Research programs focused on child health and development. Covers pediatric research standards, infant nutrition and sleep, rare disorders, and childhood diabetes.
Researchers at Kansas State University found that using costumes with books improves children's ability to recall characters and story sequences. The study involved preschoolers retelling a story with or without a costume, with the latter showing better results in recalling details.
Researchers at Penn GSE will collaborate with city government and the school district to create the Kids' Integrated Database System, merging databases for over 250,000 Philadelphia children. The KIDS system aims to examine high-priority issues in early childhood development, including school readiness, foster care, and special education.
Researchers surveyed 462 black teen girls between 14-18 years old and found that those who wanted to become pregnant were more likely to have an older partner and report low self-esteem. The study suggests targeting adolescent boys for early pregnancy prevention programs.
The HHS research plan aims to improve understanding of autoimmune diseases through genetic and environmental factor studies. The plan also calls for developing new treatments and diagnostics, as well as public education campaigns.
A new study found that parents of children hospitalized with respiratory illness were receptive to a hospital-based smoking cessation program, with 80% completing counseling sessions and 56% using nicotine replacement therapy. After two months, half reported making an attempt to quit and 20% achieved sustained tobacco abstinence.
A survey of over 900 parents found that allowing children to play with toy guns is more common among males, Caucasians, older children, and mothers. Parents' attitudes on toy gun play were influenced by the child's age, parent's gender, and family's racial background.
A study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that children's consumption of 100 percent real juice flat-lines at age 7, while intake of fruit-flavored beverages increases. By age 13, they are drinking nearly four times more carbonated soft drinks than 100 percent juice.
A study found that folic acid fortification of grain foods in Ontario, Canada reduced the risk of neural tube defects from 1.13 to 0.58 per 1000 births. The researchers recommend adopting a programme of folic-acid food fortification and increased use of periconceptional folic acid tablets.
Preterm infants exhibit intense moods, withdrawal to new stimuli, and irregular bodily functions at 6 weeks, but these challenges resolve by six months and 12 months as they adapt to full-term infant-like behavior, according to a study published in the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics.
A new study has found that chicken pox vaccine is safe and effective for children with chronic kidney disease. The study shows that vaccination can prevent severe complications such as pneumonia and brain inflammation in these patients.
A new study has identified azithromycin as an effective single-dose antibiotic treatment for children with cholera, reducing diarrhoea duration by 24 hours compared to erythromycin. However, the high cost of azithromycin may limit its widespread adoption in treating childhood cholera.
Family income significantly impacts preschool children's cognitive development and behavior, with higher-income families providing more stimulating learning environments and lower-income families facing economic pressure that leads to behavioral problems. The study suggests offering programs promoting learning materials, family literac...
A recent study found that family income influences children's outcomes through different pathways, including providing a stimulating learning environment and addressing economic instability. The researchers suggest offering packages of services to families to promote healthy development in young children.
A recent study found that zinc supplements can significantly reduce the severity and duration of diarrhea in Bangladeshi children, resulting in lower rates of child morbidity and mortality. The study supports the use of zinc therapy as a simple and effective intervention to improve child health and survival.
Researchers found that infants can distinguish between their own name and another name linked with a word, recognizing 'bike' but not 'cup'. This ability is crucial for learning word meanings and patterns.
A study by University of Washington psychologists reveals infants' ability to gaze follow is crucial for learning language and understanding emotions, with open eyes leading to longer attention and more vocalization. By 14 months, infants become sensitive to potential obstacles and can initiate pointing and babbling towards objects.
Researchers found that early bilingual exposure fosters a dual-language child's brain development, leading to full proficiency in both languages. Late exposure to a second language may hinder mastery if accompanied by restricted input.
The University of Wisconsin will lead a research network to develop and test immune-based treatments for asthma in inner-city children, building on successful NCICAS interventions that have reduced asthma severity.
A self-reporting questionnaire for children aged six to eight years has been developed and validated as a tool for identifying depressive children. The study found that the new questionnaire was just as effective as the American standardized tests in measuring depression, with promising results compared to those tests.
The study found that younger children focus on capturing moments and details, while older kids start to consider aesthetics and formal properties. Children's photography skills improve significantly as they age, reflecting their growing understanding of the relationship between the physical world and the resulting image.
A nationwide study aims to identify genetic markers for autism and improve early detection, helping families receive timely support. The study will involve 75 children with autism, 40 developmentally delayed children, and 40 normally developing ones.
A Canadian study found a 353% increase in antidepressant prescriptions from 3.2 million to 14.5 million between 1981 and 2000, outpacing the country's population growth. The study suggests increased awareness and better understanding of depression may be contributing factors, but the underlying cause remains unclear.
Research found that prenatal alcohol exposure can lead to insecurity in children, but a mother's emotional supportiveness can mitigate this effect. Children of moderate-heavy drinkers who had supportive mothers developed better coping skills than those without such support.
Recent research suggests that prenatal cocaine exposure does not necessarily lead to developmental delay or behavioral problems in children. In a study of 163 children, assessors incorrectly labeled many as cocaine-exposed, perpetuating stereotypes and stigma, which can undermine cognitive and behavioral development.
Researchers found that parents of children with congenital heart defects can cope with their child's illness and may even experience lower levels of stress and fewer behavioral problems. The study suggests that social support may be a key factor in alleviating stress and reducing behavior issues.
A study found that young children who discussed medical procedures with their parents recalled the experience more accurately six months later. Talking about the procedure was linked to better emotional and physical well-being. In contrast, distraction techniques were still useful during stressful or painful stages of the procedure.
Researchers found that black single mothers in rural Georgia with good self-esteem and optimism implemented effective parenting practices, leading to higher levels of self-regulation in their children. This resulted in better academic performance, social skills, and reduced delinquency.
A study published in Family Psychology found that children who perceive fair parental treatment are less prone to depression, anxiety, and lower self-worth. Parents should consider their children's views on preferential treatment to promote better outcomes.
Duke University psychologists found that infants who used 'sticky mittens' had more sophisticated abilities to explore objects and showed increased cross-sensory exploration. The study suggests that providing rich opportunities for infant learning is crucial for development.
The NIH Autism Coordinating Committee has selected two new centers to conduct autism research, expanding the agency's commitment to the field. The centers will focus on understanding the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of autism, with a goal of advancing knowledge about this devastating condition.
A study found that black single mothers in rural Georgia who had high self-esteem and optimism implemented good parenting practices, such as open discussions and supervision. These factors were linked to their children developing good self-regulation, which predicted performing well in school and handling social situations well.
Researchers found an unusually high incidence of depressive symptoms among affluent girls compared to national averages. Substance use was also common among both boys and girls, with a connection between distress levels and substance use identified.
A home-based preschool program in South Carolina has shown significant improvement in disadvantaged children's school readiness and academic performance. The program, which provided twice-weekly visits to families from low-income backgrounds, resulted in higher test scores compared to the general population.
A recent study published in Child Development found that black children in single-parent households do as well as those in two-parent homes in terms of math scores and delinquency. The study suggests that policies promoting marriage may have little effect on black children, unlike white children
Researchers have found a link between flexible joints and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), with 60% of CFS patients exhibiting joint hypermobility. This discovery may provide insight into the development of CFS symptoms, which appear in early childhood.
Studies of 39 adults born with genital ambiguity found that most were satisfied with their assigned sex and had good physical and sociological outcomes. The research suggests that families and doctors should consider individual needs when making decisions about gender assignment.
A new study by Mark Testa finds that subsidized guardianship increases permanency rates without affecting family relationships. The program saves $25 million while providing more children with stable and loving homes.
A new study led by Imperial College London seeks to treat children suffering from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) using EEG biofeedback therapy. The therapy involves training children's brain activity on a computer, aiming to correct the imbalance of slow and fast wave activity associated with ADHD.
A study of 164 families with children having emotional disorders found that child functioning and caregiver well-being are closely linked. The effect of the child's behavior on caregivers intensifies over time, highlighting the need for long-term support services to help families cope.
A recent study found that teenagers value honesty, nonjudgmental care, and a provider's expertise in building trust. Long-term relationships with doctors who take the time to listen and understand their concerns are essential for adolescents' medical care and well-being.
A meta-analysis of 320 studies found substantial overlap between learning disabled and non-disabled children experiencing reading difficulties. The researchers argue that using IQ discrepancy as a criterion for establishing learning disability can lead to unequal access to services.
Researchers will quantify the long-term effects of PM2.5 particles on lung function and asthma exacerbations in children with moderate to severe asthma. The study aims to determine if environmental interventions can reduce asthma severity and improve lung function.
A world-first study reveals that solo mothers opting for donor insemination are coping well and their children are functioning normally. Despite initial controversy surrounding single women's access to DI, the research shows no difference in parenting quality or child behavior between solo and married mothers.
A study of 169 children found that girls who had a view of nature from their apartment window performed better in concentration, impulse inhibition, and delayed gratification. This suggests that incorporating nature into urban living spaces can enhance self-discipline and academic achievement.
A study published at the Endocrine Society meeting found elevated cortisol levels in cerebrospinal fluid of child-bearing-aged women with functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA), a condition affecting 5% of reproductive-age women. Cortisol levels were higher than those in circulating blood, suggesting stress impacts more than fertility.
Recent Smart Start studies show significant improvement in child-care quality, with more classrooms rated 'good' to 'excellent' and nationally accredited centers increasing. The report also highlights the positive impact on children's health outcomes, including increased vaccinations and developmental screenings.
A recent NHLBI-sponsored study found that weight concerns and a drive for thinness significantly increased the risk of teenage girls becoming daily smokers. The study also identified other factors such as stress, poor conduct, and family background that contributed to this risk.
A new formula of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) has been developed through USAID-supported research, reducing the need for intravenous fluids by 33%. This improvement is expected to lower hospitalization rates, secondary infections, and healthcare costs, ultimately saving millions of lives.
A recent study published in Pediatrics found that babies with a history of colic are more likely to experience symptoms after drinking apple juice, while white grape juice has no significant impact. The research suggests that parents should choose white grape juice as the best option for their baby if they have had colic.
The American Chemical Society is examining scientific connections between the US and Cuba, with a focus on fostering Cuban-American research partnerships. Cubans and scientists with Cuban connections will discuss topics such as chemical education and nanotechnology.
Children in joint custody arrangements exhibit less behavior and emotional problems, have higher self-esteem, and better family relations compared to those in sole custody. This is partly due to the ongoing contact with both parents, which helps children adjust better.
A study published in Pediatrics found that infants with spina bifida are more likely to require a shunt after newborn surgery, with 81% of cases requiring shunting. The study also showed a correlation between the level of the spinal defect and functional level, with lower levels being less likely to require shunts.
A recent study by Dr Eirini Flouri and Ann Buchanan found that involved fathers are associated with improved academic motivation, reduced psychological distress, and better life outcomes for children. The research, based on 17,000 UK-born children, highlights the importance of father involvement in childhood and adolescence.
A new study links mothers' attitudes toward their child's eating habits with their child's obesity risk. Researchers found that mothers who pressure their children to finish everything on their plate have healthier, leaner children, while those who worry about their child's weight tend to have fatter kids.
A new $2.5M NSF grant will enable UNC scientists to conduct interdisciplinary studies and train researchers in comprehensive child development models. The study aims to capture the complexity of children's relationships with families, neighborhoods, cultures, and environments.
A 20-year study of premature babies born between 1977 and 1979 found that those with very-low-birth-weight were less likely to engage in risk-taking behavior and had a higher likelihood of completing high school, despite facing cognitive and behavioral challenges.
A study published in Family Relations found that research-based strategies for helping older children establish a positive relationship with a new sibling are not getting sufficient emphasis in the popular press. The authors suggest that writers need to be better tuned into research and address issues important to families.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that bladder exstrophy causes more extensive pelvic girdle bone defects than previously known. The study reveals an outward flare of the hip bone and rotation of the entire pelvic girdle, impacting surgeons' understanding of these defects.
Children who move away from polluted areas exhibit increased lung function growth compared to those staying in Los Angeles, while pollution levels affect growth rates differently. The study supports earlier findings that air quality impacts children's lung health.
A 1998 study on childhood sexual abuse has been widely discredited by Stanford researchers, citing flawed research methods and misleading data. The authors re-examined the data and found significant problems with the initial analysis, including biased samples and misreporting of original data.