Research programs focused on child health and development. Covers pediatric research standards, infant nutrition and sleep, rare disorders, and childhood diabetes.
Despite initial evidence of HIV-1 infection, researchers found no conclusive cases of transient infection among exposed infants. The study suggests laboratory contamination or mislabeling as the cause of false positive test results.
A new study by Cornell University finds that volunteering enhances psychological well-being in retirement, particularly for men, urbanites, and those with less income. Volunteering also gives individuals a sense of mastery over their lives, promoting social relationships and self-identity.
The Pediatric Academic Societies have reported significant advancements in children's health, with studies revealing the safety of vaccines, successful interventions to reduce childhood obesity, and promising gene therapies. Researchers have also made progress in understanding the effects of cocaine exposure on babies and improving out...
A new study by UF researchers finds that more than 75% of babies exposed to cocaine in utero showed no major problems, contrary to earlier reports. The study dispels alarm surrounding prenatal cocaine exposure's devastating effects, suggesting subtle effects rather than severe anomalies.
Researchers at UCSF have identified nine genetic mutations in the P4501 alpha gene that cause hereditary vitamin D-dependent rickets, a condition affecting bone growth and development. The discovery enables prenatal diagnosis and genetic testing of adults to identify carriers of the mutated gene.
A study of 6,100 doctors found that female physicians experience higher levels of frustration and burnout due to limited time and increased workload. The researchers highlight the need for better work-life balance and more support for women in medicine.
A study by University of Rochester nurse researchers found that nursing home residents with dementia experienced improved psychological and emotional well-being when rocked in a chair for 30 minutes to two hours a day. The gentle repetitive motion also helped reduce pain medication requests and improved balance.
Researchers confirm that premature and low-birth weight infants should receive their immunizations at the same ages recommended for healthy, full-term babies. The study found that even the least immunologically mature preterm infants had adequate immune responses that lasted until age three to four.
A study of 23,393 sex offender cases found that only 13.4% committed another offense after four to five years in the community. Deviant sexual interests, prior offenses, and not completing treatment were significant risk factors for reoffending.
Researchers found that varying pulse patterns, rather than regular intervals, can increase muscle force and duration in people with paralysis. This breakthrough could lead to improved control and mobility for individuals with severe paralysis, such as those affected by Christopher Reeve's condition.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a new psychoeducation program that helps families deal with children diagnosed with depression, dysthymic disorder, and bipolar disorder. The program has shown early signs of improvement in parents' understanding of their child's mood disorder and family interactions.
Researchers identified a rare genetic mutation in the Tricho-dento-osseous syndrome, which may hold clues for treating osteoporosis. The study found that people with TDO syndrome have exceptionally dense bones that fracture rarely, offering potential insights into improving bone density treatments.
A study found that many seniors struggle with planning when to stop driving due to health issues or declining abilities. Alternative transportation options are limited, making it difficult for them to give up the keys without proper support.
Research by Barbara Lust found that American and Taiwanese children as young as 3 years old possess a remarkable understanding of complex grammar and syntax. This ability is so precise that it challenges known learning theories, suggesting that humans are biologically programmed for a language faculty.
A five-year study led by National Jewish researcher Mary Klinnert will assess the value of regular home visits by nurses to homes of low-income children at high risk of asthma. The study aims to determine if intensive nurse home visits can reduce asthma prevalence or symptoms among these children.
A University of Delaware researcher reports that toddlers learn new words based on shapes, not functions, a phenomenon known as the 'shape-bias'. Adults, however, rely on both shape and functional properties when naming objects.
Researchers argue that CDC's revised guidelines, which favor local decision-making, may not adequately address the environmental threat of lead poisoning in children. They contend that modestly elevated blood lead levels can have irreversible effects on neurocognitive development.
A study of 1,300 students in New Hampshire and Vermont reveals a strong link between owning promotional gear and increased smoking risk. Children who owned such items were four times more likely to smoke than those without them.
A survey of parents with children diagnosed with chronic conditions found that more than a third of non-supportive incidents came from healthcare providers, with physicians being the most common culprit. The study highlights the importance of sensitive and accurate information delivery by healthcare professionals to support families' a...
Researchers found that 100 micrograms of folic acid can prevent up to 22% of neural tube defects, while 200 micrograms can prevent most NTDs. The study suggests that increasing folic acid levels in grains could help reduce birth defect risks.
Top researchers gathered at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital to discuss breakthroughs in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treatment, aiming for improved cure rates and reduced side effects. Rearrangement of the ETV6/TEL gene is associated with favorable treatment outcomes, enabling safer alternatives to radiation therapy.
A study by Pitt researchers found that adolescents with alcohol problems were more likely to have experienced traumatic events such as physical or sexual abuse. The study suggests that prevention programs targeting these individuals may be effective in preventing substance abuse.
A study found that 80% of older mothers admit to having a favorite child, while 71% of their grown children correctly identify their mom's favorite. The researchers also discovered that how parents feel about their children depends on factors like social status and personal history.
Research led by Dr. Graham Emslie found Prozac to be more effective than a placebo in young people aged 7-17, with 56% showing improvement after two months of treatment. The study also showed that 74% of patients completed eight weeks of Prozac improved.
Researchers have developed a simple test that may help identify young children at risk of developing life-threatening rapid heartbeats. The test, which measures P-wave dispersion, has shown promise in predicting the development of intra-atrial re-entry tachycardia (IART) in children.
Experiments show that young children under 3 have difficulty recognizing non-obvious symbols, such as a smaller doll in a miniature room. However, when they think the spaces are the same thing, they can apply their knowledge. Researchers used a 'shrinking machine' and live video presentations to study this phenomenon.
Researchers found that colicky infants are more anxious and have more conflict in the first year after birth, but by three years old they are no different from other families. The "mood" of the family also improves over time.
A new model developed by psychologists at the University of Georgia can predict how caregivers will suffer from depression or resentment based on their past relationship with the spouse they care for. The research, supported by grants from the National Cancer Institute and the National Institute of Mental Health, may help family caregi...
Researchers found that infants who heard stories with complex words recognized and remembered the words even when spoken differently in a list, indicating they store sound patterns from frequent speech. This study sheds light on how young children learn language and master word meanings.
A study by University of Rochester researchers found that maternal lead exposure leads to a 40% increase in cavities in rats. Lead interferes with saliva production, which protects teeth against decay. The team is now searching for the cause of this link, which could help explain why dental cavities remain a major public health problem.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have discovered a novel gene called p73, which closely resembles the well-known tumor suppressor gene p53. The study found that p73 is deleted in at least one type of cancer and resides in an area of the genome suspected to contain other tumor suppressor genes.
Researchers have created a mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, allowing for study of both skeletal muscle and heart disease. The double mutant mouse develops severe symptoms, including muscle wasting and heart disease, similar to humans with the disorder.
Researchers found that nearly 77% of participants reported a trigger event preceding their successful weight loss. The majority of participants made significant changes in their dietary intake and physical activity levels to achieve serious weight loss. On average, they expended calories equivalent to walking 28 miles per week.
A research network will investigate how adolescent development influences juvenile law, focusing on competence assessment, risk factors for future crime, and treatment amenability. The goal is to make informed decisions regarding young offenders in the juvenile justice system.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Children's Center have found that certain metabolites of an antipsychotic drug inhibit HIV replication in human cell cultures, but at high concentrations. The findings suggest possible anti-viral activity against other viruses.
A study of 66 children who stuttered found a strong genetic link to the condition. Most people who stutter have a common genetic factor that contributes to their persistence, with males being more likely to experience persistent stuttering.
A recent NIH study suggests that a significant number of people, particularly those with a specific genetic variant, may require increased folate intake to compensate for their genetic deficiency. This finding has implications for the recommended daily allowance and may lead to reviews of dietary reference values.
Americans have gained almost five hours of free time per week since the 1960s, with women doing more household chores. This extra time is often used for television viewing and other leisure activities, yet many people feel rushed and stressed despite having more free time.
A study of 86 individuals with autism and their parents found a significant relationship between the serotonin transporter gene and autism. The discovery could lead to improved diagnosis and medical treatment for autism, providing hope for those affected by this complex disorder.
A UNC-CH report evaluates the effectiveness of family planning programs in developing countries, identifying key components linked to success. The research emphasizes the importance of evaluation in allocating resources for maximum impact.
A study by Elizabeth Loftus and colleagues found that people's imagination can sometimes make them believe they experienced fictional childhood events. In a series of experiments, subjects were asked to imagine fictitious events, such as breaking a window or getting in trouble for calling 911, and then reassessed their confidence in th...
Despite its popularity in classrooms, board game therapy remains untested and potentially ineffective due to a lack of scientific studies. Therapists are advised to scrutinize games before using them in therapeutic settings to avoid making uncritical claims about their benefits.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins School of Public Health found that drawstrings on clothing can cause strangulation or dragging injuries, resulting in eight child fatalities between 1985-1994. The study recommends eliminating or modifying drawstrings to prevent these accidents.
A study by researchers at the University of Illinois found that premature infants have a lower chance of developing a secure attachment with their mothers. The study observed infant-mother interactions and found that 75% of full-term babies were rated as secure, but only 50% of premature babies shared this level of security.
A study by the National Institute of Mental Health found that depression increases a woman's risk for broken bones, particularly hip fractures. Women with major depression had significantly lower bone mineral density compared to their age-matched controls.
The US education system lacks a clear focus in science and mathematics courses, covering numerous subjects but providing limited depth. This is compared to international counterparts who demand more from their students.
A study by the University of Illinois Chicago found that most day-care centers have no policy or procedures for systematically protecting children from sunburn. On average, only 2.5 bottles of sunscreen were available per 104 children, with 95% not wearing hats and 26% without shirts.
Researchers found that programs teaching African-American foster children about their cultural heritage improve self-esteem and encourage positive community involvement. Participants in the AA-RITES program showed greater respect for women, desired further education, and felt a sense of responsibility.
A pilot study found that mothers with children have poorer oral health, including more missing teeth and gum problems, compared to childless women. Stress levels may exacerbate this issue, suggesting that mothers need to prioritize their oral hygiene despite stress.
A new study found that children living in communities with stricter fireworks laws are 7 times less likely to be injured than those in lenient areas. The study, published in Pediatrics, also recommends a nationwide ban on personal firework use except for licensed public displays.
Research from Johns Hopkins Children's Center reveals that African-American children are 16.4 times more likely than Caucasian children to be sensitive to cockroach allergens, highlighting the link between race and asthma. The study also found that poor children and those from urban areas are more susceptible to roach infestation.
A Duke University Medical Center study shows that alcohol severely disrupts a biochemical process associated with memory formation in young animals. The findings provide compelling scientific evidence to support prohibition of underage drinking, as the brain is more plastic and susceptible during late childhood or early adolescence.