A new study found that maternal depression treatment with serotonin reuptake inhibitors accelerates babies' language development, while untreated depression prolongs this period. Researchers measured changes in heart rate and eye movement to sounds and video images of native and non-native languages.
The study found a significant increase in newborn mortality rates in Philadelphia after the closures, with rates rising from 5 deaths per 1,000 to 8 per 1,000. After 2000, the rates returned to pre-closure levels, but the outcomes did not improve over baseline.
A new study explores the ties between childhood weight problems, socioeconomic status, and nationality in the US and England. The research finds that race, ethnicity, and immigrant status are significant risk factors for weight problems among children.
A USC study indicates that at least 8% of childhood asthma cases in LA County can be attributed to traffic-related pollution within 250 feet of busy roadways. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions through policies and near-roadway exposure can maximize health benefits. The research suggests a link between urban air pollution, including nit...
A recent study published in Neurology found that children who experienced emotional neglect may have a higher risk of stroke in adulthood. The research, which analyzed data from over 1,000 participants, discovered a nearly three-fold increase in stroke risk among those with moderately high levels of childhood emotional neglect.
A study by NYU School of Medicine found a significant association between higher urinary BPA concentrations and obesity in children and adolescents. Exposure to BPA, a synthetic chemical banned from sippy cups and baby bottles, was linked to increased body mass in white children and adolescents.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg conducted a study on children's game playing, focusing on the educational game Fingu. The results showed that curiosity and imagination could be improved in the game, while also emphasizing the importance of understanding how different game designs affect parent-child interactions.
A new feasibility study by Temple University researchers found that a 6-month clinic-based community program helped 10% fewer children overcome obesity. The program, which included weight loss and management lessons for kids and their parents, was successfully implemented in the community.
A new study found that nearly three-quarters of critically ill children had low vitamin D levels, leading to increased sickness and longer hospital stays. The research suggests that vitamin D supplements may be able to rapidly restore levels and improve outcomes.