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Blood test can help predict chronic lung disease in preterm babies

A new study from Murdoch Children's Research Institute has identified changes in certain blood proteins that can predict bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm babies. By combining these protein changes with gestational age, birth weight, and sex, clinicians can make more accurate predictions of BPD risk within 72 hours of life.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 7, 2024

Thinking hard ‘hurts’

A recent study by Radboud University researchers found that thinking hard causes unpleasant feelings, affecting people from various professional groups. Despite the rewards associated with mental effort, such as higher grades, the burden remains a source of irritation and frustration.

SourceRadboud University Nijmegen·JournalPsychological Bulletin·DateAug 6, 2024

‘Baby talk:’ Decoding how children’s vocal and cognitive cues sway adults

Researchers found that adults prioritize cognitive cues over vocal signals when evaluating a child's intelligence or negative emotions, while vocal cues dominate for assessing happiness or helplessness. This study provides insights into the complex dynamics of caregiver-child interactions and their evolutionary roots.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalEvolution and Human Behavior·TypeObservational study·DateAug 6, 2024

Tradition meets transformation for Maasai women

A new study reveals that Maasai women are gaining access to household decisions through livelihood diversification, education, and secure land tenure. This research contributes to the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goal of Gender Equality, highlighting the value of empowering decision-making for women in pastoralist communities.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalJournal of Rural Studies·DateAug 5, 2024

Military health research reveals potential pathway to reducing youth suicide

New research from the CU Center for Combat Medicine and Battlefield Research found a promising pathway to reducing gun-carrying among youths with recent suicidal ideation or plans. Military-connected youth with past-year suicidal ideations or suicide plans exhibited lower rates of handgun carrying compared to their civilian peers.

A new use for propofol in treating epilepsy?

A study published in Nature found that propofol can restore the function of mutated HCN1 ion channels, which are associated with certain types of epilepsy. The researchers suggest using propofol to treat these conditions or designing new compounds with similar effects but reduced side effects.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalNature·DateJul 31, 2024

Names may shape facial appearance over time new study suggests

Researchers found that adults' faces can be matched to their names at above-chance levels, but not in children. Machine learning algorithms revealed greater similarity between adult faces sharing the same name. The study suggests a 'self-fulfilling prophecy,' where social expectations shape physical appearance over time.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJul 30, 2024

New study highlights the importance of psychological resilience in helping kids recover from concussions

A new study published in the journal Brain Connectivity reveals how psychological resilience can aid children's recovery from concussions. The research found that building resilience through supportive family environments and effective coping strategies may help young patients heal faster.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBrain Connectivity·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 29, 2024

Supporting school re-entry of children with special health care needs post extended hospitalizations

A recent study published online in Disability and Rehabilitation found that transitioning children with special health care needs back to school after extended hospitalizations can be challenging due to lack of coordination and communication between healthcare and educational systems. The study recommends improving communication, provi...

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalDisability and Rehabilitation·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 26, 2024

Protect the child, save the adult: An opportunity to cut welfare costs by nearly 40%

Research from University of South Australia finds that individuals who experienced child abuse or neglect are three times more likely to receive government income support payments. Cumulative income support payments for those with no protection contact were $38,570, while those in out-of-home care received $181,743.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalChild Abuse & Neglect·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 22, 2024

Early vision loss linked with difficulty judging sounds

A new study published in Optometry and Vision Sciences found that people with early vision loss are less accurate at estimating the distance of sound compared to those who lose sight later in life. This difficulty can have safety implications, such as judging distances while crossing roads.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalOptometry and Vision Science·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 19, 2024

Breastfeeding priorities most important to parents

A collaborative effort between The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine and Reaching our Sisters Everywhere identified key components of a successful breastfeeding journey as defined by parents and families. The findings aim to inform research priorities and promote patient-centered outcomes in infant and young-child feeding.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBreastfeeding Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJul 17, 2024

Children with conduct disorder show widespread brain structural differences – new international study

Children with conduct disorder show significant reductions in brain surface area and volume of subcortical regions compared to typically developing children. These findings suggest that the development of the brain is different in individuals with CD, highlighting the need for further research into this under-recognized condition.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateJul 16, 2024

We're not eating Peppa! Preschoolers befriend farm animals

Researchers from SWPS University found that assigning individual characteristics to farm animals can change children's attitudes towards eating meat. In studies involving preschoolers aged 5-6, those who were given a name and unique habits showed increased desire to befriend the animal and decreased willingness to eat its meat.

SourceSWPS University·JournalAppetite·DateJul 15, 2024

Creativity starts in the cradle, new research shows

A study published in PNAS found that infants less than a year old can combine novel words describing quantities with familiar words to understand phrases. This ability helps them interpret language input and learn about the world, laying the foundation for human creativity.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 10, 2024

Study identifies racial and gender disparities in youth psychiatric emergency department boarding

A new study has identified significant racial and gender disparities in youth psychiatric emergency department boarding rates, with Black youth being less likely to be admitted to inpatient care. Transgender and nonbinary youth experienced longer boarding times and lower admission rates compared to cisgender females.

SourceMcLean Hospital·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 8, 2024

Technology-assisted therapy for children and young people is an effective alternative to traditional face-to-face therapy

A systematic review and meta-analysis found that technology-assisted Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is as effective as face-to-face CBT in treating anxiety and depression in children and young people. The study highlights the potential of technology-assisted CBT to expand access to mental health treatment.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalClinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 3, 2024

New study on children and food:  Fruit chunks in yogurt are a turn off for one age group in particular

A new study from the University of Copenhagen found that six-year-olds prefer smooth textures in their food, with a preference rate of 76% for lump-free options. Researchers suggest that this aversion may be linked to a protective mechanism against potentially poisonous foods or other dangers as children become more independent.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalJournal of Texture Studies·DateJul 3, 2024

Editorial: Genomics has more to reveal

A new editorial paper discusses molecular and cytogenetic analyses used to identify distinct subtypes of acute myeloid leukemias (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Researchers found that around 15% of AML cases remain genetically unclassifiable, emphasizing the need for further research.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 2, 2024

Mothers who receive childcare support from maternal grandparents show more parental warmth, finds NTU Singapore study

The NTU Singapore-led study found that mothers whose parents help with childcare are more likely to show their children parental warmth. Mothers who received childcare support from maternal grandparents also reported engaging in more positive parenting, characterized by warmth and responsiveness.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateJul 1, 2024

UEA leads Europe-wide project to revolutionise childhood bone cancer treatment and research

A new Europe-wide clinical framework aims to collect high-quality biological samples from patients, enabling researchers and clinicians to understand the genetic, biological, and other factors involved in childhood bone cancer. This will guide the development of tailored treatments for each patient's cancer type.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalClinical Cancer Research·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 28, 2024

Novel photodynamic therapy method can eradicate ocular melanoma, study shows

A new photodynamic therapy method has been shown to effectively eradicate ocular melanoma in mice, with the technique delivering two photons and minimizing damage to healthy tissue. The approach offers a promising alternative to current treatments that are often ineffective or invasive.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 27, 2024

Prenatal exposure to ethylene oxide associated with lower birth weight and head circumference in newborns

A study of 1,106 newborns from five countries found that prenatal exposure to ethylene oxide is associated with lower birth weight and smaller head circumference. The results suggest that reducing exposure to ethylene oxide could protect fetal health and improve birth outcomes.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEpidemiology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 27, 2024

Adults conceived by donors left behind by fertility industry

A systematic review of 50 studies on donor-conceived individuals found comparable well-being outcomes to non-donor conceived people, including higher self-esteem and relationship warmth. However, a significant proportion experience identity difficulties and trust issues due to lack of information about their genetic parentage.

SourceKing's College London·JournalBritish Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology·DateJun 27, 2024

Early childhood problems linked to persistent school absenteeism

A new study led by the University of Leeds found that children who are not considered 'school ready' by their teachers are more than twice as likely to become persistently absent. The researchers analyzed data from 62,598 children aged 5-13 and found that 67% of persistent absentees were considered 'not school ready'.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 26, 2024

Circulating microRNAs likely as effective as A1C for predicting type 2 diabetes in youth, according to OU study

A new study from the University of Oklahoma found that measuring circulating microRNAs is likely as effective as measuring blood sugar levels in determining how young people with type 2 diabetes will fare. The study also found a 20% decrease in beta cell function during the first six months of treatment.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 24, 2024

US sexual health curriculum could force LGBTQ+ students to seek potentially inaccurate education outside of school

A new study reveals that US sexual health curricula are leaving LGBTQ+ students without essential information, leading them to seek advice from unreliable sources. Experts argue that addressing this negligence could be life-saving and urge policymakers to include LGBTQ+ content in curricula.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalThe Journal of Sex Research·TypeSurvey·DateJun 17, 2024

Sleep disorders in childhood increase the risk of developing symptoms of attention deficit disorder and hyperactivity

A study of over 1,200 children found a strong association between childhood sleep disorders and the development of attention deficit disorder (ADHD) symptoms. The research suggests that detecting sleep disorders at an early stage could help prevent or mitigate future ADHD symptoms.

SourceUniversitat Jaume I·JournalEuropean Journal of Pediatrics·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 17, 2024