Research programs focused on child health and development. Covers pediatric research standards, infant nutrition and sleep, rare disorders, and childhood diabetes.
Researchers found that heart problems in Rett syndrome originate from the loss of the Rett gene (MeCP2) in nerve cells, not heart muscle cells. Abnormalities in brain activity can lead to cardiac malfunctions and death.
A recent study found that nostalgia increases both tangible donations and global intentions for charity appeals, suggesting it can foster empathy and encourage charitable behavior. The researchers used five studies to investigate the relationship between nostalgia and charitable giving, with positive results.
Researchers from Concordia University found that infants can differentiate between trustworthy and untrustworthy sources. In a series of experiments, infants were shown to imitate actions from reliable adults more frequently than those from unreliable adults. This study contributes to the understanding of infant cognition and social le...
Research suggests children born moderately preterm (32-35 weeks) have higher scores on behavioral and emotional problem measures at preschool age. This includes increased levels of anxiety/depression, aggression, attention disorders, and somatic complaints.
A three-year study funded by the National Institute for Health Research Service Delivery and Organisation (NIHR SDO) programme identified significant gaps and weaknesses in children's health information. The report emphasizes the need for child-friendly, accessible, and appropriate information that meets each child's unique needs.
Research reveals that children exposed to family violence show increased brain activity in the anterior insula and amygdala when viewing angry faces, similar to soldiers exposed to combat. This adaptation may help them detect danger but also increases risk of anxiety problems later in life.
Two UNH studies found that only 2.5% of youth surveyed participated in sexting in the past year, and most cases involving teens were handled thoughtfully by law enforcement without treating them like sex offenders. The studies also revealed that images rarely circulated online, with two-thirds staying on cell phones.
Researchers analyzed the prevalence of headaches three and 12 months after mild, moderate, or severe TBI in children aged 5-17. The study found that headache was a significant problem for some children after TBI, with adolescents and girls at highest risk. Most children recover from TBI-related headaches within several weeks.
A new UK website aims to raise awareness about childhood obesity prevention and gather parents' opinions on identifying at-risk babies. Research found that healthcare professionals, particularly GPs, need more training on early signs of obesity and providing advice on feeding habits.
Researchers found that infants' cortisol levels remain stable upon waking and after naps, unlike adults. This discovery may influence how infants handle stress and react to care from their mothers later in life.
A new study found that adding a small amount of dip to vegetables helps bitter-sensitive children eat more. Researchers found that offering low-fat dips increased broccoli consumption by 80% among bitter-sensitive children.
Researchers found that for younger white children, language plays a dominant role in defining a person's identity, often surpassing race. In contrast, older white and African American children prioritize racial identity. This study sheds light on the development of social categorization in young children.
A study by researchers at UCLA and RAND Corp. found that children's hospitals in California served largely unhealthy food, with only 7% of entrees rated as healthy. The average score for the 16 hospital food venues was 19.1 on a scale of 0 to 37.
Researchers at NYU Steinhardt will examine the impact of Head Start programs on children's developmental outcomes using data from the Head Start Impact Study. The study aims to understand what differentiates effective and less effective programs, as well as identify specific populations where Head Start is particularly effective.
A new study found that 77% of Washington state pediatricians receive requests for alternative child immunization schedules, with 61% comfortable using them. Pediatricians cited concerns about protecting children's health while respecting parents' decisions.
The Kessler Foundation has received grants totaling $296,261 to study the impact of cultural factors on health-related quality of life for people with spinal cord injuries. Dr. Denise Fyffe will use the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) to examine the cultural sensitivity of PROMIS quality of life instru...
A Johns Hopkins study found that mobile clinics and home visits had minimal effects on improving disease outcomes among low-income, inner-city children with asthma. The programs showed some improvement in symptom-free days, but these benefits were short-lived and not sustained over time.
A Duke University study found that pre-teen girls are just as likely to react aggressively to a friend's betrayal as boys, but may struggle more with feelings of sadness. The research suggests that girls' friendships require a different approach than previously thought, focusing on teaching them how to cope when a friend lets them down.
A new report from Boston College and Duke University finds that girls are more devastated than boys when friends let them down. The study examined fourth- and fifth-grade children and found that girls interpreted friendship transgressions in a negative way, leading to increased anger and aggression.
The PlayScape outdoor laboratory will feature a tree house, sensory garden, bird-watching hideaway, and more, providing a unique learning environment for children aged three to five. The project aims to enhance learning through nature-based activities and promote environmental stewardship.
A Kansas State University research group has developed a program to prevent childhood obesity by targeting young children and their parents through child care. The HOP'N Home program, which includes elements such as adult-led activities and snack time, aims to promote healthy eating and physical activity among 3- to 5-year-olds.
Researchers identified two key factors increasing the risk of childhood obesity: mothers' weight and smoking during pregnancy. Children born to overweight or smoking mothers were more likely to develop high-rising BMI trajectories, with over 50% obese by middle childhood.
Two new studies find a dramatic reduction in severe pneumonia diagnoses among children with smoke-reducing chimneys on their cookstoves. Exposure to woodsmoke during pregnancy also linked to poorer performance in IQ markers for school-aged children.
Researchers aim to measure preschoolers' physical activity in natural environments, such as childcare settings and homes, using durable devices. The goal is to develop interventions that encourage healthy habits and prevent childhood obesity.
Preschoolers who hear and use spatial language do better on tests of spatial skills, which are important in mathematics, science, and technology. The study found a 23% increase in spatial scores for children who produced 45 additional spatial words.
Preschool children who hear their parents describe objects and use those words perform better on spatial tests. The study found that learning to use a wide range of spatial words predicts later spatial thinking, which is important in mathematics, science, and technology.
A recent study found that primary care providers (PCPs) fail to report a significant number of suspected child abuse cases. The researchers validated the PCPs' decisions using expert review and provider self-assessment, revealing a high sensitivity but low reporting rate. The study highlights the need for improved education on recogniz...
A recent NIH-funded study found that children with autism have more brain cells and heavier brains compared to typically developing children. The researchers suggest that faulty prenatal cell birth or maintenance may be involved in the development of autism.
A study by Rhode Island Hospital found that commonly used dehydration scales were not accurate predictors of severe dehydration in children with diarrhea and/or vomiting in a low-income country. The researchers call for further research to develop new clinical scales with greater accuracy.
A study by Michigan State University found that video game playing boosts creativity in tasks like drawing and writing, but not other technology use. The researchers surveyed nearly 500 middle-school students and used the Torrance Test of Creativity-Figural to gauge their creative abilities.
A longitudinal study by researchers at the University of Minnesota found that negative parenting in early infancy predicts later conduct problems in children. Conflict between mothers and toddlers also plays a key role in the development of aggression.
A new study found that friendships act as a buffer against the negative effects of classmates' rejection, with children who had few or low-quality friends experiencing increased cortisol levels. The study suggests that friendships can mitigate the stress of exclusion at school.
Exposure to BPA in the womb is associated with behavior and emotional problems in young girls, according to a Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study. Higher gestational BPA concentrations were linked to more hyperactive, aggressive, anxious, and depressed behavior in girls, while boys showed no significant association.
Dr. Gail Besner continues her research on HB-EGF for treating neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a leading cause of surgical death in premature infants. Recent data suggest that HB-EGF may improve intestinal function after NEC treatment.
Scientists developed a small molecule, SJ-AK, that selectively blocks a thyroid hormone signaling pathway. This approach could lead to more tailored drugs with fewer side effects, offering new hope for treating conditions like leukemia and autoimmune disorders.
A new study finds that Canada is failing to support young families, with stagnant household incomes and high housing costs squeezing them for time and resources. Experts propose policy changes to address the issue, including universal childcare and flexible work arrangements.
Researchers found that premature infants are five times more likely to develop autism, with a 5% diagnosis rate compared to 1% in the general population. The study, which followed 862 children from birth to young adulthood, suggests low birthweight may be a risk factor for autism spectrum disorders.
According to a new research from the University of New Hampshire Crimes against Children Research Center, over 1 in 4 children have been exposed to physical violence between their parents. The study found that almost half of these children reacted by yelling at their parents to stop or trying to get away from the fight.
The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute has awarded Einstein College of Medicine a $5.7 million grant to fund IDDRC research, focusing on autism spectrum disorders, neurogenetic and seizure disorders, and more. The center aims to improve diagnosis, prevention, and treatment methods, leveraging advances in research and technologies.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing have found a link between low birthweight and an increased risk of autism spectrum disorders. Premature infants are five times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than children born at normal weight, according to the study published in Pediatrics.
Research found a 400% increase in knee injuries among children and adolescents over the last decade, with ACL and meniscus tears rising significantly.
A recent study found that 11.8% of parents use the internet to gather medical information about their child's illness or injury within 24 hours of visiting an emergency department. This online research influences understanding and decision-making about doctor visits, with many parents valuing recommendations from doctors.
A new health needs assessment framework is proposed to better manage child contacts of adult TB cases. The approach aims to reduce child mortality and the reservoir of M. tuberculosis in the community, contributing to TB elimination.
In a study published by the American Psychological Association, children aged 3-6 demonstrated a preference for attributing ownership to human-made objects over natural ones. This distinction was consistent even when encountering unfamiliar objects not previously seen.
A study of preterm infants found that those exposed to stressors in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit had decreased brain size and functional connectivity, as well as abnormal motor behavior. The researchers suggest further research is needed to improve outcomes for premature infants.
The Fisher-Price iXL Learning System, a smart device for children ages 3 to 7, received the 10th User-Centered Product Design Award for its outstanding user-centered design. The award recognizes innovative approaches to human factors/ergonomics and industrial design.
A new study found that children with thinner parents are three times more likely to be thin, with a strong association between parental and child body size. Children of thinner parents were more likely to have the 'skinny' genes, increasing their chances of being naturally thinner.
Using local biosurveillance data can improve diagnostic decisions and treatment for patients with communicable diseases. Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital found that incorporating real-time population-level data can help avoid unnecessary antibiotic treatment and correctly diagnose missed cases.
A new study from the University of Michigan found that false-positive newborn screening results do not lead to increased healthcare use, but preemies with false positives did have more outpatient visits. The study suggests that parental anxiety about false positives may be specific to certain groups.
Researchers found over half of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) tumors carried extra copies of specific cancer-linked genes, offering potential new treatments. The study, led by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientists, analyzed 43 DIPG samples and identified two key regulatory mechanisms disrupted in the tumor.
A new study from Kennedy Krieger Institute found that preschoolers' ability to estimate quantities correlates with their mathematics achievement in elementary school. The research, published in PLoS ONE, suggests that early number skills may serve as a foundation for school-age math abilities.
A recent study found that only 13% of teens with suicidal thoughts received mental health visits, and even fewer (26%) received services the year prior. This highlights the need for improved screening by primary care providers to identify suicidal tendencies.
A Michigan State University study linked parental behavior to kids' videogame playing, revealing that perceived negative parent interactions and lack of monitoring drive children to engage in gaming. Researchers aim to explore the relationship between videogame playing and actual parental behavior.
Researchers found a strong association between high-quality medical care and improved health and school engagement in undocumented children. Children with regular access to healthcare reported better academic performance and missed fewer school days due to illness or injury.
Researchers trained 11-month-old infants to improve their concentration skills, leading to enhanced cognitive abilities in unrelated tasks. This early training may have significant implications for improving academic success, particularly for children at risk of poor outcomes.
Research followed 84 infants from birth to age 2 and found that highly irritable children who have secure attachments to their mothers are more likely to get along well with others. The study suggests that interventions to help children become securely attached may be especially important for children who are highly irritable.
A UBC study found that parents' stress during their child's early years can leave lasting marks on their genes, affecting behavior and health in adolescence. Higher stress levels reported by mothers and fathers correlated with specific DNA methylation sites, including those involved in insulin production and brain development.
A Concordia University study found that fathers who actively engage with their children can positively influence their development, leading to fewer behavior problems and higher intellectual abilities. The study also highlighted the importance of mothers and other caregivers in child-rearing.
Rasmussen Encephalitis is a rare neurological disease causing seizures, cognitive deficits and paralysis of half the body. Researchers at UCLA aim to narrow down the cause(s) of the disease using animal models and collaboration between experts in brain immunology and neuropathology.
New research from the University of Montreal shows that children with attention problems are more likely to struggle academically. The study found that only 29% of children with inattention difficulties finished high school, compared to 89% without these issues.