Research on teenage health, behavior, and development. Covers vaping and smoking, youth mental health, social media, and emergency-care trends.
A phase 3 clinical trial found that oral empagliflozin provided clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvements in glycemic control in young people with type 2 diabetes. The study demonstrated the safety and efficacy of empagliflozin in this population, while linagliptin did not show significant effects.
A new study published in the European Respiratory Journal reports that children's lung capacity has improved in areas with decreased air pollution in Stockholm. The researchers found a 20% lower risk of significantly impaired lung function in participants living in areas with better air quality.
A Keck School of Medicine study found exposure to PFAS, known as 'forever chemicals,' disrupts key biological processes in children and young adults, increasing risk of diseases such as developmental disorders, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. The study highlights the importance of regulating PFAS as a class of chemicals.
A systematic review of 32 studies involving 63,000 participants from 16 countries found that disordered eating affects approximately 22% of children and adolescents globally. The study highlights the need for public health strategies to prevent eating disorders, particularly among girls and those with increasing body mass index.
A recent study from the University of Toronto found that greater screen time is associated with more symptoms of muscle dysmorphia among Canadian young people. The researchers analyzed data from over 2,500 adolescents and young adults and found that social media use, texting, TV watching, and video chatting were linked to muscle dysmor...
A new study documents the human scale of Utah's coercive eugenics and its lasting legacy among 54 suspected survivors still living today. The state's sterilization law, passed in 1925, targeted people confined to institutions, often without their consent.
The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends against routine serologic screening for genital herpes simplex virus infection, even in symptomatic individuals. The lifelong nature of HSV infection means there is no cure, but antiviral medications can provide clinical benefits to those experiencing symptoms.
A new study from the Keck School of Medicine of USC found that vaping and smoking both cause significant DNA damage in oral epithelial cells. The frequency and duration of vaping were associated with increased levels of DNA damage, which is linked to chronic diseases such as cancer and inflammatory conditions.
Adolescents who feel a stronger sense of purpose tend to be happier and more satisfied with their lives, according to a recent study. The research also found that daily fluctuations in feelings of purposefulness have a significant impact on teens' emotional well-being.
A new study found that high physical activity does not offset obesity risk among preteens with high screen time, highlighting the importance of limiting screen time. Parents are advised to encourage physical activities, such as sports and outdoor play, to help combat childhood obesity.
A recent study found that 27% of twelfth graders in medical marijuana states reported vaping cannabis, compared to 19% in states where all adult use is prohibited. The researchers suspect that the context of medical cannabis and availability may contribute to the higher rates of teen vaping.
A new study suggests that childhood mental health problems resulting from early-life adversity drive poorer cognitive performance in adolescence. Researchers found that addressing mental health difficulties when children are young can alleviate the effects of early-life adversity on later cognition.
A large study of 2.9 million individuals found that major depression risk is linked to more affected family members and early exposure to family mental health issues. The risk doesn't vary by gender or relationship type, suggesting a strong genetic component in major depression.
A recent study found that dry scooping, ingesting pre-workout powders without water, is common among adolescent boys and young adult men in Canada. The study analyzed data from over 2,700 participants and showed a significant association between social media use and gym culture participation and dry scooping behavior.
A study of 3,284 London adolescents found associations between air pollutants and blood pressure. Higher nitrogen dioxide exposure was linked to lower systolic blood pressure in girls, while higher particulate matter 2.5 exposure was linked to higher systolic blood pressure in boys.
A school-based screen for mental health problems, combined with a referral system, has been found to be effective at improving and protecting the mental health of adolescents. The study also identified that this intervention can prevent psychotic experiences in children and adolescents, reducing their risk of developing mental disorders.
Eczema affects approximately 6% of children and adolescents worldwide, with a median prevalence rate of 3.5%. Researchers analyzed data from 14 countries involving over 74,000 adolescents and found an average increase in eczema symptoms of 0.98% per decade among adolescents and 1.21% per decade among children.
Researchers found that children with fewer friends are more susceptible to influence from partners who have more friends, promoting compatibility and reducing dissimilarity. Conformity helps preserve existing friendships by strengthening similarities and reducing potential sources of conflict.
A new study reveals that all 50 US states now allow minors to consent independently to some STI/HIV services, but confidentiality protections are rare and vary significantly. The laws remain complex, with gaps in coverage for prevention services like the HPV vaccine and PrEP.
A new study published in Games for Health Journal found that a virtual reality boxing game called BOXVR reduced adolescent stress and improved cognitive function compared to a guided YouTube-guided boxing exercise. The VR group also reported greater enjoyment after each session.
Researchers found that low-grade inflammation in adolescents can lead to higher blood pressure, insulin resistance, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The study also suggests that dietary factors, such as consumption of fruits, vegetables, and fibre-rich foods, can help prevent premature vascular damage.
A long-term study by UC Davis MIND Institute researchers identified three distinct paths of intellectual development in autistic children: persistent intellectual disability, an increase in IQ, or average IQ. The study used IQ trajectories to track changes in communication and behavioral development over time.
Among U.S. children and teenagers, COVID-19 was the 8th leading cause of death in a two-year period, highlighting its significant mortality burden. The study suggests that underreporting and incomplete accounting for COVID-19's role in deaths from other diseases may have underestimated its true impact.
A meta-analysis of 253,810 individuals from 11 countries found that preterm infants tend to have similar body mass indexes (BMIs) as their term-born peers by adolescence. This suggests that early life factors may not significantly impact long-term BMI in preterm children.
A recent study found that adding just one ounce of walnuts to the typical American diet improves diet quality and increases intakes of under-consumed nutrients. Researchers analyzed data from nearly 8,000 Americans without a history of nut consumption, showing significant benefits for all life stages.
Insufficient sleep during teenage years is linked to a higher risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS). Short sleep duration and poor sleep quality are associated with a 40% and 50% increased risk, respectively. The study suggests that sufficient restorative sleep may be an important preventive factor against MS.
A study by Alexandra Rosati and colleagues found that adolescent chimpanzees share risk-taking behaviors with human teens, but tend to be less impulsive. In tests involving food rewards, adolescent chimpanzees chose the riskier option more often than adults, but showed similar negative reactions to disappointing outcomes.
A large Danish population study found that premature birth before 34 weeks is linked to lower scores in maths and language tests as a teenager. However, the researchers noted that cognitive outcomes are not predetermined at birth but are heavily influenced by social circumstances.
In Florida, over one in ten minors seeking abortion care through the judicial bypass system were denied, according to a new study. The research highlights the challenges faced by young people navigating parental involvement laws and the need for coordinated services to support them.
USC researchers found that music education benefits adolescents' wellbeing, boosting hopes for the future and positive development. Younger students received musical training scored higher in key measures of positive youth development.
A recent study found that adolescent boys and young adult men in Canada experience high levels of muscle dysmorphia symptoms, with one in four at clinical risk. The study highlights disparities among sexual identities and racial/ethnic groups, emphasizing the need for greater awareness and knowledge among healthcare professionals.
A new study by researchers at Trinity College Dublin found that financial strain and material deprivation are associated with higher child behavioral difficulties. The study suggests that more nuanced measures of economic hardship are required to accurately understand the effects of economic hardship on households and their children.
Research on COVID-19 variants reveals that infants and toddlers with co-infections are significantly more likely to need oxygen therapy and ICU-level care. Co-infection rates were highest during the delta variant, followed by omicron and alpha.
A new study uses mobile game apps to promote healthy decision-making among adolescent girls in India, presenting them with challenges and conflicts that mirror real-life situations. The game aims to build agency and awareness about health issues such as menstrual hygiene management.
A study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found a link between recreational cannabis legalization and increased asthma prevalence among teens, especially minority racial and ethnic groups. Exposure to secondhand smoke is a key risk factor for asthma in children.
A new study found that teenagers who reported feeling optimistic, happy, and loved had better cardiometabolic health outcomes in adulthood. Despite this, racial disparities remained apparent, with Black teens facing increased health risks due to structural racism.
A study led by Haley Skymba and Karen Rudolph found that teenage girls' past experiences with peer adversity directly impact how they perceive their own self-worth and belonging. The researchers designed a study to observe trends in a cohort of 89 girls, averaging 16 years old, and discovered patterns that demonstrate the connection be...
A new longitudinal study examines neural-based correlates and risk factors for nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) among adolescents. The study found that greater amygdala reactivity during anticipation of social punishment predicted NSSI engagement one year later, particularly in those with lower peer-nominated social preference.
A study by Mass General Brigham found elevated levels of spike protein, increased cytokines, and troponin in the blood of 16 adolescents and young adults who developed myocarditis after COVID mRNA vaccination. The researchers also discovered no differences in antibody production or auto-antibodies between cases and controls.
A recent NIH study found associations between exposure to ozone and fine particulate matter and molecular changes in children's airways during non-viral asthma attacks. The study suggests that reducing air pollution could improve human health, particularly in urban communities with high-risk asthma populations.
Researchers have discovered that vaping might not be a healthier alternative to smoking, especially in adolescents. EVALI symptoms can mimic those of other respiratory conditions, making diagnosis challenging. Pictorial questionnaires can help identify e-cigarette products used.
Research suggests that social media use in early adolescence may affect the brain's sensitivity to rewards and punishments, potentially influencing psychological adjustment. The study of 169 sixth- and seventh-grade students found associations between habitual checking behaviors on social media and changes in brain development.
A study of 169 students found that habitual social media checking is linked to increased sensitivity in adolescent brains. This increased sensitivity may be an adaptive behavior to navigate the digital world, but also poses potential long-term consequences for brain development.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 21 studies involving 2,400 participants found that physical activity interventions significantly reduced depressive symptoms in children and adolescents. The analysis showed that these interventions were associated with a notable reduction in depressive symptoms compared to a control condition.
A large study of over 20,600 children found that living in higher-opportunity neighborhoods at birth was associated with a lower average body mass index trajectory and a lower risk of obesity from childhood to adolescence. Initiatives targeting neighborhood environments may help prevent excess weight in children.
A new study found that living in neighborhoods with higher opportunity or lower vulnerability can lead to lower mean BMI trajectory and lower risk of obesity in children. The study suggests that investing in neighborhood environments could help mitigate future chronic disease risk, particularly for marginalized communities.
Firearm-related deaths among children and adolescents show racial and ethnic disparities, with Black youths bearing the highest burden. The study reveals a recent increase in mortality rates, potentially linked to the COVID-19 pandemic and social unrest.
Two new yardsticks have been published by the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology to guide practitioners on treating eosinophilic esophagitis and managing cough in adults and adolescents. The yardsticks provide practical, evidence-based recommendations for clinical decision-making.
Research by Dan Romer finds that seasonal fluctuations and other factors eliminate the apparent suicide contagion effect reported from the release of '13 Reasons Why'. The study also reveals a decline in adolescent suicide rates during summer months when youths are not in school.
The expert panel recommends individualized gender-affirming care, considering unique needs of transgender and gender-diverse individuals. They propose abandoning strict rules, such as hormone therapy initiation prior to surgery, in favor of a more comprehensive approach.
The percentage of adolescents reporting substance use in 2022 held steady, with most commonly reported use of alcohol, nicotine vaping, and cannabis. Levels generally remained at or below pre-pandemic levels, but there was a concerning increase in overdose deaths among young people ages 14-18 due to fentanyl contamination.
Research from the University of Ottawa finds that oral contraceptives' effects on brain and mood in women may be linked to age of onset and gut microbiome. The study suggests adolescence as a critical period for understanding OCs' impact, as it influences brain development and hormonal changes.
A new study reveals that child abuse and neglect are associated with significant excess public hospital costs in South Australia. The research found that individual costs increased with age and severity of abuse or neglect, resulting in an 18% cost penalty on the state's public hospital system.
Hospitalizations for anxiety, depression, and suicidality surged among adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Adolescent females were particularly affected, highlighting the need for enhanced mental health care resources within children's hospitals.
A survey study found adolescents who received routine childhood vaccines were more likely to receive a COVID-19 vaccine dose. This may indicate that addressing hesitancy about routine vaccinations can reduce concerns about COVID-19 vaccines.
A new study found that eating disorder attitudes and behaviors are more severe among transgender and gender non-conforming youth in Canada compared to their heterosexual counterparts. The research also highlights the need for prevention, assessment, and treatment methods that consider diverse presentations of disordered eating behaviors.
A recent study by Texas A&M University reveals that rural family medicine physicians are less comfortable providing sexual risk reduction counseling to adolescents compared to their urban counterparts. This disparity highlights the need for increased awareness and training of PrEP-related clinical activities among rural providers, whic...
A new national study found that excessive screen time, especially video gaming and watching videos, is linked to an increased risk of developing OCD in US preteens. The study, led by UCSF researchers, suggests that intrusive thoughts about video game content can develop into obsessions or compulsions.
A new Lancet Viewpoint provides recommendations for providers and parents to detect and intervene in adolescent substance use. The study highlights the challenges of detecting substances with 'invisible symptoms' and emphasizes the importance of open communication and well-validated screening tools.
A study of 510 children with chronic kidney disease found that declining hemoglobin levels were associated with significant growth impairment even when above guideline-targeted levels. Lower hemoglobin values are linked to poorer growth, independent of kidney function and age.