Research programs focused on child health and development. Covers pediatric research standards, infant nutrition and sleep, rare disorders, and childhood diabetes.
Researchers from McGill University and the University of Illinois found that toddlers can understand when others have mistaken beliefs. The study presented infants with an actor who played with a toy and hid it in a box to verify their understanding of false beliefs.
Research reveals that autistic children have significantly lower levels of glutathione, a major intracellular antioxidant, indicating increased oxidative stress. Genetic polymorphisms in three genes (catecho-O-methyltransferase, transcobalamin II, and glutathione-S-transferase M1) are also found to be elevated in autistic children.
A new study by UMaine researchers found that consistency in sleeping arrangements is crucial for infants' nighttime sleep. The study suggests that changing sleeping arrangements can be disruptive to sleep and contribute to night-time anxiety in infants.
A new study finds that severe depressive symptoms in mothers are related to fussy infants, parenting stress, and family dysfunction. The study's authors hope it will prompt pediatricians to ask more questions about parental and family well-being during regular check-ups.
Researchers investigate intergenerational transmission of positive parenting and find it can foster healthy child development. The study, which followed over 1,000 individuals born in the early 1970s, suggests that parents' own childhood experiences influence their parenting style.
Children below 10 years old suppress racial prejudice when held accountable for their actions, but older children may increase their bias. Researchers suggest changing the normative climate in social environments can induce significant attitude change.
A study found that many US children are undervaccinated or have delayed vaccinations in their first 2 years of life. The researchers discovered that on average, children were undervaccinated for 172 days during this period.
Researchers have identified abnormal brain tissue associated with cognitive impairments in children with chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. The study found structural abnormalities in the posterior parietal lobe, a critical area for visual-spatial and numerical processing.
A gene called KIAA0319 has been identified as a major contributor to susceptibility to dyslexia. The discovery offers hope for the development of treatments to help children with the disorder.
Researchers analyze prosody and communication in autism, finding children with autism understand social-emotional information better with enhanced prosody. They aim to create a sharper understanding of core issues and differences between children with different forms of communication disorders.
A study of 201 children found that hyperkinetic disorder is associated with a higher risk of family breakdown, with 18% of affected children being removed from their homes. The findings suggest that recognizing and treating hyperactivity in children could help prevent family disruption.
A new study found a significant link between self-mutilation and risky sexual behavior in adolescents, with white females being disproportionately represented among self-cutters. The research suggests that the underlying psychological problem of lack of self-restraint may be driving both behaviors.
Research suggests that young children may understand word use more flexibly than previously thought, learning words through simple games and routines. Children as young as 9 months old can learn and apply new words in a decontextualized manner.
Researchers found that children are more likely to disagree with biasing questions than non-biasing ones. Children who have already agreed with a question tend to continue agreeing, while those who disagreed may be asked more biased follow-up questions.
Researchers found that preschoolers' motivation and temperament are crucial factors in developing attention skills. Children who prefer challenging puzzles exhibit better attention, suggesting screening tests should consider additional factors beyond cognitive ability.
A study found that boys were more likely to be referred for growth evaluations than girls, despite girls' greater height deficits. The researchers discovered that 41% of short girls had underlying diseases, compared to 15% of short boys.
Research reveals that North American adults have difficulty perceiving rhythmic patterns in non-Western music, while infants can adapt to various rhythms. The study found that exposure to a single type of rhythm during childhood affects this ability.
Research found confusion between multi-disciplinary and multi-agency work, highlighting need for training in effective management of teams. The study also identified jargon use as a barrier to collaboration, affecting professionals' sense of identity and job satisfaction.
Researchers found situations of profound neglect, abuse, and physical danger due to drug production at home. The study also highlighted the positive response of rural communities, who stepped up to provide support and care for affected children.
Researchers uncover key mechanisms behind puberty, revealing that a specific gene and protein interact to trigger hormone secretion. The study provides new insights into human development and may help prevent precocious or delayed puberty.
A six-year study found that children of overweight mothers exhibit significant weight gain and increased body fat by ages four and six. The research highlights the importance of targeting prevention efforts towards at-risk children from an early age.
A study found strengths and weaknesses in the quality of care for children with ADHD, major depression, and conduct disorder in California's public mental health clinics. Despite comprehensive evaluations, there were moderate to poor documentation of medical monitoring, psychoactive medication management, and parent consent.
Hospitalized children experience preventable adverse events at significantly lower rates than adults, with birth-related and diagnostic errors being the most common types. The study suggests that processes and systems leading to adverse events in children may differ from those in adults.
A study of 119 mothers in three age groups found that those who received consistent care during childhood displayed more affection towards their infants. In contrast, mothers raised by frequently changing caregivers exhibited less affection and more instrumental behavior.
The Alliance for Taxpayer Access urges NIH to provide timely and complete access to its research, citing the importance of public investment in medical innovation. A delayed announcement on enhanced public access to NIH research has disappointed patient advocates and researchers.
A study found that childhood obesity decreases quality of life in children, particularly in physical and social functioning. The research also showed a small but significant effect of overweight on children's overall health-related QOL, highlighting the need for early intervention to prevent long-term health risks.
A new study found that children's hospitals can do better in preventing hospital-acquired infections, clots in intravenous lines, and bedsores. The analysis suggests ways to refine analytical tools to fit children's care more accurately.
A study found that having an imaginary companion is common among school-age children, with 31% playing with one at age 7. The companions varied widely in form and function, including invisible humans and animals. Imaginary play appears to be an ongoing process that helps children develop social understanding and emotional regulation.
A study of extremely low birth weight infants found that 65% developed at least one infection during hospitalization, leading to developmental delays or impairments in 47%. Infants with meningitis were more likely to have neurological impairments.
Researchers found a reduction in bone mass and size in mice administered an SSRI, highlighting the need for further research into its effects on children and adolescents. The study suggests that anything affecting normal bone development may have far-reaching consequences later in life.
The program will test 10-15 drugs or drug combinations per year to identify promising agents for childhood cancer treatment. It uses preclinical models and genetically engineered lines to predict activity and extends previous research by testing a broader spectrum of anticancer agents.
A research team has identified a possible genetic mechanism behind congenital heart defects, using mouse models to study the protein Baf60c. The findings suggest that suppressed levels of this protein may lead to dramatic cardiovascular defects.
Researchers found that atropine eye drops administered two days a week are as effective as daily drops or an eye patch in treating amblyopia. This reduces hassle for young patients, enabling better vision development.
The NIH awards $1 million for research on Diamond Blackfan anemia, a genetic blood disorder linked to increased risk of adult cancers and birth defects. Researchers will broaden the DBA Registry of North America to gain insight into cancer susceptibility and develop new approaches for examining the origins of this disease.
A new study found that younger children primarily process words based on phonology, sound, whereas older children and adults process words based on semantics, meaning. Researchers tested the language processing abilities of children aged five, eight, and 11 using a rhyme-based experiment.
A recent study published in Pediatrics highlights the need to prevent injuries to children on farms, which have an increased risk of serious and fatal injury compared to children in general. The authors recommend developing effective programs to address this issue, including education, regulations, and technological improvements.
A study published in American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that infections occur around birth are associated with an increased risk of periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), a condition causing brain tissue death. PVL is the most common form of brain injury in premature infants, resulting in cerebral palsy.
University of Illinois researchers found a correlation between academic achievement and fitness scores among school-aged children. Fit children showed improved cognitive function, including better attention and working memory, compared to their sedentary counterparts.
Dr. Rachel Klein receives the prestigious Ruane Prize from NARSAD for her extensive research on child psychiatric illnesses. Her work has authored over 200 articles and seven books, advancing our understanding of ADHD, anxiety, and other severe psychiatric disorders.
A study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that sustained exercise can prevent cell death in the substantia nigra of adult mice treated with a toxin called MPTP, which mimics Parkinson's disease. Exercise increased production of glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), protecting nerves against damage caused by free radicals.
The CHICA system combines patient-relevant pediatrics guidelines with family information to enable tailored care. Pediatricians receive customized clinical reminders, improving health outcomes for 55,000 patients in its first year.
A study of 32 children found that those whose mothers were occupationally exposed to organic solvents during pregnancy scored lower in intellectual, language, motor, and neurobehavioral functioning. The children also showed reduced ability in recalling sentences despite normal global scores.
Researchers have identified a rare genetic syndrome, Timothy syndrome, characterized by cardiac arrhythmias and atypical autism. The syndrome arises from a single gene mutation that impairs a fundamental calcium channel, leading to widespread cellular overloading. Calcium-channel blocking drugs may provide treatment for symptoms.
A study by the University of Wales and the University of Exeter suggests that high levels of calcium intake combined with vigorous daily exercise are crucial for building and retaining bone mass in children. The researchers found that children should engage in at least 25-40 minutes of vigorous activity and consume at least 700-800 mil...
A recent study found that teenage girls are more likely than boys to start smoking, with 31% of girls and 16% of boys aged 15-16 regularly indulging. The researchers suggest that positive attitudes towards smoking, living with smokers, and having friends who smoke may contribute to this trend.
Children of parents with schizophrenia are vulnerable to developing interpersonal difficulties later in life. The study highlights the need for support to help these individuals cope with the illness.
Georgetown University is launching a new trauma center with a $2.5 million NIH grant, partnering with local organizations to develop innovative treatment approaches for low-income women and their families. The Center will conduct research on culturally appropriate methods for trauma intervention and provide training and mentoring.
Researchers at USC have linked historical increases in human lifespan to reduced childhood exposure to infectious diseases like tuberculosis and malaria. Chronic inflammation from these early infections accelerated cardiovascular and other diseases, leading to increased longevity.
Research suggests a combination of sweet liking and novelty seeking can predict alcoholism in individuals, particularly children of alcoholic fathers. Sweet likers with high novelty seeking are more likely to develop alcoholism due to related brain function and sensitivity to rewarding effects.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that air pollution can significantly reduce lung function in children between ages 10 and 18. Researchers tracked air pollutant levels in Southern California communities and found a correlation between poor air quality and decreased forced expiratory volume.
A conference is being held to discuss the increasing incidence of childhood leukaemia and potential environmental factors contributing to its rise. Research has shown that unborn children are particularly sensitive to exposure to environmental agents due to placental transfer from mother to child.
A survey of 10th-grade students reveals that many teens have made conscious efforts to lose weight, with girls more likely to diet than boys. The study also explores the impact of calcium-rich diets on girls' weight, finding no significant increase in body weight or BMI.
Paediatric research is crucial for disease prevention and treatment, yet data are lacking due to a lack of legislation requiring companies to conduct trials on children. The UK Government's new initiative aims to invest £100 million in research networks but falls short of centre stage for acquiring research-based evidence.
A new pediatric croup vaccine has been shown to be safe and well-tolerated in adults, with no significant reactions or laboratory abnormalities. The vaccine contains a live virus that stimulates both antibody and cellular immune responses, providing potential durable protection against hPIV-1.
The article explores the links between child care quality and children's development using ecological systems theory. Higher-quality care produces healthier development, and Marshall suggests integrating societal goals to support healthy families, economic self-sufficiency, and women's employment.
Researchers at Stanford and Packard find that premature boys' brains are more severely affected than girls in areas responsible for reading, language, emotion, and behavior. The study reveals a significant disparity between preterm males and females, with preterm boys struggling more with speech and language.
Research by Dr. Riley found that children aged 6-11 can complete age-appropriate health questionnaires and provide reliable information about their health. The Child Health and Illness Profiles assessment tools, including the CHIP-CE, have been shown to predict future healthcare use.
A team of researchers has identified a gene linked to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), revealing a genetic basis for the syndrome. The gene, TSPYL, is expressed in both the brainstem and testes, and its alteration can cause sudden death in infants.
A new study published in Psychological Review suggests that teaching phonics to young children is essential for developing skilled reading skills. The research model, designed by Mark Seidenberg and Michael Harm, learns to read like children and demonstrates the importance of combining phonics with visual methods.
Severely ill children in low-income countries face high mortality rates due to inadequate referral systems. Researchers found that two out of three children referred from health centers could not reach hospital, highlighting the need for improved patient costs, stricter IMCI referral criteria, and empowered healthcare centers.