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Breastfeeding duration and cognitive performance among youths

A cross-sectional study found no association between longer breastfeeding duration and cognitive performance in unadjusted models, however, a positive correlation emerged after controlling for socioeconomic factors. Longer breastfeeding durations were more common among low-income families, highlighting the need for continued support.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 23, 2026

Heavy drinking, alcohol use disorder, and obesity

A nationally representative study found nearly 1 in 10 U.S. adults with heavy drinking and obesity conditions, highlighting the need for preventive efforts in younger and middle-aged adults without insurance or Medicaid coverage to curb rising rates of alcohol-associated liver disease deaths.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateApr 20, 2026

Young-onset colorectal cancer mortality by education

A nationwide study reveals that individuals with lower educational attainment are more likely to die from colorectal cancer at a younger age. The disparity in young-onset CRC mortality nearly doubled over the past three decades among those with 12 years or less education compared to those with 16 or more years of education.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateApr 16, 2026

Online searches for gun-related harm

A notable minority of US youth and young adults, particularly those facing structural disadvantages and mental health distress, engage in intentional online searches for gun-related harm. Public health strategies combining digital interventions with structural reforms offer promise to reduce gun-related harm among vulnerable populations.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 15, 2026

Screen time among children and adolescents has increased over three decades – especially after COVID-19 pandemic

A new systematic review found that screen time use among children and adolescents has dramatically risen over the past three decades, with a clear increase occurring after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The review analyzed 60 peer-reviewed studies and found that older children and adolescents reported higher screen time than young...

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalClinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateMar 30, 2026

Video training helps young adults with disabilities navigate romance

Researchers developed a video modeling program to enhance romantic relationship skills in young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The study found that participants significantly improved their decision-making skills across four relationship domains, averaging 76% accuracy after the intervention. The findings high...

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalSexuality and Disability·TypeObservational study·DateMar 26, 2026

Young people’s critical capacity regarding digital advertising reproduces social inequalities

A recent study by Pompeu Fabra University reveals that socioeconomic conditions significantly impact young people's ability to detect algorithmically personalized advertising. The study finds that lower socioeconomic status is linked to decreased critical capacity, exacerbating structural inequalities.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalTechnology in Society·TypeSurvey·DateMar 25, 2026

Youth in foster care with disabilities may need tailored services that support the transition into adulthood

A recent study by Melissa Villodas and Gilbert Gimm found that youth in foster care with disabilities received special education and mentoring services at higher rates than others. In contrast, those without disabilities used room and board financial assistance more frequently. The researchers' interdisciplinary collaboration aims to i...

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalChildren and Youth Services Review·DateMar 24, 2026

Students with lower self-control tend to procrastinate with short-form video; sleep suffers, but not grades, study finds

A study found that college students with lower self-control and habitual use of short-form videos experience poorer sleep health and higher stress, but not diminished academic performance. Researchers suggest that institutions of higher learning and society can help by providing holistic mental health and student health outreach services.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalCyberpsychology Behavior and Social Networking·TypeSurvey·DateMar 9, 2026

Study finds teens spend nearly one-third of the school day on smartphones, with frequent checking linked to poorer attention

A new study found that middle and high school students spend nearly one-third of the school day on their smartphones, with frequent checking linked to weaker attention and impulse control. The study also found that students who checked their phones more frequently showed poorer cognitive control, a key skill for learning and academic s...

Do muscles remember being weak?

New research reveals that skeletal muscle retains a 'molecular memory' of repeated disuse, which differs between young and old muscles. Younger muscles show resilience, while older muscles become increasingly susceptible to atrophy. The study provides insights into how muscle responds to inactivity and its potential for recovery.

SourceWiley·JournalAdvanced Science·DateFeb 25, 2026

Zero-alcohol ads hook teens

A study of 382 adolescents aged 15–17 found that zero-alcohol advertisements significantly increased their intentions to try full-strength versions. Teenagers who liked the ads showed more positive attitudes toward the brands and clearer intentions to drink.

SourceFlinders University·JournalDrug and Alcohol Review·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 23, 2026

Young carers falling behind by end of primary school

A national study found young carers in England consistently experience educational disadvantages compared to non-carer peers. By the end of primary school, they were 35% less likely to reach expected standards across reading, writing and maths, with lower GCSE achievement rates.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalInternational Journal of Educational Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 12, 2026

Generative AI applications use among us youth

A cross-sectional study found that up to half of adolescents in the US were using generative AI apps, while a small subset engaged in heavy use. The study highlights the need for future research on individual differences in GenAI use and its impacts on adolescent development.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 2, 2026

How does TikTok shape young peoples' dietary preferences?

A study found that TikTok influences dietary habits by leveraging algorithmic mechanisms, entertainment content, and users' emotional connections. The platform affects food preferences, dining choices, and recipe evaluations among young people.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Consumer Studies·DateJan 28, 2026

Tailored treatment approach shows promise for reducing suicide and self-harm risk in teens and young adults

A new study demonstrates a health care approach matching treatment intensity to individual risk levels can significantly reduce self-harm and depression among at-risk adolescents and young adults. The randomized clinical trial found significant reductions in self-harm behaviors, improved patient satisfaction, and high follow-up rates.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 23, 2026

Leading cancer deaths in people younger than 50 years

Cancer mortality rates have decreased for breast cancer and leukemia, despite increasing incidence, while colorectal cancer has become the leading cause of death among US young adults. Colorectal cancer surpasses lung, breast, and prostate cancers as the leading cancer-related death in people under 50 years old.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJan 22, 2026

Prenatal and early-life pollution exposures may influence childhood blood pressure patterns, ECHO study finds

A new study from the ECHO Program found that exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) before and after birth may influence childhood blood pressure patterns. High blood pressure in children is a growing concern worldwide, with nearly 80% increase over two decades.

SourceEnvironmental influences on Child Health Outcomes·JournalEnvironmental Research·TypeObservational study·DateJan 14, 2026

Adverse prenatal exposures linked to higher rates of mental health issues, brain changes in adolescents

Children with adverse prenatal exposures showed higher rates of behavior problems, faster cortical thinning, and more depressive symptoms than children with fewer APEs. Researchers found a persistent association between multiple APEs and increased odds of mental health problems as kids grew older.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 7, 2026

Journal highlights need to transform girls’ mental health care

A special issue of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America seeks to transform how clinicians, educators, and policymakers think about girls' mental health by focusing on systems that support or fail to support them. The issue explores intersectionality, trauma-informed approaches, and the impact of social media on bod...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalChild and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America·TypeObservational study·DateDec 18, 2025

Jeonbuk National University study shows positive parenting can protect adolescents against self-harm

A recent study by Jeonbuk National University researchers found that positive parenting styles can significantly reduce the risk of self-harm in adolescents. The study analyzed data from over 3,900 participants and identified three distinct parenting styles: negative, average, and positive, with positive parenting being the most protec...

SourceJeonbuk National University, Sustainable Strategy team, Planning and Coordination Division·JournalActa Psychologica·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 16, 2025

Clinical trial finds cannabis use not a barrier to quitting nicotine vaping

A new clinical trial found that varenicline, a medication for quitting nicotine, was effective in vaping cessation regardless of cannabis use. Cannabis use did not appear to be a barrier to successful vaping cessation, and participants who used cannabis had similar odds of achieving abstinence as those who did not.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 12, 2025

Increased risk of severe bacterial infection after high teenage BMI

A new study from the University of Gothenburg has found that high teenage BMI and poor physical fitness are associated with a higher risk of developing severe bacterial infections in adulthood. The study, which followed over 44,000 men for three decades, shows that even at high normal weight, individuals are already at increased risk.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateDec 9, 2025

Increased use of cannabis seen among adolescents with psychiatric illnesses after cannabis sales became legal

After cannabis sales became legal, rates of cannabis use and cannabis-related disorders increased significantly among adolescents aged 12 to 17 presenting for psychiatric emergencies. The study found a fourfold increase in cannabis use and a similar rise in cannabis-related disorders among this age group.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeContent analysis·DateDec 3, 2025