Research on teenage health, behavior, and development. Covers vaping and smoking, youth mental health, social media, and emergency-care trends.
Researchers found that pod-based e-cigarettes have a higher potential to get youth and young adults addicted due to efficient nicotine delivery. The study suggests stronger health communication messages are needed around the consequences of using these devices.
A new study has identified the top sources of empty calories in children and teens, with soft drinks, cookies, and pizza emerging as major contributors. The research suggests that more than 25% of the calories consumed by children and adolescents come from added sugars and solid fats.
A University of Michigan study found that up to 60% of students in certain schools vape daily, highlighting the importance of understanding individual and school-level factors driving e-cigarette use. The study's findings suggest that tailoring interventions to specific school environments can be effective in reducing vaping prevalence.
A survey of adolescent cancer patients and their families found that parents have a poor understanding of their teens' preferred time to discuss end-of-life issues. Family-centered pediatric advance care planning interventions can help address this gap, enabling open conversations about treatment preferences and improving quality of life.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet found that socioeconomic status independently affects cognitive ability and brain structure during adolescence. The study showed that environmental factors have a stronger impact on brain development than genes.
A New Zealand study found that teenagers were shocked by the graphic detail of a suicide scene in the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why. The researchers interviewed 25 young people between 13-18 and discovered they viewed the show as an 'over-dramatic' fictional TV show, not a realistic depiction of adolescent suicide.
A new study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia researchers found that a primary care-based intervention promoting parent-teen communication led to less distress among teens and more positive emotions. The intervention, which included an eight-page booklet with discussion prompts, showed promise in improving adolescent health outcomes.
This study analyzed data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to compare demographic and clinical characteristics between adolescents and adults with EVALI. Key findings include differences in age, sex, substance use behaviors, and hospitalization rates.
Researchers propose that incentivizing social media influencers could effectively promote social distancing behaviors amongst adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study suggests that peer-to-peer campaigns are more successful in changing attitudes than adult-led interventions.
Research by Newcastle University and the University of Nottingham found that dogs exhibit typical teenage behavior, such as ignoring commands and training difficulties, at around 8 months old. This behavior is more pronounced in dogs with insecure attachments to their owners.
A study of 1,556 Korean adolescents found that those who used e-cigarettes for longer periods reported being influenced by the belief they were less harmful than cigarettes. Frequent users were also more likely to have higher weekly allowances and be exposed to second-hand smoke at home.
Youth with chronic medical conditions are at a higher risk of developing anxiety disorders, affecting approximately 20-50% of young people. Anxiety disorders can also worsen disease-related outcomes in children and adolescents with these conditions.
A NYU study published in Pediatrics reveals that a triadic intervention involving parents and healthcare providers significantly reduces adolescent sexual risk behavior. The Families Talking Together program delays sexual debut by 12 months and increases condom use among adolescents aged 11-14.
High school students who attended later school start times slept longer and experienced improved mental health outcomes, including lower rates of depression and anxiety. The observational study suggests that adjusting school start times can be a viable strategy to address sleep deprivation among adolescents.
Researchers analyzed data from nearly 12,000 black adolescents and found that attending sexual health programs was associated with increased condom use and reduced number of partners. The study suggests that these programs can have a positive impact on sexual behavior among Black adolescents.
Research from North Carolina State University found that sexual health interventions increased both abstinence and condom use in Black adolescents. The study analyzed data from 29 studies involving over 11,900 Black teens and showed modest increases in these behaviors, particularly among those who received school-based interventions.
A Columbia-led study found that early exposure to cannabis makes young brains more sensitive to cocaine, shedding light on the neurobiology of drug use in adolescence. The research revealed key molecular and epigenetic changes in adolescent rats' brains after synthetic psychoactive cannabinoids were followed by cocaine.
A Finnish study found that childhood exposure to secondhand smoking is associated with poorer learning ability and memory in midlife. The study of over 2,000 participants showed that those exposed to parental smoking had worse cognitive performance, equivalent to up to five years of aging.
A student-led campaign at Indiana University reduced stigma around mental illness, with results rivaling well-funded programs. The initiative increased awareness and inclusion among students, resulting in a significant decrease in prejudice.
A study examined fertility preservation among transgender adolescents seeking hormonal intervention for gender identity in Australia. The research found a significant number of adolescents considered preserving their reproductive function during hormone therapy.
A new international study found that starting smoking at a young age significantly increases the likelihood of becoming a daily smoker as an adult. The study analyzed data from over 6,600 participants and found that even children who only tried smoking minimally were more likely to end up as daily adult smokers. The results support Tob...
A secondary analysis of UK data found a significant long-term association between early childhood video game use and increased risk of obesity in teenagers. Regular bedtimes and physical activity were also linked to lower body weight, suggesting potential protective effects against excessive gaming.
Between 2008-2018, deaths from infectious diseases decreased steadily, with a significant shift towards HIV/AIDS among 15-24 year olds. Traditional vaccine-preventable diseases have largely disappeared, but seasonal and unpredictable diseases remain a concern.
A randomized controlled trial found that liraglutide improves BMI SDS, body weight, waist circumference, and other weight-related outcomes in adolescents with obesity. The study also showed a similar safety profile to adults, with minimal gastrointestinal side effects.
A new longitudinal study examines the depressive effects of emotional abuse and neglect on adolescents, revealing distinct impacts depending on gender and ethnicity. Emotional abuse predicts depression in girls, while emotional neglect affects Hispanic adolescents' symptoms through decreased school engagement.
A new study published in Jama Network Open found that childhood overweight and obesity rates have plateaued in many middle- and high-income countries, but prevalence rates remain high. The rates of both conditions have increased in the most disadvantaged neighbourhoods in Catalonia, Spain.
A nationwide survey of over 230,000 US adolescents found increasing rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts among those seeking mental health care. The proportion of adolescent girls reporting treatment or counseling rose significantly, while boys' usage declined.
Researchers examined changes in adolescent mental health problems and care settings, finding shifts towards more specialized services and online care. The study highlights the need for improved mental health support for adolescents, particularly in rural areas where access to care is limited.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia develop a new tool to measure quality of life for autistic individuals across their lifespan. The tool assesses physical and mental health, relationships, and subjective well-being, providing insights into the struggles and successes of autistic people.
A study by Flinders University found that bad sleep habits in teenagers are linked to negative thoughts, perfectionism, and an increased risk of depression. The researchers recommend alternative treatments for repetitive negative thinking and perfectionism, including encouraging regular bedtime routines and limiting screen time.
A Rutgers University study found that teens who feel empowered and have strong coping mechanisms are less likely to engage in bullying, harassment, or committing acts of sexual violence. Adults can help teens build these strengths by having positive conversations about healthy relationships.
A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that Latino/a adolescents with a family member detained or deported are at high risk of suicidal thoughts, early alcohol use, and risky behaviors. The study suggests that current U.S. immigration policies might contribute to serious mental and behavioral health risks for these youth.
A survey study of nearly 550 Latino adolescents found a strong association between family member detention or deportation and later suicidal thoughts, alcohol use, and externalizing behaviors. The study highlights the need for policymakers to consider the impact of immigration policies on vulnerable populations.
Research from Binghamton University found that older children's brains respond more strongly to rewards and less strongly to losses later in the day. This may lead to increased risk of risky behavior at night. The study suggests that understanding these differences can help prevent teenage risk-taking and psychopathology.
A recent NIH-funded study found that pregnant African adolescent girls and young women have significantly lower concentrations of the PrEP drug tenofovir compared to non-pregnant individuals. The study suggests that daily PrEP adherence is crucial for this population, despite potential physiological changes during pregnancy.
Pro-vaping and other tobacco videos on YouTube have seen dramatic increases in viewership over the past half-dozen years, despite ad bans. The research highlights the challenges of regulating online content and the potential for social media platforms to influence young people's health information.
A study found that adolescents with divorced parents have lower GPAs, especially those with more educated mothers. The researchers controlled for paternal education and income measures, revealing a stronger association between divorce and reduced GPA among teens with highly educated mothers.
Researchers at Kumamoto University found that actin filaments play a crucial role in controlling the shape of phragmoplasts, which form the partition between dividing plant cells. Disrupting actin filaments alters phragmoplast dynamics and affects cell plate formation.
A study published in Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry found that stepwise treatment for pediatric OCD results in excellent long-term stability of treatment gains. Most participants responded well to treatment, with significant improvements in symptoms, psychosocial functioning, and depressive symptoms.
A new study published by the American Psychological Association found that adolescents who are bullied about their weight or body shape may be more likely to use alcohol or marijuana. The link between appearance-related teasing and substance use was strongest among overweight girls, raising special concerns about this group.
Adequate sleep is crucial for teenagers to navigate challenging social situations and cope with ethnic or racial bias. The study found that getting a good night's sleep helps teens problem-solve more effectively and seek peer support when faced with hardships.
A new study from Ohio State University examines the link between childhood physical abuse and heavy cigarette use among teenagers. Research shows that children who experience physical abuse are more likely to develop a heavy smoking habit, with early childhood abuse being a significant predictor.
A Penn Medicine study used machine learning to analyze fMRI scans of nearly 700 children and adolescents, revealing unique brain network patterns that predict cognition and executive function. The research offers a new approach to personalized diagnostics and therapeutics for psychiatric disorders.
A new study from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus finds that changes to Title X have led to confusion and loss of access to confidential family planning services for teens in Texas. The research suggests that similar issues may worsen nationwide as the new policies are implemented.
A study found that excessive selfie editing and time invested in creating perfect selfies are related to self-objectification, leading to body shame and anxiety. Researchers advise parents to monitor their teens' phone behavior and engage in conversations about self-esteem.
A study published by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that later school start times significantly reduce vehicle accidents involving teen drivers. Teenagers who get more sleep are less likely to make poor decisions such as not wearing a seat belt or engaging in distracted driving.
Research found that community-level LGBTQ supportiveness is associated with lower odds of lifetime substance use among sexual minority boys and girls. Living in a large population center also reduced the risk of lifetime alcohol use for boys, while a progressive political climate increased the risk of marijuana use for girls.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found significant reductions in body mass index (BMI), body weight, waist circumference, and fat mass in children and adolescents treated with metformin. However, the treatment did not affect lean body mass or have a significant impact on those who were already overweight or obese.
A landmark report warns that every child worldwide faces existential threats from climate change and exploitative marketing practices, stalling progress in child and adolescent health over the past 20 years. The Global Index of 180 countries reveals no single country is adequately protecting children's health, environment, and futures.
A new study of wild chimpanzees finds that males whose mothers were present during their tween and teen years had higher odds of survival later in life. The study also suggests that adolescent males benefit from their mother's wealth of experience and knowledge, such as how to avoid predators or find food.
A study of 672 participants found life-course-persistent antisocial behavior associated with thinner cortex and smaller surface area in specific brain regions. In contrast, adolescence-limited antisocial behavior showed no widespread structural brain abnormalities.
A preclinical study found that a human gene variant affects the brain's reward processing circuit and increases vulnerability to THC reward in adolescent females, leading to higher preference for cannabis. The study suggests genetic factors can contribute to increased susceptibility to cannabis dependence in select populations.
Researchers found that primary care doctors rarely discuss safe driving and monitor patients for risky sexual behavior with adolescents who have a history of ADHD. The study highlights the need for additional resources and training to provide better care for these patients as they transition from childhood to young adulthood.
A new study found that adolescents who spend more time sitting are at a greater risk of developing depression by age 18. The study suggests that even light physical activity, such as walking or doing chores, can reduce the risk of depressive symptoms by up to 10%.
Research from Washington University in St. Louis reveals that suicidal thoughts in children as young as 9 and 10 years old, with family conflict and parental monitoring being key factors, contrary to the long-held belief that such thoughts only arise in adolescence.
A new 10-week program called GripTape aims to help young people find their way in life. Researchers will examine its effectiveness and underlying mechanisms to clarify why it works for whom.
Research published in PNAS reveals that brain networks 'come online' during adolescence, allowing teenagers to develop complex adult social skills. However, this process may also increase the risk of mental illness.
Children who spend time in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at birth have a higher risk of mental health issues later in childhood and adolescence. NICU graduates are nearly twice as likely to develop any mental disorder or multiple mental illnesses, according to the study.
A study published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health found that children aged two to three who spend more than three hours a day viewing screens are less physically active at age 5.5 years. Adhering to WHO guidelines to limit screen time may promote healthier behaviors in later life.
A recent study explores the association between county-level poverty concentrations and suicide rates among children and adolescents in the US. The findings suggest that areas with higher levels of poverty are more likely to experience increased suicide rates among young people.