Research programs focused on child health and development. Covers pediatric research standards, infant nutrition and sleep, rare disorders, and childhood diabetes.
A UCSF study reveals that anti-smoking programs can immediately generate significant health care savings by reducing low birth weight babies and heart disease cases. The research estimates that a one percent drop in smoking rates could save up to $572 million in direct medical costs.
Researchers at University of Maryland School of Medicine identified zonulin and zot proteins in human brain that regulate the blood-brain barrier. This discovery could lead to new treatments for brain disorders such as Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and HIV infection.
A study at Massachusetts General Hospital identifies a new tumor suppressor gene CHK2 in Li-Fraumeni syndrome, which shares similar functions with p53 and controls cell growth. The discovery provides a potential new target for developing chemotherapy approaches to make cancer cells more vulnerable.
Research finds that mothers' delinquency prior to marriage predicts divorce and accounts for many of the behavior problems found among children after divorce. Younger mothers also tend to have children who exhibit more behavioral difficulties.
Research finds that early socialization processes contribute to heightened vulnerability to depression among females. Women tend to focus on being liked by others, while males prioritize academic and athletic goals.
Research reveals that boys are more vulnerable to stress and lower self-esteem when it comes to dating, particularly if they feel pressured into relationships. Girls, on the other hand, tend to have intimacy skills and handle breakups better than boys.
Children with juvenile arthritis who participated in an eight-week resistance exercise program showed significant improvements in functional ability, with some experiencing a 200% increase. The program also reduced pain, disability, and medication use.
Researchers are refining technologies to identify active genes in the central nervous system, accelerating understanding of diseases like Alzheimer's, depression, and schizophrenia. Two teams use distinct approaches: one detects proteins or RNA in intact neurons, while the other identifies genes involved in daily rhythms.
A study published in Lancet suggests a genetic mutation in two genes, TEL and AML1, occurs during fetal development, leading to a potentially oncogenic protein. The fusion of these genes is not inherited but rather occurs during pregnancy, possibly due to a developmental accident.
Scientists use functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to separate expectation and perception, revealing the role of the posterior parietal cortex in funneling expectations into the visual cortex. This breakthrough may shed light on attention deficits after brain injury and inform rehabilitation strategies.
Research reveals high symptoms of depression among mothers caring for inner-city children with chronic conditions. The study suggests therapists and educators can help these mothers cope by acknowledging limitations and modifying unrealistic expectations.
A study by Brown researchers has found that the brain releases a naturally produced cannabinoid called anandamide in response to pain. The substance produces analgesia and may provide a new approach to treating chronic pain, particularly in cases where opiates are ineffective.
According to a study, 22.8% of middle school students in North Carolina have smoked within the past 30 days and 39% purchased their cigarettes from a store. Adolescents who were asked for proof of age and denied purchasing cigarettes smoked fewer cigarettes.
A study of infants with dense cataracts found that visual stimulation, not brain development, is responsible for the five-fold visual improvement within six months of birth. Babies' vision improved rapidly after cataract removal and contact lens fitting, with some developing 20/20 vision.
Researchers found that girls with close relationships with their fathers tend to develop later, while those with cold or distant relationships develop earlier. The quality of fathers' involvement is the most important factor in early family environment related to daughters' puberty timing.
A study published in the Journal of Comparative Neurology found that moderate fetal alcohol exposure can cause the corpus callosum to be larger than normal, contradicting previous research. This could have significant implications for our understanding of fetal alcohol syndrome and its effects on brain development.
A new study found Smart Start programs significantly improve North Carolina children's thinking and language skills compared to non-participating children. The program's effectiveness was linked to direct classroom quality assistance, while other types of support had little impact on school readiness.
Researchers have developed a new pain observation scale called APocis, allowing healthcare professionals to accurately assess pain levels in young children. The scale records seven types of behavior related to pain, enabling doctors and nurses to determine the level of medication needed for effective pain management.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered that Fragile X syndrome affects dendritic spine development in the brain, leading to impaired protein synthesis and maturation. This process is fundamental to normal brain development and may hold clues to understanding the cause of mental impairment.
The Johns Hopkins Center for Craniofacial Development and Disorders will investigate the genetic causes of oral clefting, craniosynostosis, and other craniofacial malformations. Researchers will also study the interactions between children with craniofacial disorders and those whose skulls developed normally.
A new study found that exposure to fashion magazines did not lead to excessive dieting, body dissatisfaction, or depression among adolescent girls. Only those with existing body-image problems showed increased negative affect after reading the magazine for 15 months.
The University of Southern California has received a historic gift of $110 million from the W.M. Keck Foundation to establish the Keck School of Medicine and enhance its health sciences program. The donation will focus on neurogenetic disorders, with potential breakthroughs in understanding and treatment of debilitating diseases.
A research team suggests that electronic charge transfer in DNA occurs through temporary distortions in its structure, creating a 'polaron' that carries the charge. This process can help scientists understand DNA damage and repair mechanisms, leading to potential applications in diagnostic techniques and micromachines.
A study of 1,504 pairs of parents and children found that enjoyment of physical education classes and family support were key factors in influencing levels of physical activity. The research highlights the need for schools to develop programs that maintain high participation and enjoyment throughout the school career.
Researchers found that low doses of Tacrine hydrochloride reduced motor and vocal tics in adults with Tourette syndrome. The study also showed dose-related improvement in comorbid symptoms such as attentional difficulties, hyperactivity, and obsessive thinking.
Researchers found that reading a story about a fictitious childhood experience can change people's memories, with opposite-sex stories affecting belief more strongly. The study used a questionnaire to screen participants and then asked them to read a short story with few details.
Researchers confirm two-mode theory of mathematical thinking, locating it in the brain. Bilingual volunteers show sharp language-dependent lag in exact calculations, but not in estimates. The findings may lead to new teaching methods for children who struggle with numbers.
The study found that infants were more likely to die from injuries if their mothers were young, unmarried, or had lower levels of education. Infants who died from an injury were also more likely to be male, have low birth weight, and premature birth.
A new UCSF study reveals that Latina women with short interpregnancy intervals are at higher risk of premature birth compared to white women. The research highlights the importance of waiting 18 months or longer between pregnancies to ensure optimal baby health.
Researchers have shown that four drugs, known as angiogenesis inhibitors, can effectively treat spontaneous tumors at distinct stages of progression in mice. The study provides evidence for the potential of these drugs to act against tumors in a mouse model that more closely resembles human tumor development.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that babies weighing below 5 pounds 13 ounces are more likely to face mortality or disability compared to those weighing less. The study included approximately 127,000 newborns and showed that pre-term infants' risk of adverse outcomes increased with decreased growth.
Research found associations between anxiety and depression in adolescent mothers and their use of negative control tactics, leading to higher levels of disruptive behavior in their children. The study showed that frequent yelling, threatening, and spanking by mothers during conflict did not lead to a decrease in child behavior problems.
Four studies reveal how childhood characteristics and memory complaints can forecast adult schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, and treatment response. Researchers warn caution when using past data to predict the future.
A new study by Brown University researchers found that teenagers with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) experience significant impairment in social functioning, with 94% reporting difficulties. The disorder often begins before age 18, particularly at age 13, and can be treated effectively with antidepressants.
A study found that breast cancer patients' top concerns after surgery are mortality, pain, and financial burdens, not previously thought to be the primary worries. The survey involved 223 women from diverse ethnic backgrounds and highlighted the importance of addressing these issues in counseling.
Researchers found that patients with severe asthma who use intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in conjunction with steroids have fewer hospitalizations for asthma attacks than those using only steroids. IVIG also reduces lung inflammation and increases steroid sensitivity, making it an effective treatment option for people with asthma.
Researchers found that employed husbands and wives should each do less than half of the household chores to keep their personal distress levels at a minimum. A more equitable division of household work could reduce women's distress without increasing men's distress levels.
Heavy metal contamination was found in northern Mexico's residential areas near smelters and refineries, exceeding maximum acceptable levels for cleanup. The contamination poses serious health risks to children and adults, including lead exposure, neurological damage, and increased cancer risk.
A new study found that how children perceive their parents' divorce can significantly affect their mental health. Children who harbor negative biases about the divorce experience higher levels of depression and anxiety. Conversely, positive biases or illusions can buffer these effects, but excessive positivity may be detrimental.
A study of 129 children and their parents found that adolescent girls are more helpful and affectionate towards their parents. The quality of the parent-child relationship plays a significant role in determining the level of affection and helpfulness displayed by adolescents.
Researchers found that a combination of an insecure man with a dismissive woman increases the likelihood of domestic violence. The study suggests that attachment styles, particularly insecure and dismissive styles, can be a powder keg waiting to explode.
Researchers from the NICHD study found that day care quality is generally fair but can influence social competence. Parents have a significant impact on their children's development, regardless of childcare experience. Key findings include improved social behavior in high-quality care and increased cooperation with peers.
Research reveals that the AHC gene, previously thought to program ovarian development, is actually crucial for male fertility. Males lacking this gene have defective testicles and are sterile. The study also found that overexpression of the AHC gene can interfere with the function of a key protein involved in testicular development.
Researchers identify high rates of psychiatric disorders among patients with frequent digestive complaints, highlighting the need for closer collaboration between gastroenterologists and psychiatric colleagues. Proactive management could improve patient outcomes and healthcare resource utilization.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have made a groundbreaking discovery that suggests the brain's development may rely on a DNA cutting and pasting process. The study, led by Fred Alt, found that specific proteins involved in recombination are also crucial during brain development, leading to cell death in mice with genetic mutations.
Bioethicists at the University of Pennsylvania recommend updating protections for human research subjects in response to rapid changes in medical practice. The new guidelines prioritize vulnerable populations, including those with mental illnesses and pregnant women, and aim to prevent abuse and misconduct.
A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that nearly one-third of children with asthma developed symptoms after a dental visit. The study suggests that allergens from dental procedures may be a key culprit.
Research at the University of Delaware reveals that children with Williams Syndrome may struggle to describe spatial relationships, using motion verbs less frequently and having difficulties encoding object properties and location. This cognitive deficit may be related to their impaired non-linguistic knowledge.
A new study links cerebral palsy to elevated levels of cytokines and coagulation factors in full-term infants, suggesting potential causes and possible prevention methods.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have developed a new test to accurately measure kidney function, enabling patients to spend less time in the clinic. The new procedure involves injecting a small amount of radioactive isotope solution and estimating how quickly it disappears from the blood and appears in the urine.
Research shows that boys from more crowded homes experience greater physiological responses to stress and take more sick days. The study suggests a link between chronic stress, cardiovascular reactivity, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease in adulthood.
Researchers have found that the ATM protein, mutated in A-T, acts as a key regulator of cell division after DNA damage, leading to increased cancer risk. The study provides new insights into how cells form tumors and may lead to new treatments for A-T and other neurological disorders.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have found that cyclosporin can prevent hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in rats and mice. This is an inherited form of heart disease affecting one in 500 individuals, characterized by cardiac hypertrophy.
A recent study published in Pediatric Emergency Care found that air gun injuries accounted for 87 of the 162 injuries caused by guns during a seven-year period. The research revealed that air gun wounds can be serious and even permanent, with 13 children suffering from visual disabilities.
A study by Penn State researcher Valarie King found that church-going grandparents have closer, more involved relationships with their grandchildren. The research, which collected data from over 500 White families, showed a moderate correlation between religiousness and grandparent involvement.
A new study by Dawn Stauffer and Rukmalie Jayakody found that 23% of welfare recipients had major depression, anxiety disorders, or other mental health problems. This rate is significantly higher than previously estimated, highlighting the need for comprehensive mental health services in welfare reform.
A gene knockout mouse study by Vertex Pharmaceuticals and Yale researchers establishes the role of Caspase-9 in a specific biochemical pathway resulting in neuronal cell death. This finding suggests that blocking Caspase-9 may be a viable strategy for treating acute and chronic age-related neurological diseases.
Researchers found that identical twins are twice as likely to share nightmare frequency as nonidentical twins, with a 45% chance of one twin experiencing frequent nightmares if the other does.
Researchers found that Hispanic and African-American seventh-graders in public housing were more likely to try alcohol than their white suburban counterparts. The study suggests that targeted prevention programs can address the unique challenges faced by minority youth in public housing.
A research team has identified a critical weakness in the defence against aging and discovered that a specific cell type, the motor neuron, is the major target for oxidative damage. By inserting a human gene into fruit flies, researchers were able to boost their lifespan by 40%.