Research programs focused on child health and development. Covers pediatric research standards, infant nutrition and sleep, rare disorders, and childhood diabetes.
A new study published in npj Mental Health Research reveals three distinct language comprehension mechanisms in autistic children, challenging the common linear trajectory of language development. The findings support the idea that intensive language therapy should start earlier and highlight the importance of improving language compre...
A new study found that sibling criminal legal system contact disrupts home life for siblings and families, leading to increased behavioral issues in children, financial and material hardship for parents, and lower levels of social support. The study suggests that mass criminalization imperils families and children.
A study published in Environment International found that exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) during the first two years of life is associated with poorer attentional function in children aged 4-8, particularly in boys. The association persists even after adjusting for other factors.
Researchers created a proteomics-based imaging mass cytometry marker panel to categorize immune cells at single-cell resolution, identifying unique signatures of active T-cell-mediated rejection. The study aims to find personalized immunosuppression therapies with fewer side effects.
A new series of studies will test the effectiveness of PATCH, a USC-designed wearable device that accurately captures everyday activities. The device integrates multiple sensors to measure physical activity, sedentary time, and sleep in children.
A groundbreaking treatment approach that combines genetic testing with individualized drug testing on tumor samples has shown promising results in treating relapsed pediatric cancer patients. The study achieved an impressive 83% improvement rate, including Logan Jenner's successful treatment after his leukemia relapse.
A new case study suggests that hypoglossal nerve stimulation can improve sleep quality and cognitive development in children with Down syndrome. The procedure has shown promising results in reducing obstructive apnea-hypopnea index and improving neurocognition, offering a potential treatment option for young patients.
A new study has identified alpha-1-antichymotrypsin as a blood protein marker that can predict delayed recovery of concussion in children. The study found that children with low levels of alpha-1-antichymotrypsin were more likely to experience delayed recovery, highlighting the potential for early diagnosis and targeted treatment.
Research suggests that frequent mobile device use among preschoolers leads to lower-quality and quantity of parent-child interactions compared to non-users. Joint, real-life activities help prevent problematic digital device use and its negative effects.
Research highlights the association between iron deficiency and obesity in children and adolescents, with potential links to inflammation and brain function. The study's findings underscore the importance of addressing micronutrient deficiencies in childhood growth and development.
A new study found that mums with insecure attachment traits showed more brain-to-brain synchrony with their children, while fathers and children had stronger brain-to-brain synchrony. The research suggests that high or low synchrony can signal interaction difficulties in families.
Children who felt lonely for over 6 months before age 12 are at higher risk of experiencing an episode of psychosis. Women were found to be more susceptible to this condition compared to men. The study suggests that addressing social connectedness and emotional well-being from a young age could help prevent psychotic disorders.
Developing positive coach-parent relationships is crucial for maximizing psychosocial and developmental outcomes in youth sport. A new scoping review highlights the characteristics of effective and ineffective relationships, providing useful signposts for improvement.
A study from the University of Jyväskylä found that low youth cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with decreased work ability in adulthood. The association persisted until the end of working life, highlighting the importance of physical fitness assessment in childhood and adolescence.
A study from Stockholm University found that the Swedish speed premium policy, introduced in 1980, led to a 26% increase in premature birth rates over six years. However, relaxation of the policy to a 30-month window resulted in an 11% decrease in premature birth rates in subsequent years.
Research from the University of Washington's Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences found that increased neural activity in response to social interaction at 5 months predicted enhanced language development at later ages. The study used magnetoencephalography to monitor infant brain activity during social and nonsocial interactions wi...
Researchers found a link between Fontan circulation and accelerated epigenetic aging, which can cause complications like osteoporosis and renal impairment. The study suggests this acceleration starts in childhood and continues into adulthood, with potential new treatment opportunities to delay progression.
Research by Uppsala University and Region Gotland found that new screening tools are effective in identifying early language and communication difficulties in children. The studies show a sharp increase in referrals to speech therapists after introducing Språkfyrn, a four-year-old screening tool.
Healthcare professionals express frustration with limited time and training to support families in addressing childhood obesity. They highlight the need for dedicated services and practical advice to help parents make healthy lifestyle changes.
The journal features five original articles from Kennedy Krieger faculty members, providing actionable insights on caring for children with autism. The volume addresses a significant gap in resources for pediatric clinicians and researchers globally.
Researchers found a strong bidirectional relationship between premenstrual disorders and perinatal depression among over 900,000 women. Women with perinatal depression were more likely to develop premenstrual disorders after pregnancy and childbirth.
Researchers identified four weight-gain trajectories and factors associated with rapid or gradual weight gain, including age, sex, ethnicity, and baseline body mass index scores.
A study by UPF found that six-month-old babies can predict the actions of people who speak their native language, but not those who speak an unfamiliar language. This suggests that infants' ability to predict others' behavior is linked to the language they speak and may be influenced by social factors.
A retrospective cohort study found that PERT significantly reduced the incidence of acute pancreatitis episodes among children with recurrent or chronic pancreatitis. The study also identified genetic markers, such as SPINK1 mutation, that influence treatment outcomes and suggest a tailored approach to patient care.
A recent Johns Hopkins Children's Center study reveals a significant negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on youth minority mental health. The research found increased rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts among adolescents in racial and ethnic minorities, with Black females showing a 90.2% increase in suicidal thoughts.
A study from USC Keck School of Medicine reveals a genetic variant on the IKZF1 gene contributing to increased risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia among Hispanic/Latino children. The variant increases ALL risk by around 1.4 times and may be linked to Indigenous American ancestry, according to researchers.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that the prevalence of overweight and obesity among 3- and 4-year-olds in Sweden has decreased after the pandemic. The researchers observed a reversal of unhealthy weight trends, indicating that an unhealthy weight status can be reversed.
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly interrupted pediatric healthcare, resulting in foregone care, well-child visits, and vaccinations for vulnerable populations. Non-Hispanic White children were less likely to experience these gaps, while virtual school formats increased the risk of foregone care.
Researchers identified three key factors influencing fathers' assessments: completion of life milestones, cognitive-social emotional maturity, and preparedness to have sex safely. This study offers practical suggestions for engaging fathers in primary care to promote adolescent male correct and consistent condom use.
Researchers from USC's Keck School of Medicine synthesized over 23,000 studies to inform updated clinical practice guidelines for ADHD. The comprehensive literature review found that both medications and psychosocial treatments work for treating ADHD and that children can and do get better.
Researchers are developing a flexible online tool to navigate information used in the fight against deadly diarrheal diseases. The Plan-EO dashboard will provide real-time data on pathogen dynamics, allowing infectious disease experts and local leaders to make smart decisions and save lives.
A new study found that multiple unsafe sleep practices, such as sharing a bed, were present in over 75% of sudden infant deaths. Infants who died were often younger, non-Hispanic Black, and publicly insured. The research emphasizes the need for better safe-sleep education and support to reduce Sudden Infant Deaths.
Research highlights advances in developmental executive functions study from Latin American regions, finding both universality and cultural specificity in EFs development. This contextualized approach fosters effective pathways for supporting children's cognitive and emotional development.
A study by IRB Barcelona and Sant Joan de Déu Hospital reveals three distinct patterns explaining the occurrence of second cancers in children, including a mutational footprint from chemotherapy. The research advances understanding of pediatric cancer and highlights the importance of clinical data sharing.
Research from the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC found that primary care telemedicine visits are associated with lower antibiotic prescription rates for children compared to virtual-only direct-to-consumer providers. The study highlights the importance of integrated telemedicine within primary care settings.
Researchers have identified a potential therapeutic target for Borjeson-Forssman-Lehman Syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by seizures and intellectual disability. The study found that PHF6 gene mutations impair Ephrin receptor regulation, leading to neural stem cell misregulation.
A new multitasking substance has been identified to prevent and treat both flu and COVID-19 infections concurrently. The long-acting recombinant cytokine protein rhIL-7-hyFc demonstrated therapeutic and preventive effects against various respiratory diseases, including COVID-19, influenza virus, and respiratory syncytial virus.
Researchers developed chronological age prediction models by analyzing gene expression changes in the prefrontal cortex, identifying genes associated with aging and potential mechanisms. The models showed high correlation with age and demonstrated female and male-specific differences.
The Child Opportunity Index 3.0 finds significant inequities in opportunity for children of different races and ethnicities in US metros, with White kids living in high-opportunity neighborhoods and Black and Hispanic children facing large gaps. The index ranks neighborhoods by a Child Opportunity Score ranging from 1-100.
A new study by the University of Texas at Austin found that babies who were prompted to touch their own faces developed self-recognition earlier than those who did not. This suggests that active experiences, such as touching one's body, play a crucial role in the development of self-awareness.
A recent study by Japanese researchers found that donor diets can trigger allergic reactions in blood recipients, particularly in children with food allergies. The study suggests that preventive measures and countermeasures for allergic transfusion reactions could be developed to improve the safety of blood transfusions.
Researchers found associations between prenatal vitamin and metal exposures and epigenetic aging biomarkers in early life. A one standard deviation increase in essential metals was associated with lower Horvath EAA at birth, while arsenic was linked to greater EAA at birth and in childhood.
A new study found that socially prescribed creative play enhances parents' social networks, creative parenting approaches, and mental health, while improving children's developmental milestones and skills. Parents who participated in the programme reported better wellbeing and connections with others.
A new study in Japan explores the motivations of undergraduate students pursuing a teaching career, finding that positive school experiences and intrinsic value are major drivers. The research also highlights the challenges faced by aspiring teachers, including demanding skills and social pressures.
A new AI technology has been developed to detect severe cases of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) with 100% accuracy. The system analyzes retinal images and can identify blood vessel anomalies, enabling early treatment and potentially saving sight for thousands of premature infants globally.
Researchers found that mental representations, as seen in children's and adults' drawings, influence calculation strategies for solving simple arithmetic problems. The study reveals that certain drawing typologies are associated with effective calculation strategies, regardless of age or experience. This discovery opens up new perspect...
A new cellphone app developed by physician-scientists uses artificial intelligence to accurately diagnose ear infections in young children, reducing unnecessary antibiotic use. The AI tool is more accurate than trained clinicians and offers a simple solution for healthcare providers.
A UC Riverside-led study found that moderately anxious children from minoritized groups are hypervigilant to threats, exacerbating their general state of anxiety. The study used MRI scanners and involved preadolescent Latina girls from low-income families.
Children's Hospital Los Angeles will develop innovative stem cell approaches to treat children and adolescents with recurrent solid tumors using CAR T-cell therapy. The new approach targets B7H3, an immune marker on cancer cells, to identify and destroy them.
Researchers found that the SYNGAP1 gene has a dual function in regulating synapses and synaptic plasticity, which may lead to new treatments for children with SYNGAP1 mutations. The study suggests that targeting just one aspect of SynGAP's function is not enough to have a significant impact.
A team of scientists at The Hospital for Sick Children developed an innovative statistical approach to demonstrate the effectiveness of a medication in reducing disease progression and liver transplants in children with Alagille syndrome. Using data from an international real-world cohort, they found a 70% improvement in event-free sur...
Researchers at Pennington Biomedical confirmed the accuracy of remotely gathered physical measurements for children in a weight management study. The findings support the value of remote height and weight measurements for both research and clinical purposes.
Calls to US poison centers involving psilocybin among teens and young adults tripled and doubled, respectively, after decriminalization, leading to alarming concern over potential long-term consequences. Most calls involved intentional consumption, with adverse reactions including hallucinations, agitation, and heart rate issues.
A national multicenter survey found that up to one-third of children who were hospitalized due to COVID-19 did not fully recover and experienced persistent symptoms. Children who had not recovered were more likely to have neurological symptoms, including headache and weakness.
A new study has created specific growth charts for children with Fanconi anemia, showing that they tend to be shorter and thinner than other children. The researchers found that boys with the condition have average heights at the lower end of the general population curve, while girls have average heights but variable weights.
A new American Heart Association scientific statement offers the latest knowledge on neurodevelopmental outcomes in people of all ages with congenital heart disease. The statement highlights that neurodevelopmental difficulties are common complications faced by individuals with congenital heart disease, affecting their ability to funct...
Research finds that living in violent neighborhoods can alter a child's brain to detect threats more easily, leading to poorer mental health. Nurturing parents can help protect kids from these detrimental effects by reducing exposure to community violence and promoting resilience.
A new study found that severe maternal grief, particularly the loss of a partner or child, is associated with an increased risk of heart failure in children up to middle age. The research suggests that prenatal stress may lead to adverse changes in mental and physical health, impacting fetal heart development.
Children exposed to higher levels of airborne lead in their first five years showed slightly lower IQs and less self-control, with boys being more susceptible. The study's findings support the importance of reducing environmental pollution on child development.
A new study links climate change to a 60% increase in preterm births and severe respiratory diseases. Without global action, climate-driven extremes will devastate children's health for generations, with the strongest link found between temperature extremes and increased risk of preterm birth.