Research programs focused on child health and development. Covers pediatric research standards, infant nutrition and sleep, rare disorders, and childhood diabetes.
A recent study found that teens who did not use condoms were more likely to believe that condoms reduce sexual pleasure and were concerned about their partner's approval. The study recommends clinical interventions to address these attitudes and promote condom use.
Research reveals UK children's physical activity levels are 6 times lower than reported national data, with actual levels at 24 minutes a day. Only 3% of boys and 2% of girls meet the recommended daily amounts of moderate to vigorous physical activity.
Research published in Archives of Disease in Childhood suggests that bilingual children are significantly more likely to stutter and find it harder to lose their impediment than monolingual children. Children who exclusively spoke one language before the age of 5 had a higher recovery rate from stuttering by the age of 12.
A new study has found that off-premise alcohol outlets can lead to increased injuries among neighborhood children due to reduced guardianship and social disorganization. Neighborhoods with high densities of alcohol outlets have been shown to have more injuries, particularly those with impoverished and disorganized environments.
Children who spend time in intensive care units may experience long-lasting psychological trauma and anxiety after discharge. A new questionnaire developed by MUHC researchers aims to help healthcare professionals identify these children and provide them with necessary support.
A new study by RAND Corporation researchers found that only 18% of parents with chronically ill children were aware of the program and only 5% used its benefits. Most parents who took leave or didn't take leave despite knowing their child's illness required it didn't know about the program.
A Johns Hopkins Children's Center study found that elevated cholesterol levels drop naturally in four out of 10 children with uncontrollable epilepsy treated with the high-fat ketogenic diet. Nearly half of these children returned to normal or near-normal cholesterol levels without modifications to their diet.
Research suggests that codeine may be unsuitable for all breastfed infants due to rapid metabolism into morphine, which can cause central nervous system depression. Fortunately, removal of exposure leads to dramatic improvement and no long-term adverse effects.
Researchers found adults are more effective at identifying false reports than detecting false denials of actual events. This discovery has significant implications for forensic child abuse evaluations and highlights the importance of evaluating children's reports.
Scientists have discovered that infants develop increased sensitivity to negative emotional expressions at around 6 months old. This change allows them to focus more intensely on fearful faces and take longer to shift their attention away from these stimuli.
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia will receive a $247,000 grant to test a new method of identifying children at risk for developmental delays. Researchers aim to design service packages tailored to each child's risk level, with potential benefits including more frequent visits and home visits.
The study sheds light on the complex interactions between genes and environmental factors that cause holoprosencephaly, a developmental malformation affecting the anterior brain and face. Researchers found that a gene called Six3 plays a crucial role in regulating fetal brain development.
Children's ability to plan for the future develops around age 4, with 4- and 5-year-olds performing better than 3-year-olds. Additionally, children's current physiological state can affect their ability to imagine themselves in a specific situation, as seen in studies on pretend scenarios and hunger.
A study found that children with Rett syndrome have different esophageal movements than healthy individuals, explaining persistent reflux and swallowing issues. This may lead to a reevaluation of anti-reflux surgery for these patients.
A nationwide study found that approximately 6,500 children are treated for diving-related injuries annually, with most common injuries occurring at heights under 1 meter. The largest age group affected was 10- to 14-year-olds, who were twice as likely to experience head or neck injuries.
A recent study published in the journal Bone found that higher intakes of calcium significantly improve bone health in children. The study, which pooled data from 21 randomized clinical trials, revealed a substantial increase in total body bone mineral content among children with inadequate calcium consumption.
A new study found that leaving background TV on can disrupt young children's play behavior, reducing their attention span and toy play time. The research suggests that parents should limit their young children's exposure to adult-oriented television in the home.
New research reveals aggressive preschoolers tend to have less consistent relationships with peers and play with fewer classmates over time. Non-aggressive children, on the other hand, do better at interactions with many peers as they practice social skills and learn to control their behavior.
A large group of American children showed a significant decline in physical activity between ages 9 and 15, with most failing to reach the daily recommended level of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity. The researchers estimated that physical activity declined by about 40 minutes per day each year until age 15.
A new study by researchers at the University of Utah found that Colombian children living in war zones exhibited a complex moral understanding, with most rejecting theft and harm but accepting it as a means to an end. The study highlights potential vulnerabilities in children's moral lives during times of conflict.
Researchers found that autism mutations may disrupt specific genes vital to the developing brain, which are turned on and off by neuronal activity. Disruption of this refinement process may be a common mechanism of autism-associated mutations.
A recent clinical trial found that xylitol syrup administered daily to toddlers from 6-15 months old significantly reduced tooth decay. The study showed nearly 76% of children in the xylitol group were caries-free, compared to 48% in the control group.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia discovered a genetic variant linked to all types of childhood arthritis, which may be a key factor in the development of juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The study suggests that targeting this gene could lead to more effective treatments with fewer side effects.
A study at the Joslin Diabetes Center found that children with type 1 diabetes who closely adhered to prescribed dietary recommendations had lower A1C levels and reduced risk of diabetes-related complications. The study highlights the importance of dietary adherence in achieving optimal glucose control.
A longitudinal study found that only 42% of boys and 11% of girls meet the recommended weekly physical activity levels. While children who met the guidelines showed progressive improvement in predictive health indicators, those who did not showed deterioration. The authors suggest re-evaluating the guideline measures to better encourag...
Dr. Childers' research on mucosal immune responses and dental caries vaccine development has contributed to a better understanding of oral health. He currently supervises projects funded by NIDCR, investigating host/parasite relationships in dental caries high-caries-risk populations.
A new nuclear medicine imaging test, scintigraphy, has been shown to be highly effective in detecting gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in children with respiratory problems. The test detected GERD in 66.6% of children with asthma or lower respiratory tract infections, outperforming traditional barium X-ray technology.
A study found that frequent self-cutting is linked to higher rates of HIV risk among teens. Teens who frequently cut themselves were more likely to share cutting instruments and exhibit less self-restraint.
A new national study examines the rising number of golf cart-related injuries, finding a 132% increase over 17 years. The majority of these injuries occurred at sports and recreational facilities, but those on the street were more likely to result in concussions and hospitalizations.
A nationwide study found an estimated 572,580 bunk bed-related injuries during a 16-year period, resulting in nearly 36,000 cases annually. The majority of injuries occurred among males and children younger than 6 years old, with fractures being the third most common injury.
Researchers at Nationwide Children's Hospital developed a computerized behavioral screening system called Health eTouch, which found that adolescents who received immediate results were more likely to be identified as having problems by their pediatrician, with 68% vs. 52% for delayed results
A new study found that high school baseball-related injuries have increased in severity over the past decade, with many resulting in head/face and teeth injuries, fractures, or concussions. The study recommends the use of helmets with face shields or mouth guards to reduce these types of injuries.
Researchers found that when attention to detail is required, sad children perform better than their happy peers. This finding contradicts the idea that happiness always leads to optimal outcomes. The study suggests that a positive mood can have hidden costs for certain tasks.
Research by Johns Hopkins Children's Center suggests that breast-feeding not only provides more protection to girls than boys but also that formula-fed girls are at a higher risk for severe respiratory infections. Breast milk helps babies cope with an infection better, rather than preventing it.
A new analysis by the March of Dimes found that nearly all increases in singleton preterm births in the US are due to c-section deliveries. Late preterm babies account for most of this rise, with a greater risk of complications such as breathing problems and delayed brain development.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh have identified Forkhead Box O1 (FoxO1) as a potential target for treating hypertriglyceridemia. Inhibiting FoxO1 in the liver curbs triglyceride secretion in obese and diabetic animals.
Researchers found children with OSA have higher levels of inflammation markers, which can indicate cardiovascular strain. After surgery, these levels decreased, suggesting a potential link between untreated OSA and long-term cardiovascular risks.
A study of farming mothers and their children found that those exposed to farms had higher functioning regulatory T cells, which can suppress immune responses. This increase was strongest among babies born to mothers who spent time on farms or drank farm milk, suggesting a potential preventive strategy against allergic diseases.
A new study found that first-born children are more likely to develop asthma and allergy due to specific pregnancy conditions. Researchers investigated immune markers in cord blood IgE and skin prick tests at ages four and ten, revealing a statistically significant higher risk among first-borns.
A study of 600 teenage girls from diverse backgrounds found that they continue to experience sexism, with 90% reporting sexual harassment. Girls' attitudes towards themselves and society influenced their perceptions of sexism, while learning about feminism and feeling pressure to conform to gender stereotypes also played a role.
Young children with OCD can benefit from a tailored form of psychotherapy, known as family-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), that addresses their unique developmental needs and family context. The study found that 74% of patients who completed the CBT program achieved remission, compared to 20% in the relaxation treatment group.
New research from the LOOKING at Language project reveals that late-talking toddlers are more likely to continue struggling with language development, but a significant proportion will catch up. By seven years old, around 80% of late talkers have made progress and there is no evidence boys are at greater risk than girls.
Researchers found that girls and children with exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke respond better to montelukast. The medication effectively controls asthma symptoms in these patients by reducing leukotriene levels.
A growing body of economic research suggests that public investment in early childhood programs may be able to lower public costs for social services by improving children's long-term welfare. However, the report highlights a spectrum of promising services and provides guidance on how to choose an optimal level of each program.
The EPA dismissed Deborah Rice, a highly respected toxicologist, after the chemical industry complained about her views on deca's health hazards. Herbert Needleman argues that this trend is not new and unique, citing his own dismissal for speaking out on lead poisoning.
The University of Kentucky Center for the Study of Violence Against Children hosts a national scientific meeting on child mental health, featuring research presentations on violence against children and trauma. The event showcases findings on relational poverty, early experiences, and psychotherapy's effects on adult brains.
A new study has identified several unexpected barriers to children's physical activity at child care centers, including flip flops, mulch, and parental concerns about weather conditions. The study found that these barriers prevent many children from engaging in essential gross motor skills development.
Research linked parents' psychiatric disorders to autism in children, revealing a higher rate of schizophrenia and depression among mothers. The study suggests genetic and environmental factors may be shared among related diseases.
A study by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that 90% of high-cost hospitalizations for young children were linked to influenza. The researchers also identified that 65% of high-cost visits required ICU stays, emphasizing the importance of immunizing children with high-risk conditions.
Two studies by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that children whose parents lose or change jobs are more likely to experience unmet healthcare needs and have interrupted insurance coverage. This can lead to poor health outcomes, including unfilled prescriptions and a lack of regular healthcare access.
A new study found that interior renovation of older housing is associated with a modest increase in children's blood lead levels and long-term health risks. To reduce the risk, parents can take precautions such as wearing personal protective devices and hiring contractors with lead safety training.
A study suggests that effective parenting practices following trauma can mediate the relationship between trauma exposure and child adjustment. Positive parenting behaviors such as skill encouragement, monitoring, and interpersonal problem-solving can support healthy child development and promote resilience after trauma.
Researchers identified four additional factors, including birth weight, gender, and antenatal steroid use, that can predict the outcome for extremely low-birth-weight infants. The study found that older gestational age, female sex, singleton births, and higher birth weight enhanced survival chances without disability.
A study comparing English-speaking and Indonesian-speaking children found that polysemous words like 'animal' in English hindered their precision in identifying the scope of biological concepts. In contrast, Indonesian-speaking children exhibited little trouble distinguishing between plants and animals.
A new analysis found that children who attend daycare have a 30% lower risk of developing childhood leukemia. The study, which combined results from multiple studies, suggests that early exposure to infections may provide protection against the disease.
Scientists at Children's Hospital & Research Center Oakland conclude that vitamin D plays an important role in brain development and function. While the exact effects on behavior remain unclear, evidence suggests a beneficial role for vitamin D in protecting against autoimmune diseases and some forms of cancer.
A new study suggests that exceeding recommended physical activity levels and limiting screen time may increase a child's risk of becoming overweight. Caregivers can reduce this risk by encouraging physical activity and limiting screen time.
A new NIH study has identified several factors that influence an extremely low birth weight infant's chances for survival and disability. These factors include sex, birthweight, single birth status, and antenatal steroids, which can predict individual outcomes and help guide treatment decisions.
A study published in New England Journal of Medicine found that female sex, antenatal corticosteroid treatment, singleton birth, and higher birth weight are equally important as gestational age in determining the care needs of these infants. The research involved nearly 4,500 infants born between 22-25 weeks gestation.
The study found that a combination of genetic mutations, including the deletion of gene IKZF1, can initiate most cases of an aggressive form of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The researchers also identified cooperation between these genetic lesions and BCR-ABL1 expression.