Articles tagged with Children
A study found that measles-containing vaccines were administered to only 15% of children in this age group between 2015 and 2025. This proportion remained stable over time, but disparities in vaccine uptake existed among minoritized racial and ethnic groups.
A global analysis of childhood diets over nearly 30 years reveals that children worldwide consume low amounts of essential nutrients found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes. In contrast to many other countries, the US sees a decline in consumption of these foods from infancy to adolescence.
A survey of Illinois emergency departments found that many hospitals lack pediatric mental health specialists and struggle with timely access to evaluation by a mental health professional. The study proposes practical solutions, such as investing in mental health staffing, therapeutic activities, and real-time bed tracking to improve c...
This cohort study of 38,535 singletons found that birth weight decile was associated with early-life growth patterns. The use of birth weight decile group may help identify high-risk children missed by conventional thresholds.
The NUTRITION 2026 meeting will present over 1,650 scientific presentations on topics including food additives, GLP-1 therapies, and ultra-processed foods. Experts will discuss the latest research on potential risks and clinical considerations of these substances.
Researchers are developing a new gene therapy to treat CTLA-4 insufficiency, a life-limiting inherited immune disorder. The treatment involves replacing a faulty gene in a patient's own immune cells using CRISPR/Cas9 technology.
A Brazilian study found that 86% of children and adolescents with musculoskeletal pain recover, but 32% experience recurring pain. The study identified factors such as quality of life and age as predictors of recovery.
A study of 193 countries finds that armed conflict leads to more measles cases, even a year after fighting ends. Socioeconomic decline is the strongest connection between conflict and measles, as it erodes health foundations and population vulnerability.
A new study challenges the common notion that sports are inherently good and finds a link between heavy-contact youth sports participation and acts of violence. Dropping out of organized youth sports is particularly associated with committing acts of violence over the life course.
A new study analyzing 86,000 Norwegian children found that the association between parental body mass index (BMI) and childhood BMI is largely explained by shared genetics. Genetic effects accounted for an estimated 79% of the statistical association between a mother's BMI and her child's BMI at age 8.
A Japanese cohort study found that better maternal cardiovascular health during pregnancy is associated with lower risks of offspring developmental delay at age 4. The study suggests a potential protective effect of optimal maternal cardiovascular health on child development.
A new study by UCL researchers found that mothers with care proceedings in England are 21 times more likely to die within 10 years compared to other mothers. The study analyzed data from NHS hospitals and family court records, revealing a starkly higher risk of maternal mortality among mothers who experienced care proceedings.
Leading child psychologist Dr. Barish argues that grandparents have a crucial role to play in helping children develop a sense of purpose beyond personal success and in providing emotional support. He recommends practices like volunteering together and frequent family conversations about kindness and understanding.
A study found that regularly assessing gastric residual volume in critically ill children being enterally fed significantly improved nutritional achievement at 72 hours. Not routine assessments every 6 hours had similar results, demonstrating noninferiority.
A White House announcement on treating autism with leucovorin and against acetaminophen during pregnancy led to significant increases in internet searches for these topics. Nearly 1 million additional searches for leucovorin were recorded, alongside over 4 million searches for acetaminophen.
A new study reveals that despite a decline in national lead levels, children of color and from low-wealth families continue to face higher exposure risks due to increased lead in old homes and cultural products. The authors call for policy solutions to eliminate all sources of lead and provide targeted interventions to reduce disparities.
A new study found that third-graders with higher impulsive behavior had lower math and reading scores in elementary and high school, as well as fewer years of education as adults. Children who could 'keep it together' for longer tended to do better academically.
A clinical trial found that low-dose atropine eye drops are safe and effective in reducing myopia progression in UK children. The treatment led to a small decrease in refractive error and eye growth compared to placebo.
A new Canadian study reveals that social anxiety disorder now affects nearly 1 in 7 adults, up from 8% in 2002. Young people are most at risk, and early life experiences, such as childhood trauma, and lack of social support play a significant role.
A pediatric ophthalmologist is leading a $1 million NIH grant to study the genetics of cataracts in children. The goal is to develop a comprehensive AI-assisted database of genes associated with potential diseases.
A new study from the University of Copenhagen found that combining fractions with a basketball improves pupils' mathematical skills in primary school. Pupils who participated in an eight-week teaching programme performed 15% better in fractions tests compared to a control group.
A study by University College London found that physical punishment is associated with detrimental outcomes for children's development and wellbeing. Children who experienced physical punishment were more likely to engage in risky behaviors and have poorer educational attainment.
Hospitalized children with acute respiratory tract infections often have underlying chronic conditions that require intensive care. The study found that these patients are at a higher risk of severe disease and death. Understanding the epidemiologic profile of this population can help optimize outcomes for pediatric patients.
A new study reveals that climate change is actively worsening childhood stunting globally, particularly in rural areas with low service accessibility. Structural socioeconomic inequality also exacerbates the issue, with community-level inequality consistently linked to stunting rates.
Research found that children who play outdoors more frequently during the preschool years are less likely to develop emotional and behavioral difficulties later in childhood. This study suggests that providing young children with more opportunities to play outside could support better mental health.
New research links food insecurity to altered gut microbiomes in children, with potential implications for child health and development. The study found higher levels of certain bacteria, such as Sutterella, in children from food-insecure households.
A new study identifies five core values shaping COVID-19 vaccination decisions among Black and Hispanic parents, including safety, knowledge, trust, humanity, and autonomy. Understanding these values can inform targeted public health campaigns to reduce racial disparities in childhood vaccination rates.
A new study reveals how Philip Morris Companies Inc. used cigarette research and flavor engineering to design Lunchables, a successful ultra-processed food for children. The company's strategy was based on optimizing 'technical synergies' between tobacco and food divisions.
Despite overall declines in child mortality, progress has stalled, particularly among newborns and children under 5, who face major causes like preterm birth complications and pneumonia. Renewed commitment and investment are crucial to prevent an unfolding tragedy and meet international child survival targets.
Researchers at Pennington Biomedical published the first study to estimate pediatric obesity prevalence among US children and adolescents aged 5-18 years using the new Lancet Commission definitions. The study found that many children are already experiencing measurable health impairments associated with obesity.
The LEGO Foundation Fellowship will support up to 10 researchers pursuing ambitious work on how children thrive in crisis and conflict settings, neurodivergent children, and AI-enabled learning. The fellowship aims to deepen understanding of what helps children learn, grow, and thrive.
A new book by a Cambridge child psychotherapist argues that treating parents alongside children is crucial for addressing the youth mental health crisis. The author highlights the importance of considering an 'ecological system', including families, communities, and environment, in understanding young people's wellbeing.
Two new international studies found that healthy lifestyles can have a protective effect on childhood cancer survivors, reducing the risk of chronic health problems. The studies suggest that physical activity, a healthy weight, and other lifestyle factors can significantly reduce the burden of disease in adulthood.
Researchers aim to build a cohort of 2,000 AYA cancer survivors in NYC to study the short- and long-term effects of newer cancer treatments. The study will focus on challenges such as fertility and sexual health concerns, as well as financial stress.
A recent study of over 1,800 infants in Sweden found that most young children have sufficient vitamin D levels, but intake was too low for some. The research also explored the climate impact of foods providing vitamin D, concluding that plant-based alternatives are a climate-friendly source.
A new study published in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport found that most children meet guidelines for restrained sitting, but urban children and those with more vehicle time are less likely to meet the guideline. Higher levels of physical activity were associated with greater likelihood of meeting the recommended guideline.
A nationally representative study found a nearly 4-fold increase in type 2 diabetes prevalence among US children and adolescents between 10 to 17 years old. The substantial rise is concerning due to the disease's lifetime risk of severe complications and premature deaths.
Dr. Harding's research shows that laughter can help children handle stress, develop emotional intelligence, and improve memory. Laughter also fosters social skills and strengthens the immune system, making it an essential component of early childhood development.
A study found that universal free school meals can decrease out-of-school suspensions by 10% in elementary schools and 6% in middle and high schools. This impact was more pronounced in schools with fewer eligible students before implementing the policies.
A new study from Florida Atlantic University and Mykolas Romeris University found that maternal disapproval is a significant factor in the demise of best friend relationships. Children who reported their mothers' disapproval were more likely to abandon those friendships, even if they initially persisted.
A new study found that ozone pollution reduces the health benefits of exercising at recommended levels for children's lung growth. The researchers analyzed data from over 3,400 children and found that moderate activity did not show similar benefits as vigorous exercise, while ozone exposure was a key limiting factor.
A new study by Concordia researchers found that well-liked friends can help reduce peer exclusion, but not social withdrawal in isolated children. The study tracked 252 fifth- and sixth-grade students over eight weeks and found that friendships with high-status peers reinforced existing social status, rather than improving inclusion.
Researchers argue that childhood behaviors are being pathologized, and instead propose addressing the root causes of psychological distress by reforming education and mental health systems. They advocate for a more collaborative approach, trusting children and families to define themselves and co-construct their support needs.
A national study found that over one in 10 children with medical complexity experienced a reported incident, with medication and device errors being the most common types. The study calls for targeted interventions to keep these highly vulnerable children safe.
Research shows that intrinsic motivations, such as enjoying physical activity and feeling healthy, consistently matter most in predicting aerobic fitness. Teenagers who value these factors are significantly fitter at 17 than those motivated primarily by winning or external rewards.
A study found that adolescents aware of their state's minor consent laws were more likely to seek and receive HIV and other sexually transmitted infections testing. Teens who accurately knew their legal capacity to consent to healthcare services had higher testing rates.
A post hoc analysis of a randomized clinical trial found high-dose vitamin D3 supplementation in pregnancy to be positively associated with visual memory, verbal memory, and flexibility among offspring at age 10. This strengthens evidence on the association between prenatal vitamin D exposure and childhood cognition.
A study led by University of Arizona researchers found that azithromycin did not improve symptoms in preschool children with severe wheezing. The trial results challenge the idea that certain types of bacteria contribute to wheezing and asthma, suggesting that viral infections play a more significant role.
A new study finds that pediatric pulmonary rehabilitation significantly improves exercise capacity, strength, and quality of life in children with chronic respiratory diseases. Spirometry, a key measure of lung function, remains stable but doesn't improve. The program is also associated with high patient and caregiver satisfaction.
A study of over 20,000 South Australian students found that wellbeing declined across every measured domain, including happiness and life satisfaction, after transitioning to secondary school. The decline was independent of developmental changes associated with adolescence.
A survey study found that over 1 in 5 adult firearm owners living with children under 18 years store at least one loaded gun in an unlocked location, posing a significant risk to child safety. More effective strategies are needed to motivate parents to secure their firearms and prevent accidents.
A large population-based study found that children with epilepsy have a significantly higher risk of also having autism spectrum disorder. The study highlighted key differences between children with co-occurring conditions, including intellectual disability and age of diagnosis.
A new study from Edith Cowan University found that first-time parents are navigating a flood of conflicting advice on screen time, with many falling back on outdated rules due to uncertainty. The research suggests that fear-based messaging around children's screen use is fuelling guilt and anxiety among parents.
Unsecure firearm storage is common among older adults with subjective cognitive decline, despite clinical guidance recommending secure storage for those with cognitive symptoms. The study highlights the need for improved household practices and access to fire safety education.
A human study found that prenatal and childhood exposure to persistent environmental chemicals may influence sperm chromosomal integrity decades later. Higher levels of PCBs and PFASs were associated with extra chromosomes in adulthood, increasing the risk of miscarriages and congenital birth defects.