Research programs focused on child health and development. Covers pediatric research standards, infant nutrition and sleep, rare disorders, and childhood diabetes.
A study on preschoolers in licensed day care homes found that children's cortisol levels increase when they are in care, exceeding home levels. Cortisol increases are larger in day care homes where providers are overcontrolling.
A new study published in Child Development found that children whose minds are stimulated in multiple early childhood settings have higher achievement in elementary school. The research highlights the importance of improving coordination among parents, preschool classrooms, and elementary schools to boost children's achievement.
A new study found that increased parent involvement across elementary school years is associated with fewer problem behaviors and better social skills, but no impact on academic performance. The Study of Early Childcare and Youth Development followed over 1,300 children from birth to fifth grade.
Four researchers from the Center for Vaccine Awareness and Research at Texas Children's Hospital presented studies on vaccine attitudes, rotavirus prevention, pertussis cocooning, and school-based immunization programs. The research aimed to educate parents about immunizations and promote healthier children and families.
Researchers link PMSE syndrome to mTOR pathway, a complex network implicated in common neurological disorders with autism-like symptoms. The study reveals clues about TSC, a relatively common disorder, and its connection to PMSE and other neurological conditions.
Research found that earlier puberty in boys triggers chemicals related to antisocial behavior, while later puberty is associated with higher levels of cortisol. This study suggests that parents should be aware of the potential impact of puberty on their children's behavior and provide sensitive support.
Research found that 5% of low-income caregivers reported making trade-offs to pay for medical care, often at the expense of basic necessities like food and utilities. Children in these families were at increased risk of poor health, hospitalization, and developmental delays.
A recent study found that 92% of Medicaid renewal applications were written at or above the fifth-grade reading level, contributing to gaps in insurance coverage for children. Simplifying these applications may help improve child Medicaid retention and access to better medical care.
A pilot program involving parents and their overweight or obese children found that a family-focused Weight Watchers approach reduced body mass indexes in children. The program's success rate was 67%, with sustained improvements over the course of a year, emphasizing the importance of parental involvement in child health.
A study of nearly 3,600 New England middle school students found that those whose parents restricted access to R-rated movies were substantially less likely to start drinking. The researchers suggest that parental attention to children's media exposure is crucial and recommend limiting exposure to adult content.
Despite longer active resuscitation times, the survival rate of very preterm babies (born at 22-23 weeks) remains unchanged. The study found that more babies were being actively treated, but outcome remained the same.
A study led by Johns Hopkins Children's Center found that children who lose a parent to suicide are three times more likely to commit suicide than those with living parents. The researchers also found that these children are nearly twice as likely to be hospitalized for depression and have an increased risk of committing violent crimes.
Researchers discovered that larger body types at age seven were associated with a decreased risk of postmenopausal breast cancer. The study found that leaner girls had an increased risk of breast cancer, while larger bodies were protective against estrogen receptor negative tumours.
Research finds that crowded and unstable housing, food insecurity, and energy insecurity negatively impact the growth, health, and development of infants and toddlers from low-income families. The study, published in Pediatrics, highlights remediable conditions influencing young children's well-being.
The four-year project will investigate and prototype approaches to achieving a standardized health information technology platform model. The SMArt architecture aims to provide core services and support extensively networked data from across the health system.
A new study published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology found that 90% of children with intermittent exotropia will become nearsighted by age 20. Researchers followed 135 patients over a 20-year period and discovered a significantly higher rate of myopia development in this population compared to previously reported rates.
Researchers at Queen's University found that toddlers as young as 21 months can be selective in their helping and reward good intentions. In three experiments with infants and two actresses, 75% of toddlers helped the actress who made an effort to help, even if they didn't receive a toy.
A study by Pitt/Magee research team found that women with preeclampsia have reduced numbers of endothelial progenitor cells, which are thought to help grow and maintain blood vessels. This adaptation didn't happen in patients with preeclampsia, a pregnancy disorder characterized by high blood pressure.
A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that exposure to phenols, phthalates, and phytoestrogens may disrupt the timing of pubertal development in girls. High exposure to certain chemicals was associated with early breast development, while others were linked to delayed puberty.
Children with insecure attachments have repeated experiences of caregivers responding inconsistently, leading to behavioral problems like aggression and hostility. The meta-analysis of 69 studies found that early insecure attachment to mothers is associated with later behavioral issues in children, including boys.
A Johns Hopkins study found that community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) colonization rates increased among pediatric ICU patients, with younger children and African-American children more affected. Universal screening upon hospital admission and weekly screenings can help curb the spread of MRSA.
Researchers found that words significantly impacted 3-month-old infants' cognitive performance in a categorization task. Infants who heard words showed evidence of forming the fish category, while those who heard tones did not.
Research found that 18-month-old gesturing in brain-injured children can predict later vocabulary delays; the study suggests that gesture may be a diagnostic tool for identifying children who will experience persistent language delay. The findings have both therapeutic and diagnostic implications.
A new study led by the University of Edinburgh reveals that pneumonia is the leading cause of child death in China, accounting for 17% of deaths in under-5s. The number of children dying before age five has dropped by 70% since 1990 due to increased access to hospital treatment.
Troubled children diagnosed with bipolar disorder may benefit from alternative diagnoses like Severe Mood Dysregulation or Temper Dysregulation Disorder. The Hastings Center researchers recommend reframing the diagnosis and treatment approach to address family and social contexts.
A study found that sexually experienced girls resume sexual activity after periods of abstinence, with short-term factors including good relationships, personal interest, and mood influencing the decision. Long-term predictors include relationship quality and personal interest.
A recent study found that children with severe behavior disturbances had approximately double the risk of chronic widespread pain by age 45 compared to those without behavioral problems. The researchers believe a dysfunction in the interaction between the nervous system and hormones may have long-term consequences for adult health.
A study by Nationwide Children's Hospital found that immigrants with disabilities were more likely to be employed than US-born individuals with disabilities. The median income for foreign-born persons with disabilities was $20,000, compared to $22,000 for U.S.-born individuals.
A study by University of Rochester Medical Center researchers found that teaching self-control skills to children significantly reduces classroom problems and improves behavior. Children in a school-based mentoring program were about half as likely to have any discipline incident over the three-month period.
A new study published in the American Journal of Health Promotion shows that teenagers who consume 100% fruit juice have a more nutrient-dense diet compared to non-consumers. The study found lower intakes of total dietary fat and saturated fat, as well as higher intakes of key nutrients like Vitamins C and B6, folate, potassium, and iron.
A study published in Obesity found that community involvement can significantly reduce childhood obesity rates, with a 8.3% decrease seen in low-income minority schools compared to 1.3% in traditional programs. Researchers emphasize the need for environmental and societal level changes to address this issue.
A new Houston study shows that a kid-friendly weight management program can lead to significant weight loss and improved physical quality of life for children. The 6-month program involved instruction-led sessions on nutrition and behavior-change skills, resulting in better outcomes compared to a self-taught approach.
A study by American Heart Association found that organized physical activity is associated with better academic performance, lower body fat levels in adolescent girls, and improved overall health. The research suggests that encouraging regular physical activity can lead to healthier, happier, and smarter children.
A study finds that fetuses exposed to high levels of stress hormone cortisol may have trouble paying attention or solving problems later on. However, if mothers provide sensitive care during infancy and toddlerhood, the negative link disappears almost entirely.
A new study from UT Southwestern Medical Center found that deaf children with cochlear implants report a similar quality of life to that of normal-hearing peers. The earlier a child is implanted and wears the device, the better their overall quality of life and school performance.
Researchers will assess the influence of psychosocial and behavioral factors on IBD status, disease activity, and outcomes in young patients. The registry aims to identify barriers to medication adherence and improve overall health.
A new study suggests that transracial adopted children of mixed race need early and ongoing experiences within their origin's cultural communities to build healthy cultural identities. The research emphasizes the importance of culturally grounded relationships over cultural artifacts in identity development.
A basic three-day newborn care training regimen reduced the rate of stillbirths by 23% to 15.9 per 1,000 deliveries, with improved outcomes among births attended by midwives and traditional birth attendants. The study, funded by NIH and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, tracked over 120,000 births in six developing countries.
A new national study suggests that preschool-aged children with household routines of eating dinner as a family, getting adequate sleep, and limiting weekday TV viewing time have an almost 40% lower prevalence of obesity. Adopting these three routines could be an attractive obesity-prevention strategy for families with young children.
A new study of young children in Romanian orphanages found that early foster care significantly improved secure attachments to caregivers compared to those placed after age 2. The Bucharest Early Intervention Project, a randomized controlled trial, suggests foster care can be a powerful intervention for vulnerable children.
Research by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that children of Hispanic mothers who speak Spanish spend nearly two-and-a-half hours watching TV, compared to about 90 minutes for children with English-speaking mothers. The study suggests cultural perceptions and lack of programming in Spanish may contribute to the difference.
A study by Mount Sinai researchers found a connection between prenatal phthalate exposure and disruptive behaviors in children. Mothers with higher phthalate metabolite levels reported poorer behavioral profiles in their children, including conduct and externalizing problems.
Researchers found that even mild to moderate kidney disease can lead to physical, emotional, intellectual, and social challenges in children. Children with chronic diseases currently do not qualify for special education until their scores decline dramatically. Early attention to quality-of-life issues is crucial.
A new study by Oregon State University researchers found that parents' perceptions of their children's athleticism have a direct impact on the children's activity levels. Parents who think their children have athletic ability are more likely to provide instrumental and emotional support for physical activity.
A new study found that when parents have access to calorie information, they make smarter choices for their children's meals. The study showed a significant reduction in calories selected by parents for their child's meal at McDonald's restaurants.
A retrospective evaluation led by researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health recommends improvements for scaling up child survival programs. The study found that coverage for effective treatment interventions and addressing causes of neonatal deaths and undernutrition are crucial for accelerating child survival.
A negative physical education experience during childhood can have a lasting impact on a person's attitude towards physical activity. Research by University of Alberta professor Billy Strean highlights the importance of creating a fun and playful environment for young athletes.
A new study suggests that fat mass is essential for increasing bone size and thickness in girls, particularly during puberty. The research found that excessive reduction of fat mass in girls may increase the risk of osteoporosis later in life. In contrast, lean mass has a stronger impact on bone development in boys.
Researchers at UC Davis identified 10 locations in California with higher-than-expected autism incidence rates, primarily in areas with higher levels of parental education. The study found that children born to parents with more educational attainment were more likely to be diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.
Researchers used Category Theory to explain why specific reasoning skills, such as Transitive Inference and Class Inclusion, develop in children around age five. These skills involve applying two lines of thinking simultaneously, allowing children to understand complex relationships between objects.
A recent study found that pediatricians and family physicians have limited knowledge of childhood food allergies, leading to potential misdiagnoses and ineffective treatment. Despite this, most physicians report providing care for children with food allergy and are proficient in identifying common allergens.
According to a new study published in Injury Prevention, the risk of serious injury at resident summer camps is relatively low compared to other popular youth activities. The study found that less than 3% of camp injuries required hospital admission, with nearly 75% of injuries sustained by campers.
Researchers have discovered a urine test technique that can determine whether a child has obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or habitual snoring. The study found that certain proteins are differently expressed in children with OSA compared to those with habitual snoring or healthy non-snoring children.
Children from military families experience more emotional and behavioral difficulties than their peers, particularly when a parent is deployed overseas. Longer parental deployments are linked to greater emotional challenges for both children and non-deployed parents.
A new UK study found that delinquent boys are more likely to die or become disabled by age 48, with 16.3% experiencing this outcome compared to 2.6% of non-delinquent peers. Early antisocial behaviors and parental factors were linked to various health outcomes 40 years later.
A new study found that only a small percentage of providers prescribe hydroxyurea to eligible children with sickle cell disease due to concerns about future reproductive issues and low patient compliance. Despite its efficacy in preventing pain, many providers prescribe the drug for other complications without sufficient evidence.
A new online program, Focus on Kids Online, helps separated parents build stronger relationships with their children. The program's effectiveness has been shown through improved parent-child relationships and awareness of separation-related problems.
A study published in Pediatrics found that educational home visits can significantly improve asthma control in children, leading to fewer hospitalizations and reduced symptoms. The research suggests that providing regular asthma education and support can go a long way in managing the condition.
A new study examines screen time in both home-based and center-based child care settings, finding that those in home-based settings watch significantly more on average than those in center-based daycares. The study recommends parents limit screen time for children under two years old and choose age-appropriate programs.
Children exposed prenatally to tobacco smoke and during childhood to lead face a high risk for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The study estimates that up to 35% of ADHD cases could be reduced by eliminating these environmental exposures.