Research on teenage health, behavior, and development. Covers vaping and smoking, youth mental health, social media, and emergency-care trends.
Researchers found that students with disabilities are disproportionately placed in lower-level math courses due to cumulative disadvantage. The study's intersectional framework highlights the complex relationships between learning disability status, race, and socioeconomic status.
Researchers found pronounced growth spurts in both body weight and length in bonobos, mirroring patterns seen in humans. The study's scale-corrected approach revealed similar hormone surges and corresponding growth curves in both species, highlighting a potential evolutionary connection.
Research finds that adolescents of color with a disability experience more racial discrimination compared to peers without SHCNs. This study aims to raise awareness among healthcare providers about recognizing and navigating racial discrimination, particularly for children of color with special health care needs.
A study published in The Journal of Rural Health found that rural US youth who engage in heavy drinking are more likely to carry a handgun, with a 43% increased risk. The study suggests that evidence-based prevention programs can address both behaviors and potentially lower firearm-related harm among adolescents.
Most research focuses on treating existing mental health conditions rather than preventing them or promoting mental health. Depression and anxiety disorders are frequently researched outcomes. The findings reveal a lack of evidence-based interventions for child and adolescent mental health in low-resource settings.
A new study by University of South Australia researchers found that boarders get 40 minutes more sleep than day students due to fixed bedtimes and stricter technology policies. Despite improved sleep, teen boarders experience similar levels of stress, anxiety, and depression as their day peers.
A study of 34,000 adolescents in Northern California found that those from disadvantaged neighborhoods were more likely to experience depressive symptoms and suicidality. The findings highlight the impact of structural racism on adolescent mental health.
A study found low primary care vision testing rates for children and adolescents, with lower rates among those without private insurance. Despite yearly testing recommendations, less than half of those with private insurance received testing.
A new study from Texas A&M University finds a correlation between secondhand smoke exposure and higher blood lead levels in children. The research suggests that education and mitigation efforts can further protect kids and adolescents from lead exposure, building on past success of lead removal initiatives.
A new study examines how youth from Honduras and Nicaragua evaluate moral judgments on acts of physical violence. The findings show that both groups prioritize the well-being of others, but differ in their reasoning, with some forms of violence judged as having protective factors in insecure conditions.
Researchers found that children and adolescents exposed to the 1959-61 Chinese famine in utero or under age 2 are at double the risk of developing non-communicable diseases. The study, published in PLOS Global Public Health, examined the long-term health effects of early exposure to famine on later life.
A new study found that arterial stiffness is a novel cause of premature heart damage among adolescents, leading to increased blood pressure and insulin resistance. The study discovered that adolescents with high arterial stiffness had a 23-27% increased risk of structural heart damage.
A study found that teenage smokers have less grey matter in their left frontal lobe, associated with decision-making and rule-breaking. This loss of grey matter may lead to increased impulsivity and a desire for smoking, as well as weaken control over nicotine use.
A study found that adolescents from low-income families gained more weight during the pandemic, with girls experiencing accelerated weight gain. The researchers tracked over 400 low-income Hispanic families and compared their weight gain to a cohort of wealthier families.
A new study by Florida Atlantic University found that adolescents who lack traits valued by peers are at risk for adjustment difficulties. The study revealed that low attractive youth and low athletic youth became increasingly unpopular over time, leading to subsequent increases in their loneliness and alcohol misuse.
Researchers found that blocking dopamine transporters during mid-adolescence increases adult aggression, impulsivity, and the behavioral response to amphetamine in mice. Artificially stimulating dopaminergic neurons also exacerbated impulsive behavior in tasks. The study suggests potential harm from stimulant exposure in healthy teens ...
A new drug formulation designed for treating children with HIV has shown safety, tolerability, and effectiveness in a study published in The Lancet HIV. The formulation contains three medications and was found to suppress HIV levels below 200 copies/mL in 98% of participants.
Researchers at the University of Eastern Finland identified 58 plasma proteins associated with mental health risk in adolescents aged 11-16. These biomarkers could revolutionize early detection and prevention of mental health problems in young individuals.
Research shows that increased social media use leads to decreased academic achievement in early adolescents and young adults. The study, led by University of Delaware's Mellissa Gordon, found that 93-97% of 13-17 year-olds report using at least one social media platform daily.
A new study found that neighborhood poverty and community violence negatively affect Black American adolescents' mental health. The review examined four aspects of the neighborhood environment: trust and safety, built environment, exposure to community violence, and neighborhood disadvantage.
A study of over 34,000 adolescents found that active school transport was associated with higher academic performance and lower school burnout. Leisure-time moderate-to-vigorous physical activity also showed significant benefits, particularly for mathematical skills and cognitive performance.
A study found that family medicine physicians have the lowest net returns per dose for HPV vaccines, while pediatricians received higher reimbursement amounts. The researchers also observed a positive association between reimbursement and increased HPV vaccine doses administered, particularly among family physicians.
A new study found that state restrictions on gender-affirming care for transgender youth significantly increase drive times for seeking necessary treatment. With over 25% of gender clinics located in restricted states, existing clinics may struggle to meet the demand from out-of-state patients.
A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that children and adolescents living in food-insecure households had a 55% higher frequency of physician visits for mental health reasons. The research also revealed a 74% higher prevalence of past-year acute care visits for mental or substance use disorders.
A large-scale study of 107 countries and regions found a strong association between daily soft drink consumption and the prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents. The findings suggest that reducing soft drink consumption is crucial in combating adolescent obesity.
A new study published in Developmental Psychology found that encouraging Latinx adolescents of Mexican origin to embrace their ethnic pride and cultural values can significantly improve psychological well-being. The study, led by UC Davis researchers, suggests that cultural preservation can help youth cope with adversity and racism.
The MIND diet, which combines Mediterranean and DASH principles, was positively linked with attentional inhibition in school-aged children. The diet's emphasis on brain-healthy foods like leafy greens, berries, and legumes may help improve cognitive development.
A study published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs found that use of law enforcement strategies to curb underage drinking has decreased significantly since 2010, with a notable drop in compliance checks and sales provision to underage persons.
Adolescents in Zimbabwe exhibit rising rates of obesity, contrary to traditional perceptions of malnutrition and health. A study found that 15.8% were obese or overweight, with girls more affected, and low obesity awareness prevalent among girls, attributed to poor eating habits and lack of formal education.
Researchers found a clear pattern of suicidality related to the academic calendar, with peaks in April and October, but a decline during COVID-19 school closures. The study suggests interventions during peak months could help protect against seasonal increases in suicidality, especially for adolescent females.
A study of 73,000 emergency department visits and hospitalizations found seasonal patterns in suicidality among children and adolescents. After COVID-19-related school closures, an unexpected decrease in suicidality was observed, suggesting a potential link to the school calendar.
A $3 million NIH award will support an intervention aimed at improving health outcomes in Black youth with type 1 diabetes. The project aims to optimize family interactions related to diabetes care through mobile health technology, potentially reducing disparities in health outcomes for this vulnerable population.
The USPSTF recommends against routine screening for lipid disorders in children and adolescents under 20 years old, citing insufficient evidence. This recommendation is consistent with its 2016 guidelines for preventive care services.
Researchers report a case of a 15-year-old boy with recurrent intrathoracic synovial sarcoma who achieved partial response with BRAF inhibitor Vemurafenib treatment. The study highlights the importance of routine next-generation sequencing to drive treatment choice and investigate BRAF mutations in SS tumors.
A new study from Florida Atlantic University found that parent attitudes about politics can predict subsequent increases in adolescent child political alienation. In households where parents and adolescents are close, parents transmit political apathy to their children, which may contribute to low youth voter participation.
A new study found that social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram are ideal spaces to educate and guide US youth of color on healthy weight management. Nearly 1 in 4 adolescents experienced obesity from 2017 to 2020, with youths of color experiencing disproportionately higher rates.
During the pandemic, acute care use for mental health conditions among youth increased notably, particularly among adolescent females. Prolonged boarding in emergency departments and waiting for inpatient psychiatric care are concerning trends that require interventions to address.
A recent study found a significant association between racial discrimination and obesity in children and adolescents, suggesting that addressing this issue is crucial for improving their health outcomes. The research highlights the importance of considering racism as a risk factor for obesity in addition to socioeconomic status.
A new study reveals that children experiencing racial discrimination are more likely to develop a higher BMI and larger waistline. Researchers found that racial discrimination was associated with an increased risk of obesity in kids, even after adjusting for socioeconomic factors.
The study found a steady increase in diagnosed learning disability prevalence among US children and adolescents over two decades, with 8.83% of children ages 6-17 affected between 1997 and 2021. This chronic condition affects about 9 in 100 overall, highlighting its significant impact on the US population.
Opioid toxicity-related deaths in the US increased substantially during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 1 in every 22 deaths attributable to unintentional opioid toxicity. This trend highlights the urgent need for support people at risk of substance-related harm, particularly men and younger adults.
Researchers found that students with high levels of 'eudaimonia', or feelings of competence, motivation, and self-esteem, outperformed their peers in GCSE-level assessments, especially in Maths. However, life satisfaction was not linked to academic performance.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found no evidence that prescription stimulant treatment in childhood increases the risk of substance use disorder (SUD) later in life. The study, published in JAMA Psychiatry, suggests that stimulants are an effective treatment for ADHD with few side effects.
A new study found that homophobic name-calling, even from friends, has a negative impact on teenagers' mental health, including depressive symptoms and decreased sense of belonging. The research highlights the importance of clear anti-bullying policies, teacher education, and supportive interventions to prevent such behavior.
A new study found that three million children and adolescents die from infectious diseases every year, with the greatest impact on low- and middle-income countries. The research highlights the need for policy change and funding to address this unmet health need among older children and adolescents.
A recent international study of over 745,000 adolescents from 41 countries found a decrease in those who overestimate their weight and an increase in those who underestimate it. This shift could reduce the effectiveness of public health interventions aimed at weight reduction in young people, as they may make unhealthy lifestyle choices.
A study led by Lund University researchers found that brief admissions by self-referral can effectively reduce the need for acute visits, admissions, and longer treatment periods among adolescents with borderline personality disorder. The method empowers patients to determine when they need treatment, enhancing their autonomy and sense...
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a higher incidence of type 1 diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis in children and adolescents, with increased resources needed for support. Future studies are necessary to assess the trend's persistence and possible underlying mechanisms.
A new study found that young people exposed to adverse childhood experiences between ages 0-12 are at high risk of developing problematic adolescent cannabis use. The research, led by Dr Lindsey Hines, analyzed outcomes for over 5,000 participants and found a strong correlation between ACEs and regular cannabis use in teenage years.
A new study reveals that nearly 40% of teen girls and young women have low iron levels, with higher rates among Black, Latina, low-income, or low-BMI individuals. The study recommends considering routine screening for iron levels in adolescents and young women to prevent life-limiting symptoms associated with iron-deficiency anemia.
A new proposal suggests adopting an 'adolescent cholesterol passport' to prevent atherosclerosis, a leading cause of death worldwide. The tool would involve regular cholesterol screenings starting at age two, with the goal of detecting familial hypercholesterolemia and other genetic conditions early on.
Children who begin reading for pleasure early in life tend to perform better at cognitive tests and have better mental health when they enter adolescence. Reading for pleasure is also associated with improved brain structure, which may help explain the findings.
A new technique using DNA barcoding can identify the plant matter in human feces, improving clinical trials, nutrition studies and historical research. The method detected specific plant species and their relative amounts consumed, varying according to diet, age, and household income.
Researchers found that adolescents with incarcerated mothers are at higher risk of depression, withdrawal, substance abuse, and delinquency. The study suggests that modifying sleep patterns, dietary behaviors, and physical activity can mitigate these risks, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions in this population.
A study by University of Alabama at Birmingham researcher Minae Niwa found that adolescent psychosocial stress, combined with pregnancy and delivery, causes hypofunction of a key neural circuit. This altered circuitry leads to abnormal social behavior in postpartum women, including reduced interaction time with familiar mice.
This study found widening socioeconomic inequality among Japanese adolescents in achieving recommended physical activity levels before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis also revealed narrowing inequality in breakfast intake, but no differences observed for screen time, sleep duration, or bowel movement frequency.
A systematic review found that cancer survivors experience a higher risk of psychological symptoms compared to healthy siblings and controls. Psycho-oncological intervention is recommended for early detection and prevention.
Researchers found that mentalizing scores increase gradually over time, peaking in young adulthood, with females consistently outperforming males. The study also discovered significant positive correlations between mentalizing capacity and personality traits such as Agreeableness, Openness to Experience, and Conscientiousness.
Higher testosterone levels during adolescence enhance emotion control, but decrease in young adulthood; the study suggests a shift in testosterone's role across developmental periods. The findings may be related to mood disorders that arise during adolescence.
Research from Keck School of Medicine of USC found that everyday air pollution can alter brain development patterns in adolescents, linked to changes in brain connectivity over time. Exposure to fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide was associated with increased or decreased functional connectivity between brain regions.