MerchantStore - Health Information about Children

Health — Children & Kids — April 9th, 2026

Breastfeeding at least three months tied to lower weight gain decades later
Breastfeeding not only affects your weight while you are breastfeeding—women gain up to 6.5 kilos less on average later in life if they breastfeed for at least three months, according to a new study.
April 9th, 2026 — Source

Kids most in need of dental care are least likely to benefit from school programs
Children who don't go to the dentist are less likely to participate in school-based cavity prevention programs, according to research published in JAMA Network Open. The paper is titled "School-Based Caries Prevention Programs and Recruitment of High-Risk Pediatric Medicaid Populations."
April 9th, 2026 — Source

Overlooked non-coding genes cause diabetes in babies, study reveals
Scientists have found new genetic causes for diabetes in babies—in a part of the genome that has historically been overlooked in genetic studies. Until recently, most research has investigated causes of disease in "coding" genes—those that produce proteins. Now, academics at the University of Exeter and their international collaborators have found that DNA changes in two genes that instead make functional RNA molecules are a cause of diabetes. RNA plays various roles in the body, including regulating genes and influencing how genetic information is "read" and interpreted.
April 9th, 2026 — Source

Scientists find new genetic causes for diabetes in babies
Scientists have found new genetic causes for diabetes in babies -- in a part of the genome that has historically been overlooked in genetic studies.
April 9th, 2026 — Source

Severe Exposure to 'Forever Chemicals' During Pregnancy Could Lead to Childhood Asthma
A new Swedish study focuses on very high levels of PFAS exposure in drinking water.
April 9th, 2026 — Source

Smoking during pregnancy raises children's mental health risk
A large U.S. cohort study reveals how smoking during pregnancy may shape children's mental health, raising overall symptom burden while nudging behavior toward externalizing patterns across childhood and adolescence.
April 9th, 2026 — Source

Swedish study reveals high societal costs for extremely preterm infants
Children born before 24 weeks of gestation are linked to high societal costs throughout childhood. Costs are highest during the first year of life, but the need for support persists for many years. This is shown in a study by researchers at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
April 9th, 2026 — Source

There are no good ways to avoid childhood eczema but many treatment options, say researchers
There's very little parents can do to prevent their kids from developing eczema, according to new guidelines from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Research hasn't shown that common tactics like special diets, skipping baths, breastfeeding and probiotic supplements can help children avoid eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, researchers report in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
April 9th, 2026 — Source

When the world becomes too loud: War can leave sensory toll of trauma on young children
New research reveals that for many young children, the trauma of war can fundamentally alter how their nervous systems process and respond to the physical world. The study found that nearly half of the young survivors of the October 7 attacks developed atypical sensory patterns, causing common stimuli such as sounds, movements, and touches to be perceived as overwhelming threats. These findings emphasize the critical importance of addressing sensory needs to ensure that daily environments no longer feel like a source of distress for children during their most vulnerable stages of development.
April 9th, 2026 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — April 8th, 2026

New clinical guidelines address blood clot prevention in pediatric patients
The American Society of Hematology (ASH) and the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) released comprehensive clinical practice guidelines on anticoagulant prophylaxis in non-cardiac pediatric patients at risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). The guidelines were developed by an expert panel following a rigorous review process and published in ASH's peer-reviewed journal, Blood Advances.
April 8th, 2026 — Source

Why some children with learning difficulties get identified, and others don't
Two children sit in different schools. Both struggle to read. Both have similar low scores on national tests. But while one gets a diagnosis of specific learning difficulties and a package of support, the other is left to fall behind.
April 8th, 2026 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — April 6th, 2026

How unsupervised screen time harms vulnerable preschoolers
Early problems with language can have a lasting negative impact on social and emotional development. Building on this foundation, a new groundbreaking study from Florida Atlantic University and Aarhus University in Denmark tests the hypothesis that unsupervised, solitary screen time during early childhood increases the likelihood that language difficulties will lead to socioemotional difficulties.
April 6th, 2026 — Source

Solitary screen time increases socioemotional problems for children with language difficulties
Early problems with language can have a lasting negative impact on social and emotional development. Building on this foundation, a new groundbreaking study from Florida Atlantic University and Aarhus University in Denmark tests the hypothesis that unsupervised, solitary screen time during early childhood increases the likelihood that language difficulties will lead to socioemotional difficulties.
April 6th, 2026 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — April 2nd, 2026

Extreme heat from climate change linked to smaller babies
Exposure to extreme heat conditions is resulting in more babies being born with low birth weight, according to a new study involving Adelaide University researchers. The collaborative study, published in BMC Medicine, used health data from more than 85,000 mothers and babies in Pakistan to assess the impact of extreme heat on the size of infants.
April 2nd, 2026 — Source

Finnish study reveals how parental immigration status impacts child mental health
A new nationwide Finnish register study shows that children with two immigrant parents are significantly less likely to receive mental health services for anxiety and depression than children of Finnish parents. At the same time, children with immigrant fathers and Finnish mothers are up to 60% more likely to use those services, revealing how a single native-born parent can dramatically shape a child's access to care.
April 2nd, 2026 — Source

Household cleaning products remain a leading source of child injury, study finds
Researchers from the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children's Hospital have found more than an estimated 240,800 visits to U.S. emergency departments (EDs) associated with household cleaning product-related injuries from 2007 through 2022 for children aged five years and younger. That's one injury every 35 minutes. Among all household cleaning products, bleach and detergents were the most common product types associated with these injuries.
April 2nd, 2026 — Source

New study highlights rising cleaning product injuries in young children
Researchers from the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children's Hospital have found more than an estimated 240,800 visits to U.S. emergency departments (EDs) associated with household cleaning product-related injuries from 2007 through 2022 for children aged five years and younger. That's one injury every 35 minutes. Among all household cleaning products, bleach and detergents were the most common product types associated with these injuries.
April 2nd, 2026 — Source

World likely to miss UN child mortality targets by five years
A new study tracking global progress on child mortality finds that the world will miss a key United Nations (UN) health target by at least five years at current rates, with the burden falling heavily on Sub-Saharan Africa. The findings were published this week in the open-access journal PLOS One by Min Liu of Peking University, Beijing, China, and colleagues.
April 2nd, 2026 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — March 31st, 2026

Green spaces may help protect unborn babies from the effects of air pollution during pregnancy, review finds
Living near trees and parks may help protect unborn babies from some of the harmful effects of outdoor air pollution during pregnancy, according to a new systematic review from Curtin University. The study, published in Environmental Research, is a critical systematic review to examine whether public health interventions modify how exposure to outdoor air pollution and extreme heat during pregnancy affects child health outcomes, including birth outcomes, respiratory conditions and neurodevelopment.
March 31st, 2026 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — March 24th, 2026

ER triage for children's mental health misses the mark more often than not, study suggests
In emergency medicine, triage differentiates patients who require immediate attention from those who can safely wait for care. When it comes to children's mental or behavioral health, however, triage scores were found to be inaccurate in two-thirds of the cases when compared to the level of care the child actually received during their emergency visit, according to a new study published in JAMA Network Open.
March 24th, 2026 — Source

Excessive screen time signals health risk for young adults
Screen time was independently associated with these markers of cardiovascular risk even after accounting for differences in daily physical activity. The findings point to excessive time spent playing video games, watching videos, and scrolling social media as an emerging risk factor among young people, researchers said, suggesting that clinicians could assess screen use as an early indicator that patients may be on a trajectory to develop heart disease.
March 24th, 2026 — Source

Study shows COVID-19 disrupted young children's executive function development
Executive function skills are a set of inter-related processes that support attention, self-control, and goal-directed behavior. Executive function has been linked to positive outcomes across multiple domains of development. The skills associated with executive function develop rapidly during childhood and promote longer-term health, academic success, and well-being.
March 24th, 2026 — Source

Study warns fluoride bans may raise tooth decay in children
Removing fluoride from drinking water could lead to more cavities in kids and higher health care costs, a new analysis suggests. Researchers estimate that if five states stop adding fluoride to public water, more than 132,000 additional kids could need dental treatment within three years.
March 24th, 2026 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — March 22nd, 2026

If you think your toddler's often ill, you're right—what going to nursery means for catching colds and building immunity
There's no nice way to put it: Small children are snotty. A research study that tested children for multiple respiratory viruses every week for a year found that under-fives are carrying one or more viruses 50% of the time. A child aged 15 months will have 12--15 colds per year and eight or nine of those will show symptoms, such as a runny nose. If parents feel their small children are sick with a cold half the time, that's backed up by evidence.
March 22nd, 2026 — Source

Physical activity reshapes neural connectivity and makes the brain more resilient after childhood trauma
New research indicates that the long-term neurological impact of childhood trauma is not permanently etched onto the brain. An analysis of brain communication patterns in a group of individuals who have experienced childhood adversity shows that lifetime physical activity can reshape neural connectivity, thereby strengthening the brain's internal communication and optimizing its response to stress.
March 22nd, 2026 — Source

Sepsis is linked to nearly one in five pediatric hospital deaths in the US
Nearly one in five pediatric hospital deaths in the United States involve sepsis, according to a new national study published in JAMA. The study also found that sepsis occurs in about one in every 75 pediatric hospitalizations and that more than one in 10 children with sepsis die during hospitalization. Based on these findings, the authors estimate that more than 18,000 hospitalized children in the United States have sepsis each year, including more than 1,800 who do not survive to discharge.
March 22nd, 2026 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — March 21st, 2026

Youth leaving foster care with strong emotional support face lower incarceration odds
Youth in foster care often experience family instability, which can disrupt the continuity of their relationships and social connections. Therefore, the strength and stability of their social support networks can play a critical role in shaping their lives.
March 21st, 2026 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — March 20th, 2026

Engineered tissue offers hope for children born with 'missing' esophagus
Scientists from Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) and University College London (UCL) have created the first lab‑grown esophagus—the food pipe—shown to safely replace a full section of the organ and restore normal function, including swallowing, in a growing animal without the need for immunosuppression.
March 20th, 2026 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — March 18th, 2026

Children can face more anxiety when religion is lacking, according to study
Young people around the world are increasingly suffering from anxiety disorders. A team from the Mental Health Research and Treatment Center (FBZ) at Ruhr University Bochum, Germany, has investigated how this development correlates to changes in societal expectations and values in education. The researchers were able to show that religious belief plays a key role in protecting the mental health of children and adolescents. Countries where religiosity has lost significance exhibit a relatively high increase in the incidence of anxiety disorders, as the researchers report in the journal Developmental Science from February 11, 2026.
March 18th, 2026 — Source

Frequent infections in nursery help toddlers build up immune systems, review finds
Young children who attend nursery get sick more often than those who don't, but they will go on to have fewer illnesses during early school years, finds a new review of evidence by a group of parent-scientists involving University College London (UCL) researchers.
March 18th, 2026 — Source

Positive childhood experiences are important for long-term outcomes, but not everyone gets them
For decades, members of the Rural Health Research Center have been studying how childhood experiences impact long-term outcomes. Much of this research has examined the negative effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) such as divorce, abuse and household dysfunction on factors like health, employment, mental health and relationships. Positive childhood experiences (PCE) also play an important role in lifelong health and well-being, and Center researchers have long looked at how the presence or absence of PCEs shape individuals as they grow into adults.
March 18th, 2026 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — March 16th, 2026

Early high-dose therapy improves hand and arm function in infants with cerebral palsy
Infants and toddlers with unilateral cerebral palsy, which affects the brain's control of muscles on one side of the body, show lasting improvements in hand and arm function when they receive early, high-dose therapy, according to a new multisite clinical trial led by Virginia Tech researchers at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC.
March 16th, 2026 — Source

Problematic social media use predicts higher depressive symptoms in adolescents under 16
Problematic use of social media—characterized by loss of control and compulsive engagement—may significantly increase depressive symptoms in adolescents under the age of 16, according to a new study led by researchers at Miguel Hernández University of Elche (UMH), Spain.
March 16th, 2026 — Source

Some babies grasp deception by 10 months, rising fast by 17
A new study has mapped by age young children's ability to understand and practice deception for the first time—and results indicate many can sense it even before turning 1 year old. The research, led by the University of Bristol and published in Cognitive Development, shows about a quarter of children start to understand deception by 10 months, rising to half at 17 months. By the age of 3, children become more proficient, creative and frequent fabricators, according to the findings.
March 16th, 2026 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — March 13th, 2026

Cambridge study calls for tighter regulation of talking AI toys for children
AI-powered toys that "talk" with young children should be more tightly regulated and carry new safety kitemarks, according to a report that warns they are not always developed with children's psychological safety in mind.
March 13th, 2026 — Source

My Toddler Has a Better Sleep Score Than Me, and I Have the Data to Prove It
This popular wearable and baby monitor helped me view our sleep side by side, and what I learned surprised me.
March 13th, 2026 — Source

Teens check their phones up to 144 times during school; and it may affect cognitive control
Hour-by-hour smartphone tracking reveals how deeply phones are embedded in the school day. Some teens checked their phones more than 140 times, with frequent checking linked to weaker cognitive control.
March 13th, 2026 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — March 11th, 2026

Disposable vape ban may push some young adults toward cigarettes
The disposable vapes ban in the UK could lead to young adults switching to alternative products, including cigarettes, new research led by the University of Bristol has found.
March 11, 2026 — Source or Source

Large-scale study challenges link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism risk in children
A team of Taiwanese researchers have used a nationwide, population-based cohort to examine whether taking acetaminophen during pregnancy might be linked to a higher likelihood of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in the offspring.
March 11, 2026 — Source

Mothers' exposure to microbes protects their newborn babies against infection
The study, published, in Nature, explored why only some babies develop severe infection to common bacteria. E. coli is a common bacterium that lives in the intestines of nearly all people and is a leading cause of severe infection in newborn babies. The research revealed that the babies that became most severely ill from E. coli infections also had markedly lower levels of germ-fighting antibodies transferred from their mothers.
March 11, 2026 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — March 5th, 2026

Rapid RSV tests linked to less antibiotic prescribing in kids
RSV is a significant cause of viral lower respiratory tract infections (VLRTIs) in children, including 50% to 80% of children 5 years old and younger who are hospitalized with bronchiolitis and 40% of those over 12 months who are hospitalized with pneumonia. Yet, despite established guidelines that emphasize antibiotics provide no therapeutic benefit, RSV-related symptoms in children are frequently treated with antibiotics, particularly in doctor's offices and other outpatient settings where access to diagnostic testing that can differentiate between viral and bacterial infections is limited.
March 5, 2026 — Source

Study finds depression, suicidal ideation among college students increased over past 15 years
Results of an analysis of health survey data from more than 560,000 U.S. college students concludes that depression symptoms have steadily increased over the past 15 years, particularly among women, minorities and students experiencing financial stress. The study, led by researchers at Johns Hopkins Children's Center along with McDaniel College and University of Maryland, specifically found that the rate of self-reported depression symptoms continued to grow over the 15 years of the analysis period (2007--2022), extending a trend reported by many researchers for the past two decades.
March 5, 2026 — Source

Study identifies high prevalence of hidden physical aggression toward young infants
About one in 20 infants worldwide is subjected to physical abuse by a caregiver in their first two years of life.
March 5, 2026 — Source

Teenagers don't just influence each other—they learn from each other
Why are adolescents so sensitive to their peers' behavior? And is this sensitivity necessarily negative, as the term peer pressure often implies? In his Ph.D. dissertation, UvA behavioral scientist Andrea Gradassi demonstrates that adolescents are particularly influenced by classmates to whom they are socially close, such as friends, as well as by peers who occupy high-status positions within the classroom social network.
March 5, 2026 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — March 4th, 2026

Fear of embarrassment creates a vicious cycle of loneliness in young teenagers
A University of the Sunshine Coast study of young teenagers has identified a vicious cycle of loneliness linked to the fear of embarrassment or judgment by peers.
March 4, 2026 — Source

Life-changing drug identified for children with rare epilepsy
A new experimental treatment for children with a hard-to-treat form of epilepsy is safe and can reduce seizures dramatically, helping them lead much healthier and happier lives, according to the findings of a UCL (University College London) and Great Ormond Street Hospital-led international clinical trial. In a paper published in The New England Journal of Medicine, researchers found that children with Dravet syndrome had up to 91% fewer seizures while being regularly administered a new medication called zorevunersen.
March 4, 2026 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — March 2nd, 2026

Babies exposed to poverty show delays in motor development as early as six months
Poverty can affect babies' motor development as early as six months of age. This is the conclusion of the first Brazilian study to examine the quantity and quality of motor development month by month and its relationship with socioeconomic vulnerability during the first months of life.
March 2, 2026 — Source

British children are growing taller but not for the right reasons
A new analysis of Child Measurement Program data from England, Scotland, and Wales challenges recent reports suggesting children in Britain are getting shorter. The analysis, conducted by researchers at the University of Oxford, reveals that average child height has increased over the past two decades. But these gains are not related to improved child health, the researchers say. The increases in average height are closely linked to rising childhood obesity among poorer children and widening socioeconomic inequalities.
March 3, 2026 — Source

Child exploitation cases surge in Orange County, California—victims getting younger
Reports of commercial sexual exploitation of minors have skyrocketed 700% over the past decade in Orange County, especially non-trafficking exploitation, according to a new policy brief from UC Irvine researchers. Exploitation cases are not only increasing dramatically but also affecting younger children and a broader demographic than previously thought, challenging long-held assumptions about who is at risk, says Jodi Quas, professor of psychology and co-author of the policy brief with research scientist Nan Xiao.
March 3, 2026 — Source

Closing the gap in maternal and child health: Rural Birthing on Country model shows positive results
A new study into the clinical effectiveness of a rural Birthing on Country service—compared to mainstream maternity services—has revealed First Nations women had significantly more normal vaginal births, were more likely to be exclusively breastfeeding upon hospital discharge, and had greater engagement with culturally safe well-being programs.
March 3, 2026 — Source

Early intervention may improve academic outcomes by third grade for children with developmental disabilities
Children who received Early Intervention (EI) services before age 3 were more likely to meet third-grade academic standards in math and English language arts (ELA), according to a study by researchers at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and the New York City Health Department.
March 2, 2026 — Source

Families want more research on how virtual reality may affect kids
A new study of what families think about virtual reality (VR) technologies reveals that parents want more research-based information on how VR technologies may influence brain and behavioral development. Families also placed a higher value on VR features that increase physical activity, compared to features such as educational content.
March 2, 2026 — Source

Poor oral health in childhood linked to higher incidence of cardiovascular disease in adulthood
A tooth cavity and bleeding gums is a common scenario among Danish children -- and one that researchers now connect to health problems long after the last baby tooth has left the mouth.
March 2, 2026 — Source

Prenatal opioid exposure impacts child well-being through adolescence, finds study
Children with prenatal opioid exposure face struggles in health, education, and social well-being throughout their childhoods and teenage years, even when sociodemographic factors are factored out. The global opioid crisis has largely been viewed as a crisis of adult users, but it has also led to a rise in children exposed to opioids before birth, only some of whom are diagnosed with neonatal abstinence syndrome—essentially, withdrawal.
March 3, 2026 — Source

Report highlights dangers of red-light laser myopia therapy for children
As red-light laser therapy gains popularity in Asia for slowing myopia in children, reports of vision damage have emerged, prompting a University of Houston optometry researcher to evaluate the procedure and call for further study before it becomes more widely adopted.
March 2, 2026 — Source

Some young gamers may be at higher risk of mental health problems, but family and school support can help
Pre-teens who struggle to control their video gaming habits are more likely to have psychotic-like experiences a year later, a new study has found. McGill University researchers and colleagues at Maastricht University found that 12-year-olds who showed signs of problematic gaming were more likely to experience mild paranoia, unusual beliefs, or disturbed perceptions at age 13.
March 3, 2026 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — February 24th, 2026

Brain's remarkable adaptation to upper limb difference aids children's daily lives
A unique study imaging brain activity in children born with upper limb difference -- for example, one hand -- has shown the amazing ability of the brain to adapt to compensate and support their daily lives.
February 24, 2026 — Source

Can you take antidepressants while pregnant?
Many women who become pregnant while taking antidepressants face a difficult decision: Should they continue their medication to protect themselves against severe depression, or stop to avoid possible risks to the baby? New research from the University of Oslo and Akershus University Hospital suggests using a standard dose of antidepressants during pregnancy appears to be safe for the baby. Persistently high doses, however, may be linked to changes in the placenta and a higher chance that the newborn needs intensive care.
February 24, 2026 — Source

Child stunting: Historical evidence confirms global eradication is possible
New research led by LSE reveals that high‑income countries once suffered severe child stunting comparable to rates seen in many low‑ and middle‑income countries today, offering powerful evidence that child stunting can be eliminated globally.
February 24, 2026 — Source

New drug candidate prevents preterm birth in preclinical studies
New research shows that Rytvela, an anti-inflammatory drug candidate, decreased premature birth and infant mortality when administered after the onset of preterm labor in a preclinical mouse model. The current standard treatment for preterm labor, Nifedipine, failed to confer similar benefits.
February 24, 2026 — Source

New study calls for personalized, tiered approach to postpartum care
A new study from researchers at the University of Liverpool and King's College London reveals that while women may value the convenience of virtual postpartum care, they remain concerned about the need for physical examinations and how to access them.
February 24, 2026 — Source

Rethinking how to protect babies for longer against RSV
New strategies may be needed to protect infants older than six months against the highly infectious Respiratory Syncytial Virus or RSV, new University of Queensland research has found. The study examined 18,683 cases of RSV among Queensland children under 2 years of age between 2022 and 2023, finding particularly high rates of the virus in children aged 0--15 months.
February 24, 2026 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — February 17th, 2026

Overweight, obesity remained highly prevalent in US youths in 2024
Data were available for 6,094,825 youths across the United States, with broad geographic representation. The researchers found that 19.8% of youths aged 2 to 19 years had obesity. Overall, 26.9% of children aged 2 to 5 years had overweight or obesity, increasing to 38.5% at ages 12 to 19 years. Among adolescents and young adults, 9.2% had severe obesity. Among those aged 12 to 19 years, healthy weight was seen in 49.5%, 52.3%, 49.1%, 47.3%, and 59.3% of American Indian or Alaska Natives, Blacks, Hispanics, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders, and Whites, respectively.
February 17, 2026 — Source

Q&A: Why are a child's first 1,000 days so critical for brain building?
Year after year, government records show late summer is when most babies are born, with August as the most common birth month. That means—right now—tens of thousands of future parents are planning nursery colors, work leave, and childbirth classes.
February 17, 2026 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — February 15th, 2026

Are pets good for kids' mental health? Type of animal and duration of bond could make all the difference
Questions like "will getting a pet benefit our child's mental health?" are increasingly common and pertinent. In Spain, for instance, more than half of all households now have one or more pets.
February 15, 2026 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — February 14th, 2026

Record rates of ear disease discovered in Papua New Guinea children
The first-ever comprehensive study to estimate the prevalence of otitis media (OM) in Papua New Guinea (PNG) has revealed some of the world's highest rates of childhood middle ear disease. Published in The Lancet Regional Health—Western Pacific, researchers found almost 75% of children aged 15 or under were suffering from OM, or middle ear infections, and this jumped to a staggering 86% for kids under three years.
February 14, 2026 — Source

Use of meds for mental health up in children, young adults from 2001 to 2020
Lin-Chieh Meng, from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, and colleagues assessed trends in psychotropic medication use and polypharmacy. The analysis included data from participants in the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2001 to March 2020), stratified by age into children (6 to 11 years), adolescents (12 to 19 years), and young adults (20 to 24 years).
February 14, 2026 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — February 13th, 2026

'Punk wellness': China's stressed youth mix traditional medicine and cocktails
In a softly lit Shanghai bar, graduate student Helen Zhao stretched out both wrists to have her pulse taken—the first step to ordering the house special, a bespoke "health" cocktail based on traditional Chinese medicine.
February 13, 2026 — Source

SSRI use during pregnancy linked to gestational diabetes risk and early adaptation problems in newborns
An international team of researchers has found that the use of SSRI antidepressants during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of gestational diabetes and early adaptation problems in newborns, even after taking maternal depression into account. The study also discovered that taking SSRI medication during pregnancy may reduce the risks of preterm birth and low birth weight.
February 13, 2026 — Source or Source

Study: 71% of US grocery store baby food products are ultra-processed
Researchers at The George Institute for Global Health analyzed data on 651 products from the Institute's FoodSwitch database, which includes infant and toddler food products sold in the top ten US grocery store chains. The products were assessed using the well-established NOVA classification system.
February 13, 2026 — Source

Using books as discussion prompts can help children with language delay
Since the pandemic, more children have been starting school without being "school-ready." In 2022--23, 33% of all children starting reception in England did not have the skills needed for success in school, rising to 45% of children receiving free school meals.
February 13, 2026 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — February 12th, 2026

3D MRI technique guides precision treatment of kids' heart conditions
With a new MRI technique that shows both heart tissue and blood flow simultaneously, physicians can see where heart defects occur and precisely plan to repair them, according to new research. Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) in Pennsylvania have developed 3D volume rendering methods for cardiac MRI that display complex structures within the heart and show how blood moves through them, much like ultrasound images, but without the typical challenges of positioning angles.
February 12, 2026 — Source

Gene activity pattern links childhood abuse to depression
Scientists have identified a pattern of gene activity present in some female survivors of childhood abuse that is associated with an elevated risk of depression.
February 12, 2026 — Source

Novel cardiac MRI guides surgery in children
With a new MRI technique that shows both heart tissue and blood flow simultaneously, physicians can see where heart defects occur and precisely plan to repair them, according to new research published today in Radiology: Cardiothoracic Imaging, a journal of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).
February 12, 2026 — Source

Study finds gaps in concussion reporting across Texas high schools
Fewer concussions were reported among Texas high school athletes and students in urban and lower-income districts than in higher-income suburban districts despite larger enrollments, UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers found in a new study. The research, published in Sage Open Pediatrics, was based on data collected through the statewide ConTex2 project led by UT Southwestern and the Medical Advisory Committee of the University Interscholastic League (UIL) in Texas and Rank One, a school activities management platform.
February 12, 2026 — Source

Study finds teen 'sexting' surge, warns of sextortion and privacy risks
A new national study finds a concerning surge in teen "sexting," which frequently exposes them to serious risks, including sextortion, coercion and privacy violations. Sexting involves sending or receiving sexually suggestive images or video, while sextortion is the threat to share explicit or intimate images without consent to pressure someone into providing more images, sexual favors, money or other demands. Sextortion is especially harmful for teens, who are still developing impulse control, risk assessment and emotional regulation.
February 12, 2026 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — February 11th, 2026

No association between mRNA COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy and autism in children, new research shows
The mRNA COVID-19 vaccine is not associated with autism or other neurodevelopmental problems in children whose mothers received the vaccine immediately before or during pregnancy, according to new research presented today at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) 2026 Pregnancy Meeting.
February 11, 2026 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — February 6th, 2026

A hidden brain effect of prenatal alcohol exposure
Researchers found that prenatal alcohol exposure reshaped the brain's dopamine system in ways that predicted faster drinking in adulthood.
February 6, 2026 — Source

Children and adolescents affected by juvenile fibromyalgia are more sensitive to nonpainful sensory stimuli
Children and adolescents affected by juvenile fibromyalgia show greater sensitivity to non-painful sensory stimuli, such as sounds and bright lights. This hypersensitivity is closely related to the severity of the disease and to the brain function of the young people affected, according to research by a team from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and the Institute of Neurosciences (UBneuro) at the University of Barcelona.
February 6, 2026 — Source

Housing conditions and outdoor air pollution together affect children's asthma risk, study shows
Children growing up in homes with water damage or dampness and exposed to higher levels of outdoor air pollution during early childhood face a greater risk of developing asthma, according to new research supported by the NIH's Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program.
February 6, 2026 — Source

Physical education can boost children's health and education—let's make it central to the curriculum
The benefits of physical activity for children are enormous. As researchers of physical education (PE)—and ex-PE teachers—we know evidence shows it can have a positive impact on mental and physical health, social relationships, emotional control and confidence, as well as on academic performance. Why not make movement the framework that the rest of the school day is built upon?
February 6, 2026 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — February 4th, 2026

1 in 4 young people using psychotropic drugs are taking dangerous combinations
Use of medications for mental health and behavioral conditions among children and young adults increased steadily for two decades, and about one in four young people taking these medicines were prescribed a combination that carries a risk of serious drug interactions, according to researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.
February 4, 2026 — Source

B cells join T cells to drive sight-threatening arthritis in children
A team led by UCL researchers with Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) and Moorfields Eye Hospital, found B cells—alongside T cells—play a key role in arthritis-related eye disease (JIA uveitis), a condition that can cause long-term vision loss in children. The study challenges how the disease has been previously understood, and could open the door to new treatments that help protect children's sight.
February 4, 2026 — Source

New research reveals stark regional differences in care after second trimester baby loss
The care that women receive following a miscarriage during the second trimester of pregnancy varies according to where in the UK and Ireland the woman is treated, new research shows. The study, led by the University of Aberdeen in collaboration with colleagues from the University of Manchester, University College Cork and University of Birmingham, was published in the European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Reproductive Biology.
February 4, 2026 — Source

Schools are increasingly telling students they must put their phones away. Ohio's example shows mixed results
Cellphones are everywhere—including, until recently, in schools.
February 4, 2026 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — February 2nd, 2026

Immunotherapy could prevent the loss of neurons in Parkinson's disease
By analyzing tissue from patients with Parkinson's disease, and animal and cellular models of the disease, a research team from the Institut de Neurociències of the UAB has shown that the main immune cells of the brain become reactive and overexpress certain receptors that promote the elimination of dopaminergic neurons, even when these neurons are still functional. The study points to a new immunotherapy approach that could help preserve viable neurons in people with this diagnosis.
February 2, 2026 — Source

Inadequate nutrition and lower education linked to worse outcomes for children exposed to alcohol in utero
A new study addresses the puzzle of why heavy drinking throughout pregnancy leads to widely varying outcomes for children. Even in the context of heavy and consistent prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE), children may be severely affected, less affected, or seemingly not affected at all. Some of the variation can be explained by the quantity, frequency, and gestational timing of drinking during pregnancy, and genetic variations affecting mothers' alcohol metabolism.
February 2, 2026 — Source

Inside the newborn mind: Babies categorize objects in the brain at just two months old, neuroscientists discover
Babies as young as two months old are able to categorize distinct objects in their brains—much earlier than previously thought—according to new research from neuroscientists at Trinity College Dublin. The research, which combined brain imaging with artificial intelligence models, enriches our understanding of what babies are thinking and how they learn in the earliest months of life.
February 2, 2026 — Source

More baby milk recalls in France after new toxin rules
Two infant formula manufacturers withdrew batches from the market on Monday after France imposed stricter limits on acceptable levels of a toxin that can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
February 2, 2026 — Source

Playing outside in winter: Tips from a pediatrician to keep kids warm, safe
Heading outside for some wintertime fun like sledding, throwing snowballs or ice skating can be a sure-fire cure for cabin fever. It's also a great way for kids to get the 60 minutes of daily exercise they need. Just be sure your child is dressed right—and know when it's time to come in and warm up.
February 2, 2026 — Source

Q&A: Psychologist offers guidance on new screen time recommendations for children
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently released updated guidelines on digital ecosystems for children and adolescents, mostly shifting away from firm screen time limits to a more nuanced approach focused on the quality of content. The new report, published in the journal Pediatrics, continues to warn parents of the dangers of children absorbing content that is more commercialized and algorithmic, as these addictive features can produce negative consequences.
February 2, 2026 — Source

Saline nasal spray alone resolves sleep-disordered breathing in nearly one-third of children, study finds
Investigators based at Monash Children's Hospital and Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne report that a once-daily intranasal saline spray resolved obstructive sleep-disordered breathing symptoms in nearly one-third of children over six weeks. No added benefit was observed from adding an intranasal steroid for children whose symptoms persisted.
February 2, 2026 — Source

Two-thirds of adolescent IBS sufferers outgrow the condition by adulthood
Two out of three adolescents with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) start adulthood without the disease, according to a long-term study that followed more than 2,500 individuals. The researchers also note that several factors in adolescence which increase the risk of adult IBS can be influenced.
February 2, 2026 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — January 31st, 2026

Recall of childhood trauma shifts with present relationships
New research from Michigan State University finds that how young adults recall adverse childhood experiences fluctuates based on the current quality of their relationships - particularly with their parents.
January 31, 2026 — Source

Study suggests young adults' memories of childhood adversity shift with parental support
New research from Michigan State University finds that how young adults recall adverse childhood experiences fluctuates based on the current quality of their relationships—particularly with their parents.
January 31, 2026 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — January 19th, 2026

Blue Monday isn't real, but sadness is—and it plays a vital role in children's development
January can feel exhausting. With the magic of Christmas and New Year fading fast, returning to routine brings with it an undeniable emotional slump. But is it really the saddest month?
January 19, 2026 — Source

Families explore how a smartwatch can give early warnings of severe tantrums
Evenings in the Staal household often carried a delicate unpredictability. After a full school day—and as Ethan's medication began to wear off—the shift from playful to overwhelmed could happen in seconds. Ethan has ADHD, a condition that can make emotional regulation especially challenging.
January 19, 2026 — Source

Oregon baby is still battling infant botulism after ByHeart formula exposure
A Portland, Oregon, boy is struggling to recover from infant botulism after drinking contaminated ByHeart baby formula donated through a program that aims to help poor and homeless families.
January 19, 2026 — Source

Poor sleep, distress and disadvantage linked to suicidal thoughts in teens
Poor sleep, psychological distress, socioeconomic disadvantage and bad eating habits are strongly linked to greater risk of suicidal thoughts among adolescents, according to new research from the University of the Sunshine Coast.
January 19, 2026 — Source

Study finds high blood pressure before pregnancy linked to shorter breastfeeding duration
A new study by researchers at the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine has found that women who have high blood pressure before becoming pregnant are less likely to breastfeed for at least three months and are more likely to stop breastfeeding earlier compared to women without high blood pressure.
January 19, 2026 — Source

When aging affects the young: Surveys reveal the weight of caregiving on teenagers
Caregiving in the modern era is challenging for even the most prepared adults. So, what happens when this burden falls on children?
January 19, 2026 — Source or Source

When can my kids start going for a run with me?
Running with your kids can be a great way to spend time together and build some healthy habits. But when is the right age to start?
January 19, 2026 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — January 14th, 2026

Overly involved parents may hold their kids back professionally
A recent study of more than 2,000 early-career adults found that young people whose parents were still very closely involved in their lives tended to have occupations with less "prestige" than young people whose parents were less involved.
January 14, 2026 — Source

Revealing the parental role in preventing childhood internet addiction and how to combat it
New Swinburne-led research has found that the use of mobile devices by primary school-aged children for gaming, social media and streaming significantly increases the risk of internet addiction—and parents are the main influence.
January 14, 2026 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — January 9th, 2026

Breastfeeding linked to lower long-term depression and anxiety in mothers
Breastfeeding may lower mothers' later life risks of depression and anxiety for up to 10 years after pregnancy, suggest the findings of an observational study, BMJ Open' page published in the open access journal BMJ Open.
January 9, 2026 — Source

Maternal flu and Tdap shots may lower rates of infant hospitalization, ED visits
Maternal influenza and tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccinations are associated with a lower risk for influenza- and pertussis-related hospitalization or emergency department (ED) visits in infants younger than 6 months, according to a study published online Jan. 8 in JAMA Network Open.
January 9, 2026 — Source

Maternal whooping cough vaccine shields newborns' immune system
In 2024, Germany recorded the highest number of whooping cough cases since reporting became mandatory in the year 2013. With almost 122 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, infants under one year of age were the most affected age bracket, while experts are expecting similarly high case numbers for 2025. Protection against this highly contagious disease in the first months of life is provided by vaccinating expectant mothers against the pertussis pathogen - the bacterium Bordetella pertussis.
January 9, 2026 — Source

Study provides insights into well-visit attendance from mid-adolescence to young adulthood
It's common that as kids get to high school and transition to adulthood, they begin to skip yearly wellness visits with a pediatrician or other primary care provider. And, as expected, skipping those checkups can have serious health consequences, including missed early markers of diseases and disorders that come with growing older and are treatable with early interventions.
January 9, 2026 — Source

Study tracks declines in annual checkups as teens become young adults
It's common that as kids get to high school and transition to adulthood, they begin to skip yearly wellness visits with a pediatrician or other primary care provider. And, as expected, skipping those checkups can have serious health consequences, including missed early markers of diseases and disorders that come with growing older and are treatable with early interventions.
January 9, 2026 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — January 8th, 2026

GLP-1 receptor agonists tied to reduced acute asthma exacerbations in teens with overweight, obesity
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) use is associated with a lower risk for acute asthma exacerbations in adolescents with overweight or obesity, according to a research letter published online Dec. 29 in JAMA Network Open.
January 8, 2026 — Source

Kids with fractures and sprains don't need oral opioids for their pain, researchers find
Kids with broken or sprained limbs don't need oral opioids to treat their pain, according to newly published findings from a cross-Canada study by pediatric emergency researchers. The study is published in JAMA.
January 8, 2026 — Source

Long school breaks tied to dip in cognitive test performance
Researchers at UConn and the University of Minnesota have discovered that there may be more to the "summer slide" phenomenon following a break in schooling than just forgetting material. In fact, the researchers found reliable patterns of seasonal variation in performance on laboratory tests assessing more general cognitive abilities like executive functioning, with lowest scores consistently found in the summer months.
January 8, 2026 — Source

Melatonin and childhood sleep problems: What parents should know
As families return to school-term routines, sleep difficulties often resurface. For many parents, particularly those raising children with neurodevelopmental conditions, melatonin has become a widely discussed option. Yet its growing use raises important questions about regulation, effectiveness and safety.
January 8, 2026 — Source

Nestle recalls baby formula over toxin risk
Nestle has announced a global recall of some baby formula products, saying they may contain a toxin that can cause food poisoning in infants.
January 8, 2026 — Source

The CDC just sidelined these childhood vaccines: Here's what they prevent
The federal government has drastically scaled back the number of recommended childhood immunizations, sidelining six routine vaccines that have safeguarded millions from serious diseases, long-term disability, and death.
January 8, 2026 — Source

Three in four new Australian moms struggle with body image, study finds
Up to 75% of Australian women report concerns about their body image after giving birth, with many feeling intense pressure to "bounce back" to their pre-pregnancy shape, a pressure that can even trigger eating disorders for the first time, warn Flinders University researchers.
January 8, 2026 — Source

Twin study ties childbearing timing to biological aging
A study based on Finnish twins shows that reproductive history is associated, at the population level, with women's lifespan and biological aging. In the study, mothers of large families, women who had no children, or women who had their first child at a very young age appeared to age somewhat faster than other women.
January 8, 2026 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — January 7th, 2026

Breast milk microbes help shape infants' gut microbiomes, study finds
Most conversations about breast milk tend to focus on topics like nutrients, antibodies and bonding time rather than bacteria. But it turns out that human milk carries its own tiny community of microbes, and those passengers may help shape a baby's developing gut microbiome—which in turn can impact nutrient absorption, metabolic regulation, immune system development, and more.
January 7, 2026 — Source

Childhood deafness: Researchers identify over 200 mutations, including previously unknown variants
Deafness, the most common sensorineural hearing loss at all stages of life, occurs either independently or as part of syndromes associated with other symptoms, such as Usher syndrome type 1. In a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers have uncovered the genetic basis of deafness occurring before the onset of language.
January 7, 2026 — Source

Common brain parasite can infect your immune cells—here's why that's probably OK
The parasite that may already live in your brain can infect the very immune cells trying to destroy it, but new UVA Health research reveals how our bodies keep it under control.
January 7, 2026 — Source

Community asthma program on Navajo Nation increases care-seeking for children with asthma
A multiyear community asthma program on the Navajo Nation increased asthma-related care and awareness among families, even as the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically disrupted health care and school systems. The findings come from a new study led by researchers at National Jewish Health and collaborators at the University of Arizona and several partner institutions, in close partnership with Navajo Nation leaders, schools and health systems.
January 7, 2026 — Source or Source

Do children consider male authority to be more legitimate than female authority?
By the age of 4, children already understand that male figures more often hold power than their female counterparts in mixed-gender interactions. Nevertheless, do they simply witness this inequality, or do they consider it as legitimate?
January 7, 2026 — Source

Fatal infection risk in newborns may increase when this bacterium and fungus mix
Researchers at the University of Maine have discovered that a common interaction between a bacterium and a fungus may significantly increase the risk of severe and potentially fatal infections in newborns, while also making standard treatments less effective.
January 7, 2026 — Source

Missing first MMR shot most significant predictor of nonvaccination by age 2 years
Nina B. Masters, Ph.D., M.P.H., from Truveta Inc. in Bellevue, Washington, and colleagues characterized coverage and trends of timely MMR vaccination and assessed factors associated with late vaccination and nonvaccination by age 2 years. Infants who accessed routine care within the first two months, first year, and second year of life were followed for 24 months to examine vaccine outcomes; data were included for 321,743 children with regular access to care.
January 7, 2026 — Source

New $8.5 million renewal grant fuels research on children's heart health
The National Institutes of Health has awarded the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai an $8.5 million renewal grant to continue groundbreaking work aimed at understanding and improving long-term outcomes for children with congenital heart disease-the most common type of birth defect in the United States.
January 7, 2026 — Source

New database to target chronic UTIs—a long-overlooked condition that may begin in childhood
A new database targeting chronic urinary tract infections (UTIs)—a long-overlooked condition that may begin in childhood—is set to help researchers uncover why millions of women and girls worldwide suffer from infections that defy treatment and stump microbiologists.
January 7, 2026 — Source

Report: After more than 2 years of war, Palestinian children are hungry, denied education and 'like the living dead'
More than two years of war in Gaza have left many Palestinian children too weak to learn or play and convinced they will be "killed for being Gazans," a new report warns. The University of Cambridge-led study also includes the first analysis of education in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 7 October, 2023.
January 7, 2026 — Source

Research reveals how children's play links to social skills and brain activity
A new study has uncovered the ways different types of play are linked to children's social abilities and brain activity. The research, conducted by researchers at King's College London and Cardiff University, has uncovered how children's play styles differ depending on whether they are playing alone or with someone else, and how these differences relate to their social skills and brain activity.
January 7, 2026 — Source

Risks young chimps take as they swing through the trees underscore role of protective parenting in humans
Adolescents are known for risky behavior, with teenagers in the U.S. more likely than younger children to die from injury. But what's responsible for this uptick in risk-taking around puberty?
January 7, 2026 — Source

Sleeping in on weekends may help boost teens' mental health
Sleeping in on the weekend to catch up on sleep lost during the week may be good for adolescents' mental health, according to new research by the University of Oregon and the State University of New York Upstate Medical University.
January 7, 2026 — Source

Smartphone use cuts into school hours, with social media leading the way
University of California, San Francisco investigators measured smartphone app activity during school hours among US adolescents and reported an average of 1.16 hours of use, with social media apps taking up the most time.
January 7, 2026 — Source

Web-app helps children with epilepsy to fall asleep earlier
An evidence-based web-app helped children with epilepsy to fall asleep on average 16.5 minutes earlier.
January 7, 2026 — Source or Source

Health — Children & Kids — January 6th, 2026

CDC urges 'shared decision-making' on some childhood vaccines; many unclear about what that means
On Jan. 5, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) dramatically reduced the number of recommended childhood vaccinations from 17 to 11, citing practices in other wealthy nations, including Denmark, Germany, and Japan. The CDC said that parents could choose to have their children receive some previously recommended vaccines, including those for flu, rotavirus, COVID-19, meningitis, and hepatitis A and B, after "shared clinical decision-making."
January 6, 2026 — Source

'Forever chemicals' may increase liver disease risk in adolescents by as much as 3-fold
A new study co-led by the Southern California Superfund Research and Training Program for PFAS Assessment, Remediation and Prevention (ShARP) Center and the University of Hawai'i has linked certain common "forever chemicals" to a higher risk of liver disease in adolescents. These synthetic compounds, known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), may as much as triple the chances that adolescents develop a liver condition called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)—formerly known as fatty liver disease.
January 6, 2026 — Source

Here's what to know about the unprecedented changes to child vaccine recommendations
U.S. health officials made broad changes to childhood vaccine recommendations Monday, alarming pediatricians and other medical experts who say they will sow confusion and undermine children's health.
January 6, 2026 — Source

How stressors during pregnancy impact the developing fetal brain
The maternal microbiome and immune system have both independent and synergistic effects on fetal brain health—changes in the mother's immune system have been linked to an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in children.
January 6, 2026 — Source

I found the most useful parenting gadgets at CES 2026 - these are the ones I'd buy ASAP
From a real-time breastfeeding monitor to a robot that picks up toys, we've found some of the most interesting tech aimed at parents and children at CES.
January 6, 2026 — Source

Infant brain development reflects families' financial ability to meet everyday needs
Decades of research show that early psychosocial stress, including chronic exposure to adversity, can shape how a child's brain develops, with effects that last well beyond childhood. But families rarely experience just one source of stress at a time. Financial strain, caregiving stress, and other challenges often overlap, making it difficult to identify which factors matter most for early brain development.
January 6, 2026 — Source

Infants receiving nirsevimab fare better against RSV compared to those with maternal vaccination
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus that affects the nose, throat, and lungs. For most healthy adults and children, it causes only mild, cold-like symptoms and goes away on its own. Infants under 6 months of age, however, can become much sicker and might need special medical care. It is one of the leading reasons for infants getting hospitalized.
January 6, 2026 — Source

Massachusetts reports three pediatric flu deaths: 'Devastating losses'
Three kids in the Bay State have died from the flu in recent weeks as influenza cases spike, according to health officials who are pleading with residents to get vaccinated.
January 6, 2026 — Source

Nestle recalls infant formula in several European countries
Swiss food giant Nestle announced on Monday a recall of batches of infant formula in several European countries, notably France, Germany, Austria, Denmark, Italy and Sweden, as a precautionary measure.
January 6, 2026 — Source

The CDC Just Sidelined These Childhood Vaccines. Here's What They Prevent.
The federal government has drastically scaled back the number of recommended childhood immunizations, sidelining six routine vaccines that have safeguarded millions from serious diseases, long-term disability, and death.
January 6, 2026 — Source

US cuts the number of vaccines recommended for every child, a move slammed by physicians
The U.S. took the unprecedented step Monday of cutting the number of vaccines it recommends for every child—a move that leading medical groups said would undermine protections against a half-dozen diseases.
January 6, 2026 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — January 5th, 2026

Online 'brainrot' isn't ruining children's minds; it's a new way of navigating the modern internet
"Brainrot" is what many people call the chaotic, fast-moving memes, sounds and catchphrases that spread across TikTok, Roblox and online gaming and into playgrounds. An example is the endlessly repeated chant of "six-seven," which still echoes through houses and schools across the country—to the bewilderment (or annoyance) of many teachers and parents.
January 5, 2026 — Source

Pediatrician explains why babies need the hepatitis B vaccine
Hepatitis B is a virus that can damage the liver and lead to lifelong health problems. The hepatitis B vaccine prevents short-term illness (acute hepatitis) and a life-threatening infection called chronic hepatitis B.
January 5, 2026 — Source

This high-tech sippy cup at CES 2026 could prevent your kid from needing ear tubes
Earflo is a medical device cleverly designed as a sippy cup - and early studies show it led to a nearly 90% reduction in the need for ear tube surgery for children with negative middle ear pressure.
January 5, 2026 — Source

Under anti-vaccine RFK Jr., CDC slashes childhood vaccine schedule
The changes are modeled after a small country with universal health care.
January 5, 2026 — Source or Source

Health — Children & Kids — January 2nd, 2026

A mother's circadian rhythm may predict her child's vulnerability to bacterial infection
In laboratory models, researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center discovered that a mother's circadian rhythms, or internal body clock, can influence the immune system states of her offspring, which can accurately predict the risk of bacterial infection.
January 2, 2026 — Source

Increase in food prices can lead to stunted growth in children
When food prices skyrocket during an economic crisis, it is primarily urban populations and people with low levels of education who are affected. This can have lifelong negative health consequences - such as stunted growth in children. A research team at the University of Bonn has now demonstrated such long-term effects using the example of the "Asian financial crisis" in the 1990s. At that time, turmoil on the financial markets led to a drastic increase in the price of rice, Indonesia's most important staple food, which left measurable traces in the development of children. The study was published in the journal "Global Food Security."
January 2, 2026 — Source

The 'Super Flu' Is Hitting Kids Hard—and Some Aren't Surviving
Several states have reported their first pediatric flu deaths this week.
January 2, 2026 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — January 1ST, 2026

This 100-year-old teaching method is beating modern preschools
Montessori preschools boost kids' learning and cut costs — proving better education doesn't have to cost more.
January 1, 2026 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — December 26th, 2025

Pediatric surgeons weigh AI benefits against ethical challenges and practical barriers
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly advancing across modern healthcare, yet its role in pediatric surgery remains limited and ethically complex. This study reveals that although surgeons recognize AI's potential to enhance diagnostic precision, streamline planning, and support clinical decision-making, its practical use is still rare and mostly academic. Pediatric surgeons expressed strong concerns about accountability in the event of AI-related harm, the difficulty of obtaining informed consent for children, the risk of data privacy breaches, and the possibility of algorithmic bias.
December 26, 2025 — Source

Social media, not gaming, tied to rising attention problems in teens, new study finds
The digital revolution has become a vast, unplanned experiment—and children are its most exposed participants. As ADHD diagnoses rise around the world, a key question has emerged: could the growing use of digital devices be playing a role?
December 26, 2025 — Source

This common food ingredient may shape a child's health for life
Scientists discovered that common food emulsifiers consumed by mother mice altered their offspring's gut microbiome from the very first weeks of life. These changes interfered with normal immune system training, leading to long-term inflammation. As adults, the offspring were more vulnerable to gut disorders and obesity. The findings suggest that food additives may have hidden, lasting effects beyond those who consume them directly.
December 26, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — December 21st, 2025

Hot, humid weather during pregnancy poses far greater risks to child health than heat alone
The dangers of heat and humidity are so well known it's become cliche to mention them. But the impacts can extend farther than even scientists and doctors realized.
December 21, 2025 — Source

Science says we've been nurturing "gifted" kids all wrong
A major international review has upended long-held ideas about how top performers are made. By analyzing nearly 35,000 elite achievers across science, music, chess, and sports, researchers found that early stars rarely become adult superstars. Most world-class performers developed slowly and explored multiple fields before specializing. The message is clear: talent grows through variety, not narrow focus.
December 21, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — December 19th, 2025

An 11-year-old needed two new organs and doctors made history
A rare dual heart and liver transplant at Children's Hospital Colorado gave an 11-year-old girl a second chance at life—and marked a historic first for the hospital.
December 19, 2025 — Source

Exposure to common air pollutants alters adolescent brain development, study finds
Physician-scientists at Oregon Health & Science University warn that exposure to air pollution may have serious implications for a child's developing brain.
December 19, 2025 — Source

HHS cuts funding for American Academy of Pediatrics' programs
The U.S. government has ended several health grants to one of the nation's largest pediatricians' groups, a move the organization says could hurt children and families across the country.
December 19, 2025 — Source

Miracle surgery saves 2-year-old boy with broken neck, severed spinal cord
Two-year-old German boy, Oliver Staub, lay in a Mexico City hospital bed awaiting death.
December 19, 2025 — Source

More than a quarter of college students use CBD products at least once a month
Researchers found more than 29% reported using CBD monthly or more to handle anxiety, stress and sleeping problems.
December 19, 2025 — Source

Protecting infants from RSV: Expert explains safety, efficacy of preventive treatments
The recent safety review of two approved RSV preventive treatments for infants initiated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is unusual and could have unintended consequences for public trust and child health, pediatric health experts say.
December 19, 2025 — Source

Young children more likely to visit ER after virtual care than in-person visits, study shows
A new Ontario-based study finds that children aged three months to two years are more likely to visit the emergency department (ED) within three days after a virtual primary care appointment compared to an in-person visit. While virtual care remains an appropriate option for many children, the findings suggest that in-person appointments may be preferable for young children with acute concerns.
December 19, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — December 19th, 2025

Miracle surgery saves 2-year-old boy with broken neck, severed spinal cord
Two-year-old German boy, Oliver Staub, lay in a Mexico City hospital bed awaiting death.
December 19, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — December 15th, 2025

Guided play and reading with infants at check-ups tied to later academic gains
Guiding parents to have pretend play and read aloud with their babies increased parental support of their children's cognitive development and academic skills by the time they turned six—especially for families facing poverty.
December 15, 2025 — Source

Newborn Not Sleeping? Try This Hidden iPhone Feature
You don't need to buy a white noise machine for your little one if you have an iPhone.
December 15, 2025 — Source

Researchers work to improve communication support for children with autism
For people with autism—especially those with intellectual disabilities, or others with extensive support needs—communicating needs and ideas can be difficult. Many rely on intense individualized support and educational interventions.
December 15, 2025 — Source

Smartwatch system helps parents shorten and defuse children's severe tantrums early
Mayo Clinic researchers have developed a smartwatch-based alert system that signals parents at the earliest signs of a tantrum in children with emotional and behavioral disorders—prompting them to intervene before it intensifies.
December 15, 2025 — Source

Study links genetic variants to risk of blinding eye disease in premature infants
A new study from the University of Oklahoma suggests that small genetic differences in two proteins—previously known for their role in premature infants' lungs—may also influence how their eyes develop, potentially affecting the risk of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).
December 15, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — December 12th, 2025

Chewable supplements help improve bone density of adolescents with HIV, clinical trial finds
Giving adolescents living with HIV high-dose Vitamin D and calcium supplements can help improve their bone density and reduce the risk of fractures, a new study suggests.
December 12, 2025 — Source

FDA approves cochlear implants for children as young as 7 months
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved an expanded indication for MED-EL (Medical Electronics) cochlear implants for children ages 7 months and older with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL).
December 12, 2025 — Source

Maxillary nerve block may reduce perioperative opioid consumption in pediatric primary clefts
For infants undergoing cleft palate surgery, local anesthetic injection targeting the maxillary nerve of the face may reduce or eliminate the need for opioid medications to control postoperative pain, reports a study in The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery.
December 12, 2025 — Source

Plant-Based Diets Can Work for Kids, but New Study Outlines Concerning Risks
There are several nutrients that vegan and vegetarian kids can miss out on without careful planning, a review of the evidence finds.
December 12, 2025 — Source or Source

WWE Superstars visit pediatric research participants at NIH Clinical Center and The Children's Inn
Pediatric research participants at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Center and The Children's Inn at NIH received an unforgettable surprise this week when WWE Superstars visited the campus to spend time with young research participants and their families. The visit marks the beginning of a new friendship between WWE and NIH, with future events, visits and opportunities to connect WWE Superstars with the brave children facing serious or rare medical conditions.
December 12, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — December 11th, 2025

Clean water boosts child health in Mozambique, study shows
In Mozambique, more than one in three children under five suffer from stunting (impaired physical growth) , a sign of chronic undernutrition. New research from the University of Notre Dame shows that improving access to safe drinking water can reduce the odds of stunting by about 20%, making it the most effective Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) intervention for child growth.
December 11, 2025 — Source

Early childhood adversity can disrupt brain networks and result in lifelong health burden
Scientists have known for some time that people who experience early childhood adversity are more prone to developing health and behavioral issues in adulthood, but the brain mechanisms behind these disparities are not well understood.
December 11, 2025 — Source

How one Florida program reduced preterm births, and how it could serve as a model for other communities
The Central Hillsborough Healthy Start program in Florida achieved a 30% reduction in preterm and low-birthweight births among high-risk families through early risk screening, nurse home visits, tailored care coordination, and strong community partnerships. This model led to lower preterm birth rates and healthcare costs, and offers a scalable approach for other communities to improve maternal and infant health outcomes.
December 11, 2025 — Source

Indigenous infants are born with more diverse gut bacteria than urban-born babies, study finds
Despite facing some of the highest rates of chronic disease later in life, a new study has found remote First Nations Australians are born with a natural health advantage—a rich and diverse gut microbiome.
December 11, 2025 — Source

Teenagers with body image issues may develop eating disorders and depression later
Teenagers who are unhappy with their bodies are more likely to develop symptoms of eating disorders and depression in early adulthood, according to a new study led by UCL researchers.
December 11, 2025 — Source

#WeArePlay: How Matraquina helps non-verbal kids communicate
In our latest #WeArePlay film, we meet Adriano, Wagner and Grazyelle. The trio are behind Matraquinha, an app helping thousands of non-verbal children in more than 80 countries communicate. Discover more about their inspiring story and the impact on their own son, Gabriel.
December 11, 2025 — Source or Watch Video

Why teenagers won't quit vaping, even when the risks are clear: A psychologist explains
Teen vaping persists despite known risks due to psychological factors such as binary risk perception, social influence, and loss aversion. Misinformation and appealing marketing reinforce the belief that vaping is safe, while social media normalizes the behavior. Quitting feels costly because of perceived immediate benefits, making the habit difficult to break.
December 11, 2025 — Source

Health — Diet & Weight — December 11th, 2025

How you eat may be connected to how you sleep
The average adult should get a minimum of seven hours of sleep daily, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations. However, an estimated 50 to 70 million Americans are diagnosed with a sleep disorder (such as sleep apnea and insomnia) that prevents optimal sleep outcomes, and what we eat may play a role.
December 11, 2025 — Source

Tea linked to stronger bones in older women, while coffee may pose risks
A new study from Flinders University offers insight into how two of the world's most popular beverages, coffee and tea, may influence bone health in older women.
December 11, 2025 — Source

You're Ruining Your Weight Loss Goals: Break These 6 Habits to Meet Your Goals
You may not realize it, but these bad habits are hindering your weight loss.
December 11, 2025 — Source

Ticked off: Exploring the rise of tick-induced meat allergy and its connection to cardiovascular disease
Mammalian meat allergy (MMA) is one of the few known food allergies caused by an environmental trigger—a tick bite. In simple terms, MMA results in an allergic reaction to red meat, making it difficult or sometimes even impossible for affected individuals to enjoy meat without experiencing adverse symptoms.
December 11, 2025 — Source

What You Need to Know About Process Contaminants
These chemicals—including acrylamide—have been linked to health risks and are found in a wide array of popular foods. Here's how to limit your intake to reduce potential harms.
December 11, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — December 5th, 2025

Although public overwhelmingly supports hepatitis B vaccine for a newborn, partisan differences exist
On December 5, 2025, the Trump administration's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), whose members were handpicked by Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary and vaccination critic Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is scheduled to determine whether it should recommend that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) change the recommendation in place since 1991 that newborns be vaccinated against hepatitis B. Infection with hepatitis B can cause liver damage (cirrhosis), liver cancer, and even death. Kennedy fired the members of ACIP he inherited when he assumed his HHS position.
December 5, 2025 — Source

First seizure clinic speeds time to diagnosis with pediatric epilepsy
Children referred to a first seizure clinic (FSC) see a neurologist epilepsy specialist within one week, according to a study presented at the annual meeting of the American Epilepsy Society, held from Dec. 5 to 9 in Atlanta.
December 5, 2025 — Source

Genetic variant may explain why some children with myocarditis develop heart failure
According to the study, 34.4% of the children who developed dilated cardiomyopathy after developing myocarditis had a genetic variant that made them more susceptible to this condition. In comparison, only 6.3% of control children had these cardiomyopathy gene variants and this difference was highly significant.
December 5, 2025 — Source

It's end-of-year concert season. Why do some kids struggle with performance anxiety?
End-of-year school concerts showcase children's talents and hard work, often filling performers with pride. But for some, the idea of performing live is terrifying.
December 5, 2025 — Source

New study to explore how screen time affects babies and their families during first 1001 days of life
Professor James Wolffsohn and Dr. Amy Sheppard from Aston University School of Optometry are part of a new study which will explore how screen time affects babies and their families during the first 1001 days of life.
December 5, 2025 — Source

While Scientists Race To Study Spread of Measles in US, Kennedy Unravels Hard-Won Gains
The United States is poised to lose its measles-free status next year. If that happens, the country will enter an era in which outbreaks are common again.
December 5, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — December 3rd, 2025

Family dogs boost adolescent mental health through the microbiome, study suggests
It's no surprise that dogs benefit people's mental health. In a paper published in iScience, researchers point to a reason as to why: dogs prompt changes in the collection of microbes that live in and on our bodies, resulting in an increase in mental health benefits.
December 3, 2025 — Source

Impact of child maltreatment on the costs of health service use
A new Monash University study has found that child maltreatment costs Australia $21.6 billion in annual health service use costs and $24.1 billion in annual lost productivity.
December 3, 2025 — Source

Increased use of cannabis seen among adolescents with psychiatric illnesses after cannabis sales became legal
In November 2018, retailers in Massachusetts began selling recreational cannabis to adults 21 years and older. A study by investigators from Mass General Brigham found that, after commercialization, rates of cannabis use and cannabis-related disorders (i.e., cannabis use disorder, cannabis-induced psychiatric symptoms), disproportionately increased among adolescents, aged 12 to 17 years, presenting for a psychiatric emergency.
December 3, 2025 — Source

Vaccine prevented more than 200 hospital admissions of babies in Scotland, research finds
A vaccine against a widespread virus has prevented the admission to hospital of more than 200 babies in Scotland, according to new research.
December 3, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — November 30th, 2025

RSV prevention in newborns could cut asthma risk
Scientists found that RSV infection early in life can set the stage for childhood asthma, particularly in kids already genetically prone to allergies. The virus appears to skew the developing immune system toward exaggerated responses to everyday allergens. But when newborns were protected from RSV, asthma development was prevented. The results point to a powerful added benefit of RSV prevention tools now being rolled out globally.
November 30, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — November 26th, 2025

Adenotonsillectomy safe in children with Down syndrome, other genetic syndromes
The researchers found that the median hospital stay was one day, and 93.5% of patients were discharged after one day. Overall, 18.75% and 2.2% of patients with OS and DS, respectively, had two-day stays. Two patients with OS (3.2%) had planned intensive care unit admission. There were no emergency admissions or perioperative mortality. The overall complication rate was 8.1%: 8.7% and 6.3% in DS and OS, respectively, including bleeding requiring reoperation, respiratory event, and insufficient oral intake (1.6%, 1.6%, and 4.8%, respectively).
November 23, 2025 — Source

B.C. kindergarteners' health declines post-COVID, research shows
More than one in three kindergarten children in B.C. are entering school with challenges in one or more core areas of development—a rate higher than ever recorded in the province, according to new research from the Human Early Learning Partnership (HELP) based out of UBC's School of Population and Public Health (SPPH).
November 23, 2025 — Source

Babies begin forming expectations of their parents as early as the first year of life, study finds
How does a baby learn to understand the world before they even learn to talk? A new study from Reichman University reveals that as early as the first year of life, infants develop expectations about how their parents will respond to crying or distress. A baby who consistently receives calm and comforting responses learns to expect help and develops a sense of security, whereas one who experiences inconsistent responses learns to be less reliant on others and develops a sense of uncertainty.
November 23, 2025 — Source

ByHeart formula faces lawsuits after babies sickened with botulism
Several families have filed lawsuits against infant formula maker ByHeart, claiming its contaminated formula caused their babies to develop botulism, a rare but dangerous illness.
November 23, 2025 — Source

Kids' reading apps failing to deliver educational value
Many mobile apps claiming to support early reading skills in children fail to deliver actual educational benefit, with positive app store reviews seemingly driven by esthetics and functionality, a new Flinders University analysis has found.
November 23, 2025 — Source

Polite robots in schools prompt children to respond with courtesy and empathy
The presence of robots in schools is no longer surprising. How do elementary school children treat humanoid robots? Are they polite to them, and willing to attribute human-like qualities to them? Researchers from SWPS University have shown that in most cases, children treat robots politely, and younger children and girls are more likely to perceive them as possessing human-like qualities.
November 23, 2025 — Source

Rare inherited variants shape risk and outcomes in pediatric brain and spinal cord tumors
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and Children's National Hospital in Washington D.C. are uncovering how rare inherited genetic variants contribute to the development of brain and spinal cord tumors in children. The findings, published in the journal Nature Communications, provide new insights into how a child's genetic makeup influences cancer risk and outcomes.
November 23, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — November 22nd, 2025

American Heart Association honors schools and students for fighting childhood obesity
One in every five American children and teens is obese; that's up 35% from 2000, as severe childhood obesity rates have nearly doubled in that time. In recognition of efforts to fight back locally to create healthier classrooms and communities, the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, has honored nine students, schools and educators from across the country during a virtual awards ceremony on Nov. 20.
November 22, 2025 — Source

Heat exposure during pregnancy alters amino acids and vitamins linked to preterm birth
An Emory University study, published Friday by Science Advances, provides the first evidence that exposure to higher temperatures during pregnancy is linked to specific biological changes in mothers that are also associated with preterm birth.
November 22, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — November 21st, 2025

Finger counting in early childhood boosts later math performance
Children who count on their fingers between ages 4 and 6 1/2 have better addition skills by age 7 than those who don't use their fingers, suggesting that finger counting is an important stepping stone to higher math skills, according to research published by the American Psychological Association.
November 21, 2025 — Source

Higher screen time linked to ADHD symptoms and altered brain development
The digital age has fundamentally reshaped childhood, making screens an integral part of learning, socialization, and entertainment. Globally, screen time among adolescents has surged, accelerated by the isolation and remote learning periods during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although digital screens are essential tools, their excessive use has been linked to problems such as disrupted sleep, reduced physical activity, and behavioral symptoms.
November 21, 2025 — Source

Some children's tantrums can be seen in the brain, new study reveals
In the search for a way to measure different forms of a condition called sensory processing disorder, neuroscientists are using imaging to see how young brains process sensory stimulation.
November 21, 2025 — Source

Study: Most parents have realistic expectations of their children's future athletic achievement
Many children grow up dreaming -- or maybe even expecting -- that they will become a star in football, basketball or whatever their favorite sport may be.
November 21, 2025 — Source

Young children in Nigeria may be widely exposed to skin lightening products
A significant proportion of under 5s in Nigeria may be being exposed to skin lightning products, if the results of a semi-urban community survey are indicative, suggests research published in the open access journal BMJ Open.
November 21, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — November 20th, 2025

Advocacy groups urge parents to avoid AI toys this holiday season
They're cute, even cuddly, and promise learning and companionship—but artificial intelligence toys are not safe for kids, according to children's and consumer advocacy groups urging parents not to buy them during the holiday season.
November 20, 2025 — Source

Fluoridated water linked to better adolescent school achievement
Children exposed to recommended levels of fluoride in drinking water show modest cognitive advantages in secondary school, with no clear evidence of harm to cognitive functioning around age 60, according to researchers at the Institute for Social Research and Data Innovation at the University of Minnesota and multiple collaborating institutions.
November 20, 2025 — Source

For young children, finger-counting helps develop more abstract skills, study finds
Children who count on their fingers between ages 4 and 6.5 have better addition skills by age 7 than those who don't use their fingers, suggesting that finger counting is an important stepping stone to higher math skills, according to research published in Developmental Psychology.
November 20, 2025 — Source

Most parents keep youth sports dreams in check, study finds
A new study is challenging one of youth sports' most persistent assumptions: that most parents believe their children are destined for college scholarships or professional athletic stardom.
November 20, 2025 — Source

Prenatal stress hormones may shape when a baby's teeth erupt
A new birth cohort study reveals that a mother's stress-related hormones in late pregnancy, especially cortisol, may quietly influence when her baby's first teeth appear, uncovering a surprising link between prenatal biology and early childhood development.
November 20, 2025 — Source

Researchers identify genetic factors influencing bone density in pediatric patients
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) revealed important genetic components that affect bone density in children and adolescents. This information could help identify pediatric patients who may benefit from strategies to help improve their bone health at an early age, helping them maintain healthy bones and prevent fractures in adulthood.
November 20, 2025 — Source

U.S. making no progress in protecting pregnancy health, March of Dimes report card says
The United States has received another barely passing pregnancy health grade from the March of Dimes after another year in which one out of 10 babies were born prematurely.
November 20, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — November 14th, 2025

Online parent help program leads to less-anxious, happier children
Providing parenting help through schools led to a significant reduction in anxiety and behavioral problems among children, according to the results of a national study.
November 14, 2025 — Source

Q&A: Can drinking tap water reduce how many calories children drink?
Drinking beverages sweetened with sugar can lead to obesity, cardiovascular disease, cavities, diabetes and other health problems. More than 20 years of public health campaigns significantly reduced the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages by U.S. children, but that progress has plateaued in recent years, according to Asher Rosinger, associate professor of biobehavioral health and anthropology at Penn State. He said that ensuring universally available, safe tap water across the nation may be a key step toward further reducing children's consumption of these drinks.
November 14, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — November 13th, 2025

Forget burgers and pizza. These teens want beans.
A youth-led campaign is urging school cafeterias to serve fiber-rich, plant-powered meals every day.
November 13, 2025 — Source

Helping the youngest children thrive at school
Well-being and school results are interconnected, but some children simply do not enjoy school. So what can we do to make school a happier experience for more children?
November 13, 2025 — Source

Inequalities in child deaths persist across England, new national data shows
The latest national data on child deaths in England show that while overall deaths have slightly decreased, stark inequalities remain by region, ethnicity and deprivation level. The National Child Mortality Database (NCMD) at the University of Bristol, has released its annual Child Death Review Data Release for the year ending 31 March 2025.
November 13, 2025 — Source

Why type 1 diabetes is more aggressive in young children
Scientists have made a major breakthrough in understanding why type 1 diabetes is more aggressive in young children, offering the clearest explanation to date of why the condition is particularly difficult to manage when diagnosed early in life.
November 13, 2025 — Source or Watch Video

Health — Children & Kids — November 9th, 2025

Infant botulism in 10 US states linked to formula being recalled
Federal and state health officials are investigating 13 cases in 10 states of infant botulism linked to baby formula that was being recalled, authorities said Saturday.
November 9, 2025 — Source

More prenatal visits linked to right level of care for infants born with heart defects
In cases of mild congenital heart defects, more prenatal visits are associated with a greater likelihood of appropriate delivery at a community hospital, according to a study published in JAMA Network Open. Results suggest that more prenatal care is beneficial for families and may allow their newborns with mild heart defects to receive the right level of care closer to home, as opposed to traveling to a regional cardiac surgical center, which can be expensive, taxing and stressful for families.
November 9, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — November 7th, 2025

Children's screen use tied to reduced attention, while reading boosts concentration
Children who use electronic media more frequently tend to show lower levels of attention, while independent reading is associated with better concentration. These are the findings of a survey of more than 1,000 children conducted as part of the LIFE Child study at Leipzig University's Faculty of Medicine.
November 7, 2025 — Source

More children, shorter lifespan? Clear evidence from the Great Finnish Famine
Scientific theory predicts that having more offspring leads to a shorter life span, including in humans. However, despite some hundred years of research, there is no unequivocal evidence for this link.
November 7, 2025 — Source

New project aims to reduce addiction through prevention infrastructure development
Researchers at Wayne State University will work with Michigan agencies and education partners to improve access to school-based substance use prevention and treatment programs for adolescents who are at risk of substance misuse and substance use disorders (SUDs).
November 7, 2025 — Source

Parents who struggle to identify emotions may face higher burnout, alexithymia study finds
Researchers at the Institute of Psychology at the Maria Grzegorzewska University in Warsaw report associations between alexithymia and parental burnout and sex-specific differences.
November 7, 2025 — Source

Scientists find hidden brain damage from a common pesticide
Prenatal exposure to the insecticide chlorpyrifos causes widespread brain abnormalities and poorer motor skills in children. Even after a residential ban, ongoing agricultural use continues to endanger developing brains.
November 7, 2025 — Source

The bright colors in your food may be harming your kids
Synthetic dyes and high sugar levels remain common in foods marketed to kids, despite known health risks.
November 7, 2025 — Source

The surprising household items putting babies and toddlers at risk
You may think your home is safe once the outlet covers are in, the baby gates are locked and the sharp corners are padded, but some of the biggest dangers to babies and toddlers aren't the ones parents can see.
November 7, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — November 6th, 2025

Adolescents who experience migraines more likely to have high blood pressure
A nationwide study from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has found that adolescents who experience migraines are three times more likely to have high blood pressure. The research, which analyzed data from over two million Israeli teens, revealed that the link was strongest among those with severe or frequent migraines. The findings suggest that early blood pressure screening for teens with migraines could help detect cardiovascular risks before they develop into chronic disease.
November 6, 2025 — Source

New studies shine light on oral immunotherapy and oral food challenges in allergic children
Two new studies being presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) Annual Scientific Meeting in Orlando shine a spotlight on oral immunotherapy and oral food challenges (OFCs) in children, showing that both procedures are safe for young patients and can be life-changing for families navigating food allergies.
November 6, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — November 5th, 2025

Blood markers linked to post-concussion symptoms in teens
Blood biomarker levels in adolescents correlate with post-concussion symptom severity, with notable differences between sexes. Female patients show higher tau levels and distinct associations between neuronal damage markers and emotional symptoms, while in males, lower levels of certain biomarkers relate to increased physical symptoms. These findings support biomarker-guided, sex-specific concussion care.
November 5, 2025 — Source

Louisiana took months to sound alarm after two babies died in whooping cough outbreak
When there's an outbreak of a vaccine-preventable disease, state health officials typically take certain steps to alert residents and issue public updates about the growing threat. That's standard practice, public health and infectious disease experts told KFF Health News and NPR. The goal is to keep as many other vulnerable people as possible from getting sick and to remind the public about the benefits of vaccinations.
November 5, 2025 — Source

Study reveals stark socioeconomic and ethnic inequalities in neonatal units across England and Wales
Analysis of over 700,000 neonatal admissions in England and Wales shows that babies from the most deprived areas face a 63% higher mortality risk, and those of Black and Asian mothers have 81% and 36% higher risks, respectively, compared to white mothers. Socioeconomic status and ethnicity independently affect neonatal survival, even after adjusting for maternal and birth factors.
November 5, 2025 — Source

Youth with neurodevelopmental conditions experience rare but elevated mortality rates
Young people with neurodevelopmental conditions have nearly five times higher mortality before age 25 compared to peers without such conditions, with risk especially elevated among females and those with specific learning, motor, or intellectual disabilities. Medical causes account for the greatest excess risk (12-fold), while injury and suicide risks are also increased. Most deaths remain rare and preventable.
November 5, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — October 31st, 2025

COVID-19 during pregnancy linked to higher risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in children
Children born to mothers who had COVID-19 while pregnant face an elevated risk of developmental disorders by the time they turn 3 years old, including speech delays, autism, motor disorders, and other developmental delays, according to new research by investigators at Mass General Brigham.
October 31, 2025 — Source

From battlefield to home: How war fuels family aggression
The trauma alters family interactions and dynamics, creating harsh, aggressive interactions that transmit injury across the entire household system, says researcher Paul Boxer of U-M's Institute for Social Research.
October 31, 2025 — Source

Genes, personality, and family may predict alcohol drinking in teens
Genetic, family, and personality factors are linked to teen alcohol use and related problems. Genetic risk is associated with early alcohol consumption but not with changes over time, while family history and antisocial traits strongly predict drinking problems. Girls show higher alcohol problems than boys at age 16, but this difference disappears after age 18.
October 31, 2025 — Source

Imaging study shows how brains go off-track in rare childhood disorder
Researchers at the VIB-UAntwerp Center for Molecular Neurology have visualized how brain network development is altered in a model of KCNQ2-related developmental and epileptic encephalopathy, a rare childhood brain disorder. Using longitudinal imaging techniques, the team observed differences in how brain regions communicate and connect, long before behavioral symptoms appear.
October 31, 2025 — Source

Opening the door to a vaccine for multiple childhood infections
A vaccine that tackles the bacteria that cause up to 200 million childhood infections every year could be possible, experts say.
October 31, 2025 — Source

Researchers visualize how brain network development is altered in rare childhood disorder
Researchers at the VIB-UAntwerp Center for Molecular Neurology have visualized how brain network development is altered in a model of KCNQ2-related developmental and epileptic encephalopathy, a rare childhood brain disorder. Using longitudinal imaging techniques, the team observed differences in how brain regions communicate and connect, long before behavioral symptoms appear.
October 31, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — October 30th, 2025

Better vision test enables precise detection of eye disorders in toddlers
A new vision test, WatDAT, enables accurate assessment of visual acuity in children as young as 18 months by using a shape differentiation task. Compared to existing pediatric tests, WatDAT allows more young children, including those with developmental or health challenges, to complete vision screening, potentially supporting earlier detection and treatment of eye disorders.
October 30, 2025 — Source

How autism rates are rising, and why that could lead to more inclusive communities
I can say from personal experience that being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder can feel very isolating. Increasingly, however, it's not unusual.
October 30, 2025 — Source

Should toddlers try peanuts? Is your ulcer a bug's fault? The 'flip-flopping' of health advice
In the early 2000s, the advice for parents was clear: Don't feed babies and toddlers foods containing peanuts. It might increase the child's risk of developing a severe allergy to the ground nut.
October 30, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — October 26th, 2025

Combining two brain scans uncovers hidden clues to future teen anxiety
When you're a teenager, it's easy to feel like the world is watching your every mistake. For some kids, that sense of self‐consciousness fades as they grow up. For others, it deepens into full‐blown anxiety.
October 26, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — October 24th, 2025

Physical fitness, physical activity and screen time are tied to adolescents' brain function
Physical fitness, physical activity and screen time are associated with brain mechanisms underlying mental health and learning, according to two recent studies from the University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University Hospital. Research into the effects of lifestyle and physical fitness on adolescent brain function remains limited to date.
October 24, 2025 — Source

Successful career women still shoulder the majority of the 'mental load' at home
Women do the majority of "thinking work" in households, regardless of their employment status or how much they earn, new research has confirmed.
October 24, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — October 20th, 2025

Bribing kids to eat vegetables might backfire—here's what to do instead
It's a tactic many parents know well: "Eat two bites of broccoli, and then you can have dessert."
October 20, 2025 — Source

College students who experienced family dysfunction as children sometimes turn to alcohol to cope
College can be a joyful time—of learning, forming lifelong friendships and having fun. But it's not without its challenges. National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week, Oct. 19--25, brings attention to the struggles faced by students on campuses across the U.S., calling for increased education and resources.
October 20, 2025 — Source

How epigenetics links parents' habits to long-term health outcomes in their children
Epigenetic mechanisms, influenced by parental diet, environment, and lifestyle before and during pregnancy, can modify gene expression in offspring, affecting their long-term risk for conditions such as obesity and diabetes. These changes may persist across generations but can be mitigated by healthy habits and potentially targeted with emerging epigenetic therapies.
October 20, 2025 — Source

Prenatal air pollution exposure may slow newborn brain development
A new study from Spain reveals that babies born to mothers exposed to higher air pollution levels in pregnancy show signs of slower brain myelination, a subtle but telling shift in how early brain wiring unfolds.
October 20, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — October 17th, 2025

Global study shows why the songs from our teens leave a lasting mark on us
Music from adolescence, especially around age 17, is most likely to hold lasting emotional significance, a phenomenon known as the reminiscence bump. This effect peaks earlier for men (around 16) and later for women (after 19), reflecting differences in identity formation and social influences. Connections to music continue to evolve with age, and younger people often form strong bonds with music from previous generations, termed the cascading reminiscence bump.
October 17, 2025 — Source

LGBTQ+ community groups fill gaps in youth mental health care
Community-based organizations play a crucial role in supporting LGBTQ+ youth mental health by providing counseling, safe spaces, case management, and educational resources. Effective delivery relies on inclusive practices and adequate resources, yet many organizations remain underfunded, limiting their capacity to meet growing needs. Increased investment is essential for expanding their impact
October 17, 2025 — Source

Remotely located technician noninferior for car seat installation
Remote assistance by a certified technician for child car seat installation results in accuracy rates noninferior to those achieved with on-site technicians. The adjusted difference in correct installation and usage was within a 2.5% noninferiority margin, supporting virtual presence as an effective alternative for professional guidance.
October 17, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — October 15th, 2025

Climate change taking toll on teen mental health, study finds
Thirty-seven percent of Canadian adolescents report that climate change negatively affects their mental health, with common experiences including anxiety, stress, and worry about the future. Some teens also describe physical symptoms during events like wildfires. These impacts are observed across diverse communities, highlighting the need for targeted mental health support and resilience strategies.
October 15, 2025 — Source

Epigenetic 'scars': Unveiling how childhood trauma affects our genes
Child maltreatment, which includes abuse and neglect, is one of the most serious public health concerns worldwide. These adversities leave a lasting impact on the emotional well-being, memory, and social development of affected individuals. The problem, however, reaches far beyond its psychological impact, affecting the brain and biological processes through genetic changes, which have remained unclear until now.
October 15, 2025 — Source

Giving parents the tools (without the guilt) to support a teenager's sleep
A supportive family environment, characterized by warmth, open communication, and low conflict, is linked to better adolescent sleep quality and timing. Parental mental health and family stress can negatively impact teen sleep, often through increased screen use and poorer emotion regulation. Addressing family dynamics and emotional well-being is more effective than strict screen limits for improving teen sleep.
October 15, 2025 — Source

Study links online racism, including algorithmic bias, to negative impacts on Black adolescents' mental health
Black adolescents in the U.S. encounter frequent online racism, including algorithmic bias and exposure to manipulated media, averaging over three incidents daily. These experiences are linked to increased next-day anxiety and depressive symptoms, while positive race-related content shows no such association. The findings highlight the urgent need to address algorithmic bias to protect mental health.
October 15, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — October 13th, 2025

Early screening identifies suicidal thoughts in children as young as 5, study reveals
The idea of a child dying by suicide is unimaginable. Yet, according to recent data, a significant number of children will seriously consider or attempt suicide, even at ages as young as 5. For Adam Bryant Miller, Ph.D., a UNC School of Medicine researcher and father of two, this statistic is deeply alarming. He believes it's critical to identify warning signs early, and he's made it the focus of his current research.
October 13, 2025 — Source

FAU launches transformative community initiative to prevent substance use among youth
Florida Atlantic University has received a $3 million, five-year grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a division of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, to lead a transformative community initiative designed to prevent substance use among South Florida's youth.
October 13, 2025 — Source

How short school closures hit Japan's low-income boys hardest in math
A new study reveals that even brief class closures in Japan can widen learning gaps, with low-income boys losing the most ground in math, while strong teachers help bridge the divide.
October 13, 2025 — Source

Millions of children face sexual violence as AI deepfakes drive surge in new cases—latest global data
Approximately 7% of children in western Europe and 12% in parts of south Asia report sexual assault by age 18. Online abuse is widespread, with 19.6% of western European children experiencing unwanted sexual interactions. AI-generated child sexual abuse material surged 1,325% from 2023 to 2024. Prevention and legislative measures show promise but require urgent, coordinated action.
October 13, 2025 — Source

New method brings growth charts to children with rare genetic condition
A new method, LMSz, enables the creation of growth charts tailored to children with rare genetic conditions, even with limited data. Using information from nearly 600 children with six rare disorders, the approach provides condition-specific growth references, improving clinical decision-making and offering families clearer expectations about their child's development.
October 13, 2025 — Source

Pediatrician explains body odor in kids and teens
Body odor in children typically begins with puberty, often as early as age 8 or 9, due to increased apocrine gland activity and bacterial breakdown of sweat and oils. Regular washing with soap, daily showers, use of deodorants or antiperspirants, and wearing breathable fabrics help manage odor. Persistent or excessive sweating may require medical evaluation for underlying conditions.
October 13, 2025 — Source

PFAS levels in mothers' blood associated with children's brain structure and functional outcomes
Researchers from the University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Finland, and Örebro University, Sweden, have discovered that the levels of PFAS in mothers' blood during pregnancy are associated with their children's brain structure and function.
October 13, 2025 — Source or Source

Youth screen use can cause family conflict, exacerbate mental health problems
The presence of cellphones can have a negative impact on family relationships and youth mental health, according to two new studies from the University of Georgia.
October 13, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — October 10th, 2025

Inspection confirms mold damage in schools does not increase students' risk of developing asthma
Long-term monitoring of over 30,000 students in 110 Finnish schools found no link between the extent of mold damage in school buildings and the risk of developing asthma. Despite extensive or very extensive mold damage in many schools, asthma incidence rates were similar among exposed and unexposed students, indicating that school mold exposure does not increase asthma risk.
October 10, 2025 — Source

Screen time linked to lower academic achievement among elementary students in Ontario, Canada
Increased screen time in early childhood is associated with lower reading and mathematics scores on standardized tests among Ontario elementary students. Each additional hour of daily screen time corresponds to a 10% decrease in the likelihood of achieving higher academic levels. The association is consistent for both genders and is more pronounced for video game use among girls. Writing achievement is less affected.
October 10, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — October 8th, 2025

Asthma and multiple allergies raise the risk of failed oral food challenges
Researchers uncover why children with asthma or multiple allergies face higher odds of reacting during oral food challenges, and how better screening can make testing safer.
October 8, 2025 — Source

Breastfeeding for at least six months strengthens immunity in babies, study suggests
Breastfeeding until at least six months helps babies to fight off infections and reduces chronic inflammation, according to a new study. And better understanding the way specific nutrients in breast milk impact the immune system will improve health outcomes for all infants, including those not breastfed.
October 8, 2025 — Source

Children burn energy and enjoy exercise with InPACT at Home program
New research reveals that brief, fun workout videos created during the pandemic still get kids moving, burning energy, boosting fitness, and keeping exercise enjoyable right from home.
October 8, 2025 — Source

Child malnutrition in Kenya: AI model can forecast rates six months before they become critical
A machine learning model using clinical and satellite data can forecast acute child malnutrition rates in Kenya up to six months in advance with 89% accuracy, outperforming traditional methods. The model enables more precise targeting of interventions, especially in high-risk regions, and its approach is adaptable to other countries and public health challenges using DHIS2 data.
October 8, 2025 — Source

Children of parents with mental disorders may face higher risk of early death
Research led by the Karolinska Institutet reports that offspring of parents with mental disorders face increased mortality, with the highest risks for unnatural deaths and when both parents had diagnoses.
October 8, 2025 — Source

Japan's registry transforms outcomes for infants with biliary atresia
Biliary atresia (BA) is the leading cause of liver failure in infants, marked by progressive destruction of the bile ducts. Until the late 1950s, the disease was universally fatal, with no effective treatments. The development of the Kasai portoenterostomy brought new hope, but outcomes varied widely, and many patients still required liver transplantation (LTx). Early diagnosis has remained a pressing challenge, since jaundice can be subtle and late surgery severely compromises outcomes.
October 8, 2025 — Source

New type of diabetes discovered in babies
Advanced DNA sequencing technologies and a new model of stem cell research have enabled an international team to discover a new type of diabetes in babies.
October 8, 2025 — Source

Number of children needing mental health care rises by 11% in a year, UK report finds
The number of children and young people accessing NHS-funded mental health services has increased by nearly 80,000 in the past year, sparking renewed concern over a system already under strain.
October 8, 2025 — Source

Toxic e-waste pollution linked to rising childhood hypertension
A new study reveals that children in e-waste regions face a fourfold higher risk of hypertension, as toxic metals and VOCs alter gut-related metabolic pathways and disturb the body's blood pressure regulation.
October 8, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — October 3rd, 2025

Even short school breaks can affect student learning unevenly across socioeconomic backgrounds
Short-term class closures, such as those due to influenza, negatively affect student achievement, with the impact being greater for economically disadvantaged students, particularly elementary school boys in mathematics. The adverse effects are more pronounced for students with lower initial scores and during closures late in the school year. Smaller class sizes and experienced teachers can help mitigate these effects.
October 3, 2025 — Source

Experts urge vaccination during pregnancy to prevent infant whooping cough deaths
Pertussis, or whooping cough, is on the rise and incidence now exceeds pre-pandemic numbers. While in adults and older children the cough can be bothersome and last for months, pertussis in young infants can be life-threatening. Most children under 2 months of age with pertussis in the United States are hospitalized.
October 3, 2025 — Source

FDA approves Tremfya for pediatric plaque psoriasis, active psoriatic arthritis
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Johnson & Johnson's Tremfya (guselkumab) for the treatment of plaque psoriasis and active psoriatic arthritis in children 6 years of age and older.
October 3, 2025 — Source

Report highlights pediatric influenza-associated encephalopathy in 2024--2025 season
During the 2024-2025 influenza season, 109 children experienced influenza-associated encephalopathy (IAE), including the severe form, acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE).
October 3, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — September 29th, 2025

2-in-1 budesonide-formoterol inhaler reduces children's asthma attacks by 45%
Findings from a trial comparing the real-world effectiveness of asthma inhalers could reshape how children with asthma are treated.
September 29, 2025 — Source

A study claiming vaccines cause chronic illness is severely flawed—a biostatistician explains
The study claiming vaccines increase chronic illness risk in children is undermined by major methodological flaws, including unequal follow-up times, surveillance and detection biases, and inadequate adjustment for confounding factors. These issues prevent reliable conclusions about vaccine safety, and the reported associations do not establish causation.
September 29, 2025 — Source

Childhood overeating can be a harbinger of later mental health struggles in girls
Girls who overeat regularly in the preschool years are more likely to experience anxiety, impulsivity and hyperactivity in adolescence, according to a new study led by researchers at McGill University and the Douglas Research Center.
September 29, 2025 — Source

FDA approves Opzelura for atopic dermatitis in children
The approval is the first topical Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor for the short-term, noncontinuous chronic treatment of mild-to-moderate AD in nonimmunocompromised children (age 2 years and older) whose disease is not well controlled with topical prescription therapies or when topical therapies are not recommended.
September 29, 2025 — Source

Motivational support and text messages boost proper child car seat use, clinical trial finds
A clinical trial found motivational support and text messages significantly improved parents' adherence to proper child car seat guidelines. The intervention used tailored content and feedback.
September 29, 2025 — Source

Risk for behavioral problems elevated for children with allergic rhinitis
Shiyin Yang, from the Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and colleagues recruited 18,316 children aged 6 to 12 years from 34 primary schools in China. The association between self-reported AR and BPs was examined in logistic regression models with adjustment.
September 29, 2025 — Source

RSV vaccine uptake in pregnancy linked to perinatal outcomes and health inequities
Uptake of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine during pregnancy is not linked to increased risk of adverse perinatal health outcomes among vaccinated women, according to research at City St George's and published in BMJ Open.
September 29, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — September 26th, 2025

Children with chronic conditions may face higher risk of food insecurity, study suggests
Food insecurity is more common among children with a chronic medical condition than those without one, a new study suggests.
September 26, 2025 — Source

COVID pandemic disrupted sex ed for middle school students, research suggests
Researchers taught two different groups of 7th grade students about their sexual health over an eight-lesson course—once during the 2018--2019 school year and again in the 2023--2024 school year. After the courses were completed, each group of students was given a questionnaire on what they learned and their attitudes about sexual health topics.
September 26, 2025 — Source

Emergency calls for opioid exposures rise among middle-school aged children
The research, "EMS Calls for Pediatric Patients Ages 11-18 years with Opioid Exposures using NEMSIS data," examined calls for services due to suspected pediatric opioid exposure reported to the National Emergency Medical Services Information System, which tracks emergency medical service data from across the United States. Authors reviewed the data from 2019 through 2023, breaking it down into two categories: middle school aged children and high school aged teens.
September 26, 2025 — Source

Food outreach specialists make positive impact on childhood food insecurity
The research, titled "Addressing Childhood Food Insecurity: An Integrated and Community-Based Approach," placed a food outreach specialist from a local community organization in an urban Midwest clinic to serve as a liaison for connecting families in need with available resources. The specialist had expertise in food-related resources and the ability to enroll families in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The specialist also helped troubleshoot challenges families had with access to food-related resources.
September 26, 2025 — Source

In-home gun homicides of children has more than doubled since 2010: Study
In-home firearm homicides among children and adolescents more than doubled from 0.18 to 0.38 per 100,000 between 2010 and 2021. Nearly 24% of child firearm homicides occurred at home in 2020--2021, with 63% of victims aged ≤12 killed at home. Many cases involved intimate partner violence or child abuse, with parents as the most common assailants.
September 26, 2025 — Source

Mandate for backup cameras in new vehicles associated with 78% fewer deaths in small children
Following the 2018 federal mandate requiring backup cameras in new vehicles, deaths from backover incidents in children under 5 decreased by 78%, with overall event rates reduced to about one-third and severe injuries nearly halved. The findings support prioritizing backup camera installation in older vehicles to further enhance child safety.
September 26, 2025 — Source

Over 20% of sexual health-related TikToks found to contain inaccurate information
Researchers created a TikTok account representing a 15-year-old and examined the top 10 videos that appeared under 10 keywords related to sexual and reproductive health. Data showed that 21.4% of the videos created by non-medical professionals contained inaccurate information compared to 3.4% created by medical professionals. The types of misinformation varied but included dangerous advice such as inducing an abortion.
September 26, 2025 — Source

Pediatric golf cart injuries are on the rise
Researchers found that children under the age of 12 represented nearly half of all reports of pediatric golf cart injuries with a majority (53%) being white and an overwhelming majority (90%) being males.
September 26, 2025 — Source

Research shows significant association between emergency department visits for firearm and motor vehicle-related crashes
The authors of an abstract, "Associational Analysis for Pediatric Firearm Injury Risk," found that children and youth with firearm, non-firearm violent, and motor vehicle crash injuries visited a Midwest hospital system's emergency department on multiple occasions within a four-year period. They will present their findings during the AAP national conference at the Colorado Convention Center from Sept. 26--30.
September 26, 2025 — Source

Smoking decline linked to fewer newborns with gastroschisis, research finds
Authors of an abstract, "A Declining Incidence of Gastroschisis Parallels Trends in Maternal Smoking Rates in the United States," point to the success of public health efforts to discourage smoking within the general population.
September 26, 2025 — Source

Social media challenges linked to dangerous misuse of over-the-counter antihistamines by teens
Noelia Swymeler, study author and pediatric resident physician at the University of Oklahoma at Tulsa School of Community Medicine, said trends such as the "Benadryl Challenge" circulating on social media are fueling the rise in these dangerous activities.
September 26, 2025 — Source

Sodium nitrite and nitrate increasingly used in youth suicide attempts, study finds
Frank Pleban, Ph.D., associate professor at Tennessee State University and research author, said that the chemicals, which when ingested may cause hypoxia and eventual death, are often readily available for purchase online. He said his findings indicate the need for a robust system with collaboration between public health officials, emergency responders and health care workers to address this growing concern.
September 26, 2025 — Source

Stricter gun laws associated with decreased in-home pediatric firearm homicides
Stronger state gun control laws, particularly extreme risk protection orders, are linked to lower rates of in-home pediatric firearm homicides. Data from 14 states between 2005 and 2021 show that states with stricter regulations experience fewer such incidents, suggesting that state-level legislation may be more effective than federal measures in reducing these deaths.
September 26, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — September 25th, 2025

Babies can get hepatitis B at birth. Here's why Trump is wrong about delaying the vaccine
United States President Donald Trump this week claimed children should not be vaccinated against hepatitis B until they are 12 years old, rather than at birth. He also said the viral liver infection was a sexually transmitted disease.
September 25, 2025 — Source

Brain activity grows increasingly variable during development before stabilizing in adolescence, study shows
Fluctuations in brain activity, also known as neural variability, enable us to be flexible in adjusting our behavior to the current situation. A new study shows that neural variability increases throughout development before stabilizing in adolescence. And deviating from this trajectory is associated with worse executive functioning.
September 25, 2025 — Source

Childbirth linked to increased depression and psychosis but lower suicide risk in mothers
Depression and psychosis are more common in women after childbirth than before, but the risk of suicide attempts decreases. This is shown by two new studies from Karolinska Institutet. The results suggest that national guidelines for screening can help women get help earlier.
September 25, 2025 — Source

Childhood concussions may trigger long-term brain changes
A new study in mice reports that concussions sustained early in life can cause subtle brain changes that re-emerge later in life. The findings, published in Experimental Neurology, may have significant implications for understanding the long-term impact of head injuries in children.
September 25, 2025 — Source

Exclusive colostrum intake linked with reduced peanut allergy risk
New research has found that newborns exclusively fed colostrum, the breastmilk produced in the first 72 hours following birth, were five times less likely to develop a peanut allergy by 12--18 months, and 11 times less likely to develop multiple food allergies, such as egg or cow's milk, compared with infants who also received formula during that period.
September 25, 2025 — Source

RFK Jr. wants an answer to rising autism rates: Scientists say he's ignoring some obvious ones
This week, the Trump administration announced that it was taking "bold action" to address the "epidemic" of autism spectrum disorder—starting with a new safety label on Tylenol and other acetaminophen products that suggests a link to autism. The scientific evidence for doing so is weak, researchers said.
September 25, 2025 — Source

Relationships help determine whether students report hazing, study shows
College students' relationships with friends, professional staff members, faculty and other members of their campus community are an important factor in their willingness to report hazing to their institutions, according to a new study from University of Maine researchers.
September 25, 2025 — Source

Stark inequalities revealed in children's in-school physical activity
A large-scale study by the University of Bath of more than 17,000 primary school pupils and 2,300 teachers across England has revealed dramatic differences in levels of physical activity in children during the school day, despite all schools following the same national curriculum.
September 25, 2025 — Source

Survival rates rise for extremely premature infants as active treatment increases
Survival rates rise for extremely premature infants as active treatment increases
September 25, 2025 — Source

Trump claims 'no downside' to avoiding Tylenol during pregnancy
"Don't take Tylenol," Trump said during an hourlong White House press conference that included his leading health appointees. "There's no downside. Don't take it. You'll be uncomfortable. It won't be as easy, maybe, but don't take it. If you're pregnant, don't take Tylenol."
September 25, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — September 22nd, 2025

Childhood plastic exposure could be fueling obesity, infertility, and asthma
A sweeping review from NYU Langone Health reveals that everyday exposure to plastics—especially during childhood—poses lasting risks for heart disease, infertility, asthma, and even brain development issues. These chemicals, found in packaging, cosmetics, and common household items, can disrupt hormones, ignite chronic inflammation, and lower IQ.
September 22, 2025 — Source

Helping a child with constipation: A pediatrician's advice
When a child struggles with constipation, it can be a source of frustration and discomfort for the whole family. But a leading pediatric expert offers a clear guide to understanding and treating this common issue.
September 22, 2025 — Source

Inflammation in life-threatening malformation of infant lungs
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia is one of the deadliest malformations in newborns. The main problem is the underdevelopment of the lungs. The condition also involves a hole in the diaphragm, which pediatric surgeons repair during the first week of life. However, even after a successful operation, many children with diaphragmatic hernia still die as a result of their underdeveloped lungs.
September 22, 2025 — Source

Naming and categorizing objects is part of how young kids develop executive function skills: New research
Parents of young children probably recognize the hectic mornings filled with reminding the kids to eat breakfast, brush their teeth and put on their shoes—and hurry up, you're gonna be late!
September 22, 2025 — Source

Plain packaging may help tackle teen vaping
Plain packaging of vape pods reduces young people's interest in trying them, but does not reduce interest among adults, according to a new study led by UCL and King's College London researchers.
September 22, 2025 — Source

Study finds few teens follow pre-bed guidelines, sees minimal effect on sleep
Sleep guidelines suggest no screens, no exercise, and no food in the hour before bed, but do they work and how many young people follow them?
September 22, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — September 19th, 2025

CDC advisers limit MMRV combo vaccine, delay hepatitis B vote
Top vaccine advisers hand-selected by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. voted Thursday to limit the use of a combination shot that protects against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox.
September 19, 2025 — Source

CDC vaccine panel votes against Merck shot for kids under 4
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s hand-selected vaccine advisers voted to change the way immunizations are given to millions of U.S. children each year, recommending a tweak to the standard schedule that cast a large shadow over the safety of the shots.
September 19, 2025 — Source

Most donor-conceived children are told of their biological origins, research reveals
The researchers surveyed 374 parents of children aged from seven to 18 years, and conceived through donor eggs, embryos or sperm, asking whether they had told their children they were donor-conceived.
September 19, 2025 — Source

New study may help uncover the true impact of childhood lead exposure
Lead exposure in childhood may be even more dangerous for cognitive development and school performance than previously thought, according to a new analysis led by data scientist Joe Feldman.
September 19, 2025 — Source

Study finds no extra benefit from well-known children's mental health program
A new study from The University of Manchester has found that a well-known mental health intervention for children may be no more effective than the usual social and emotional learning (SEL) programs already being taught in primary schools.
September 19, 2025 — Source

Universal Hepatitis B Vaccination at Birth Is Safe, For Now
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices delayed its vote on changing the current policy, which CDC experts warned could erode the safety net keeping children from being born with the dangerous viral infection.
September 19, 2025 — Source

Vitamin D and multivitamins in pregnancy may be linked to lower ADHD and ASD traits
New research from the Generation R study suggests that what mothers eat and what supplements they take during pregnancy could have lasting effects on children's brain structure and behavior, offering some clues to reducing ADHD and autism traits.
September 19, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — September 16th, 2025

Agreeing to a tracheostomy for your sick baby is traumatic—but it's not the hardest decision families have to make
Pam Thomson-Kai's son Sawyer was just 7 months old when he stopped breathing. He was rushed to hospital, where he was revived and put on a breathing machine. Then the doctors asked his parents whether they could give him a tracheostomy—a surgical procedure to create an opening in the windpipe and allow air to flow to his lungs.
September 16, 2025 — Source

Decline in pediatric rescue breathing increased deaths during the pandemic
Cardiac arrest happens when the heart stops pumping blood properly, cutting off oxygen to the brain and other vital organs. In these emergencies, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can help keep blood and oxygen moving until medical help arrives. For children, CPR usually needs both chest compressions and rescue breaths, because many cases are caused by breathing problems such as drowning, choking, or serious illness.
September 16, 2025 — Source

Integrating behavioral health services in pediatric primary care could reduce psychosocial symptoms
Research led by the Transforming and Expanding Access to Mental Health Care Universally in Pediatrics (TEAM UP) Scaling and Sustainability Center of Boston Medical Center (BMC) finds that children who receive behavioral health services delivered through the TEAM UP Model of integrated behavioral health care have fewer behavioral health symptoms.
September 16, 2025 — Source

Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander adolescents face highest sexual violence risk in Hawai'i
Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) adolescents, especially girls, face disproportionately high rates of sexual violence compared to their peers in Hawaiʻi, according to a new University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa study.
September 16, 2025 — Source

One in three young people surveyed expect to need mental health support in coming year
The majority (64%) of young adults in Britain say they have experienced mental health difficulties, with a third (32%) expecting to need support in the coming year, according to polling commissioned from YouGov by UCL's Grand Challenge of Mental Health & Wellbeing.
September 16, 2025 — Source

Parents of children with health conditions face added worries as school year begins
As the new school year begins, some parents may be feeling more nervous than excited - especially those whose children have different health needs.
September 16, 2025 — Source

Survey shows high levels of mental health difficulties among young adults
The majority (64%) of young adults in Britain say they have experienced mental health difficulties, with a third (32%) expecting to need support in the coming year, according to polling commissioned from YouGov by UCL's Grand Challenge of Mental Health & Wellbeing.
September 16, 2025 — Source

Why so many young kids with ADHD are getting the wrong treatment
Preschoolers with ADHD are often given medication right after diagnosis, against medical guidelines that recommend starting with behavioral therapy. Limited access to therapy and physician pressures drive early prescribing, despite risks and reduced effectiveness in young children.
September 16, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — September 9th, 2025

Biofeedback improves speech in children at a faster rate than traditional methods
Run. Red. World. Pronouncing the "r" sound in these words requires precise control of the tongue. For most children, this happens naturally, but many children struggle with residual speech sound disorder (RSSD) in which speech errors persist past the age of eight.
September 9, 2025 — Source

Combined alcohol and cannabis use linked to adverse consequences in young adults
A new longitudinal study led by York University's Department of Psychology published today finds that young adults experiencing periods of high stress, anxiety and depressed mood more frequently combined binge drinking with cannabis use in order to get more high and drunk, and were also likely to report more adverse life consequences when combining these substances. Lead author Jeffrey Wardell, Associate Professor in York University's Faculty of Health, says that since cannabis use among young adults has increased after Canada legalized the drug, understanding why people combine the drug and outcomes when they do is important.
September 9, 2025 — Source

Fatty acid composition of blood predicts bone density from childhood to adolescence
A recent study by the University of Eastern Finland is the first to report that the fatty acid composition of blood and the enzyme activity associated with it predict the development of bone mineral density from childhood to adolescence. The results of the Physical Activity and Nutrition in Children (PANIC) study were published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research.
September 9, 2025 — Source or Source

How regular check-ins and behavior awareness can support K-12 students' mental health
The start of an academic year can bring a lot of changes into a student's life: New teachers, different classes and assignments, and updated school day routines.
September 9, 2025 — Source

Microbiome instability linked to poor growth in kids
Malnutrition is a leading cause of death in children under age 5, and nearly 150 million children globally under this age have stunted growth from lack of nutrition. Although an inadequate diet is a major contributor, researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis found over a decade ago that dysfunctional communities of gut microbes play an important role in triggering malnutrition.
September 9, 2025 — Source

More evidence that school phone bans help students' well-being
On the heels of wider acceptance of school phone bans and taking "digital breaks," South Australian experts have produced more evidence of the potential benefits to student well-being, mental health outcomes and their overall lived experience.
September 9, 2025 — Source

Parenting role found to be key factor in mothers' mental health
In Germany, approximately 1 in 3 women is affected by a mental disorder. This includes many mothers. What are the causes of these problems in this particular group of people?
September 9, 2025 — Source

Research shows how Mediterranean-style diet in pregnancy can lead to improved mother and infant health
A Mediterranean-style diet, rich in fiber, vegetable proteins and healthy fats, benefits maternal health during pregnancy and breastfeeding. In addition to improving intestinal function and mucosal immunity, it also prevents fat accumulation and optimizes the composition of the microbiota in the digestive system. In babies, this maternal dietary pattern helps to reduce the incidence and severity of infections.
September 9, 2025 — Source

Study finds no sign of toxic effects of inhaled anesthesia in young children
Preliminary findings from a new clinical trial show no adverse neurodevelopmental effects after brief inhaled anesthesia and surgery in infants and young children, reports Anesthesiology.
September 9, 2025 — Source

Teens less defiant when parents model values and show understanding, study finds
Adolescence is a period when some teenagers begin experimenting with risky or rule-breaking behaviors such as skipping school, drinking, lying, or staying out past their curfew. When parents find out, their natural response is often to warn their child: Continue with the behavior and you'll incur stricter rules, less freedom, and the loss of privileges.
September 9, 2025 — Source

U.S. Students Just Scored Their Lowest Marks in History
The latest results from the Nation's Report Card offer little reason for optimism.
September 9, 2025 — Source

Vaccine Injuries, Violent Video Games, and Infertility Challenge: RFK Jr. Releases New MAHA 'Strategy' Report for Children
"Our young men have sperm counts that are half what they ought to be," Kennedy said.
September 9, 2025 — Source

Why listening to stories and talking about them is so important for young children
Story time—at home, at nursery and at school—is where young children encounter the magic of books. Reading stories to young children is a pleasurable activity in itself, but it also lays the foundation for language and literacy development and has social and emotional benefits.
September 9, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — September 4th, 2025

Compassionate decision-making approaches for families with critically ill children
When a child is critically ill, families often face one of the most heartbreaking questions imaginable: how should a medical team intervene when a patient's heart stops beating or they are unable to breathe independently?
September 4, 2025 — Source

FDA calls for child-resistant packaging on nicotine pouches
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is urging nicotine pouch manufacturers to adopt child-resistant packaging to help prevent children from accidentally ingesting the pouches.
September 4, 2025 — Source

Healthy—or unhealthy—childhood habits could shape adult habits
A person's strength and cardiovascular fitness in adulthood may be traced back to behaviors established during childhood, according to a new University of Georgia study.
September 4, 2025 — Source

'I want to get some bad-ass tattoos': Study reveals why suicidal teens choose to keep living
Family connections, personal dreams and simple joys were among the reasons given by at-risk adolescents.
September 4, 2025 — Source

Not getting enough iodine? Pediatric endocrinologist reveals why iodine deficiency is on the rise
Doctors and researchers are puzzled by a recent rise in what might seem like an antiquated problem: iodine deficiency.
September 4, 2025 — Source

Physical education is important for academic success—here's how it benefits kids' cognition
There were 45,000 fewer hours45,000 fewer hours of physical education (PE) delivered in UK schools during the last academic year compared to 15 years ago. This is concerning, given how important PE and physical activity are not only for children's physical health, but their cognitive health too. As the new school year begins, it's essential that PE hours in UK schools aren't further cut given its importance for academic success.
September 4, 2025 — Source

Students with overprotective parents more vulnerable to anxiety during their transition to university, researchers find
First-year undergraduates who grew up with overly cautious or controlling parents tend to experience increased anxiety when faced with stresses associated with the transition to university, researchers from McGill University and the University of California (Los Angeles) have found.
September 4, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — September 1st, 2025

Binge gaming in kids associated with adverse mental, social and academic outcomes
Binge gaming in kids associated with adverse mental, social and academic outcomes
September 1, 2025 — Source

How pediatric brain tumors grow: Blocking a chemical messenger could offer new route to treatment
The most common type of brain tumor in children, pilocytic astrocytoma (PA), accounts for about 15% of all pediatric brain tumors. Although this type of tumor is usually not life-threatening, the unchecked growth of tumor cells can disrupt normal brain development and function.
September 1, 2025 — Source

My baby versus the world: Postpartum activity in first-time fathers' brains may prepare them for parenting
University of Southern California psychologists report that first-time fathers show stronger brain activation to their own infant than to unfamiliar infants or their romantic partner, with links to bonding and parenting stress.
September 1, 2025 — Source

Should I limit how often my child eats nuts because they contain fat?
When I mention kids and nuts in the same sentence, some parents react like I've dropped the F-bomb, thanks to the association of nuts with two other F-words: fat and fear.
September 1, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — August 29th, 2025

ADHD drugs are being prescribed too quickly to preschoolers, study finds
Young children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder often receive medication just after being diagnosed, which contravenes treatment guidelines endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, a Stanford Medicine-led study has found.
August 29, 2025 — Source

Disrupting protein quality control slows tumor growth in pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma
In this study led by first author Kristen Kwong and corresponding author Amit J. Sabnis from the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Oncology, University of California San Francisco, researchers discovered that disrupting the protein quality control system in cancer cells slows tumor growth in rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), the most common pediatric soft tissue cancer.
August 29, 2025 — Source

New study reveals how child neglect impacts critical brain pathways
When we think of child abuse, physical violence or emotional cruelty often comes to mind first. However, the most common form of maltreatment is actually much quieter: neglect. Affecting three out of four children in substantiated abuse cases worldwide, child neglect involves the failure to provide basic necessities like adequate food, shelter, supervision, or protection.
August 29, 2025 — Source

RFK Jr. Stares at Kids, Claims Their Mitochondria Are All Out of Whack
At an event Wednesday, RFK Jr. argued that children's dysfunctional mitochondria are responsible for a bevy of chronic health and behavioral issues.
August 29, 2025 — Source

Sex-selective abortion bans harm maternal and infant health, according to study
Sex-selective abortion bans (SSABs)—which prohibit the seeking of abortions based on the fetus' sex—increase the likelihood of low birth weight and preterm births among infants born to Asian immigrant mothers, according to a new study by Yale sociologist Emma Zang.
August 29, 2025 — Source

Study highlights insufficient GP health checks for children on antipsychotics
Australian GPs are not adequately monitoring for adverse health outcomes in children and adolescents who are prescribed antipsychotic drugs, according to a new study by University of Adelaide researchers.
August 29, 2025 — Source

Study in mice reveals a link between maternal stress during pregnancy and childhood eczema
While past epidemiological studies have linked the two, this is the first time scientists have found a biological mechanism that explains the connection.
August 29, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — August 25th, 2025

29% of infants immunized against RSV in 2023 to 2024 season
Overall, 29% of infants born during October 2023 to March 2024 were immunized against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) during the 2023 to 2024 respiratory virus season, according to research published in the Aug. 21 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
August 25, 2025 — Source

Majority of Washington state school districts will limit student access to cellphones, smart devices
A majority of school districts in Washington state will have policies in place this school year to limit students' use of cellphones and other devices such as smart watches.
August 25, 2025 — Source

Mississippi declares public health emergency over infant deaths
Mississippi has declared a public health emergency after reporting its highest infant death rate in more than a decade.
August 25, 2025 — Source

Polysubstance involvement in youth opioid overdoses increases with age
Most research suggests that opioid overdoses involving multiple substances in the United States typically occur among people aged 25--54. However, a new study led by Boston University School of Public Health (BUSPH) and Mass General Brigham for Children indicates that polysubstance-involved opioid overdoses are also prevalent among youth.
August 25, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — August 22nd, 2025

New data examines health spending among children with autism
Families with a child receiving treatment for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) incur almost 10 times more in health care costs than those of other children, including those diagnosed but not receiving any ASD treatment.
August 22, 2025 — Source

Rethinking phototherapy: Why skin color matters for infant jaundice
Jaundice is one of the most common medical issues in newborns, affecting nearly 80% of full-term infants in their first days of life. The condition occurs when excess bilirubin, a yellow pigment formed as red blood cells break down, builds up in the body. While mildcases usually resolve on their own, dangerously high bilirubin levels can cause brain damage or even death. The standard treatment, phototherapy, uses blue light to break bilirubin down into forms the body can excrete.
August 22, 2025 — Source

Sleep apnea increases sudden cardiac arrest risk in children with epilepsy
Po-Ming Wu, M.D., from National Cheng Kung University in Taiwan, and colleagues examined the incidence and risk for SCA and cardiac dysrhythmia in pediatric patients with epilepsy and SA. Propensity scores were used to match two cohorts: patients with epilepsy with and without SA. During five- and 10-year follow-up periods, SCA and cardiac dysrhythmia were assessed.
August 22, 2025 — Source

Urban heat dome may be programming behavioral problems in children prior to birth
Individuals living in urban cities are experiencing the combined effect of increasing temperatures and poor air quality, often referred to as the urban heat dome. Pregnant mothers and their unborn children are especially at risk. New research from the City University of New York and Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai suggests that the combined effect of summer heat and urban air pollution may trigger hormonal changes in children, with long term consequences on their behavioral development.
August 22, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — August 21st, 2025

Pediatricians' association recommends COVID-19 vaccines for toddlers and some older children, breaking with CDC guidance
For 30 years, vaccine recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have aligned closely with those from the American Academy of Pediatrics, or AAP. But on Aug. 19, 2025, the AAP published new vaccine recommendations that diverge from those of the CDC.
August 21, 2025 — Source

Urgent need to restrict unhealthy marketing to children
University of Otago--Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka researchers are calling for restrictions on unhealthy food, alcohol, and gambling marketing, after a new study found children are exposed to it 76 times every day.
August 21, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — August 19th, 2025

New treatment provided for young patient with rare neurological disorder
Texas Children's is pleased to announce that a three-year-old girl has been successfully treated with the first-ever FDA-approved gene therapy treatment for AADC deficiency.
August 19, 2025 — Source

Texas Children's successfully treats AADC deficiency using FDA-approved gene therapy
Texas Children's is pleased to announce that a three-year-old girl has been successfully treated with the first-ever FDA-approved gene therapy treatment for AADC deficiency.
August 19, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — August 16th, 2025

Better control of childhood EoE inflammation linked to less esophageal stiffening
Researchers from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and Children's Hospital Colorado have found that better control of chronic eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE)-associated inflammation during childhood leads to less stiffening of the esophagus, resulting in fewer disease complications. Using Endoluminal functional imaging (FLIP), the study team suggests this could be a key marker for assessing disease severity and progression.
August 16, 2025 — Source

Meta under fire over AI rules that allow romantic roleplay with children and false medical advice
AI chatbots producing inappropriate and inaccurate content... no way
August 16, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — August 11th, 2025

In utero brain surgery for vein of Galen malformation shows continued promise
Building upon the success of the first in utero brain surgery for vein of Galen malformation (VOGM) reported in 2023, new data published in JAMA provides further evidence for the potential use of fetal embolization for this condition.
August 11, 2025 — Source or Source

Predicting risk in children with heart defects
A multi-center study has identified critical risk factors that increase the likelihood of death in children with a heart defect who are awaiting or have recently undergone heart transplantation, according to findings published in Circulation.
August 11, 2025 — Source

Study reveals troubling gaps in accuracy, fairness of mental health screenings for incarcerated youth
Approximately 70% of incarcerated youth in the United States have a mental disorder. The challenges in this population are profound -- about 30% report suicidal thoughts, 12% have attempted suicide and 25% experience solitary confinement, a condition strongly associated with increased suicide risk. Depression is also widespread, affecting 10% to 25% of youth with moderate to severe symptoms.
August 11, 2025 — Source

Study urges reform in mental health screening for incarcerated youth
Approximately 70% of incarcerated youth in the United States have a mental disorder. The challenges in this population are profound—about 30% report suicidal thoughts, 12% have attempted suicide and 25% experience solitary confinement, a condition strongly associated with increased suicide risk. Depression is also widespread, affecting 10% to 25% of youth with moderate to severe symptoms.
August 11, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — August 9th, 2025

Parental workplace chemical exposure linked to autism severity and behavior in children
A new study in the International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health finds parents' workplace chemical exposure may be linked to a range of behavioral challenges and developmental delays in their children with autism.
August 9, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — August 8th, 2025

Did you walk or cycle to school as a child? Your children are likely to follow in your footsteps
If you used physically active modes of commuting to school, your children are likely to do the same. A study published in the European Journal of Public Health by the University of Jyväskylä, Finland, reveals an intergenerational link between parents' and their children's school commuting habits. The researchers emphasize that active commuting to school is a simple and practical way to incorporate more physical activity into daily life.
August 8, 2025 — Source

Gut bacteria may connect pregnancy diet to childhood autism
Scientists are uncovering how what mothers eat during pregnancy could influence gut microbes and shape brain development in their children, potentially influencing autism risk in the next generation.
August 8, 2025 — Source

High-dose vitamin D strengthens bones in very low birth weight infants
Doubling the vitamin D dose for premature, very low birth weight infants can safely give their tiny bones a big advantage, offering hope for a stronger start in life.
August 8, 2025 — Source

Hope for Strep A vaccine: Scientists identify antibodies that protect children from infection
Scientists have discovered how some children develop natural immunity to a bacterial infection, a vital breakthrough which could help develop vaccines to save up to half a million lives globally each year.
August 8, 2025 — Source

How many Kentuckians are opting out of childhood vaccines?
State data for the 2024--25 school year puts the overall percentage of kindergarten students fully caught up on required vaccines at 82%. That's behind the national rate of 92.1% for the diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTaP) vaccine and 92.5% for the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) and polio vaccines, according to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data.
August 8, 2025 — Source

Report ties to child mental health crisis to immigration enforcement
Aggressive immigration practices—such as detention, deportation, and workplace raids—are contributing to widespread emotional trauma among both immigrant and U.S.-born children living in mixed-status households, according to a report published by a team of mental health professionals in the School of Medicine at the University of California, Riverside.
August 8, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — August 4th, 2025

How children learn to read emotions: Study reveals distinct cognitive shift
Why do young children often miss the emotions behind adult expressions? A pioneering study led by researcher Xie Wanze from Peking University's School of Psychological and Cognitive Sciences, in collaboration with professor Seth Pollak from the University of Wisconsin, reveals that the answer lies in a cognitive shift.
August 4, 2025 — Source or Source

Idaho has become the wild frontier of vaccination policy and public health
Idaho charts a new path as trust in public health craters.
August 4, 2025 — Source

Presidential fitness test returns to US schools
President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday to bring back the program, which aims to improve physical fitness among students. The test was launched in 1956 and ended in 2013.
August 4, 2025 — Source

Study finds persistent barriers keep adolescents from achieving better oral health
While overall dental health among young children in the U.S. has improved over the last two decades, adolescents have not experienced the same gains. A recent study in Western New York led by Rubelisa Oliveira, DDS, assistant professor at the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, is uncovering the reasons why.
August 4, 2025 — Source

Supermarket promotions of baby and toddler foods are misaligned to national dietary guidelines
A Monash University-led study into commercially available foods for infants and young children has found them to be promoted as low-cost and "healthy," despite often not conforming to nutritional guidelines.
August 4, 2025 — Source

Unstable surroundings have lasting effects on youth well-being
The more unpredictable an environment is for children, the more likely they are to exhibit mental and physical health issues when they hit their teenage and early adulthood years, according to new University of Georgia research.
August 4, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — August 2nd, 2025

Five children see HIV viral loads vanish after taking antiretroviral drugs
The first widespread success in curing HIV may come from children, not adults.
August 2, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — August 1st, 2025

An Ohio couple welcomes a baby boy from a nearly 31-year-old frozen embryo
A baby boy born last week to an Ohio couple developed from an embryo that had been frozen for more than 30 years in what is believed to be the longest storage time before a birth.
August 1, 2025 — Source

Peers learn strategies to support communication for minimally speaking autistic classmates
A new study published in Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools explores how elementary school--aged peers can be taught to support classmates with autism who are minimally speaking. The research was conducted by Vanderbilt Kennedy Center member Elizabeth Biggs, Ph.D., and demonstrates that peers can learn and apply responsive interaction strategies—called the "Ways to Talk and Play"—to foster play and communication using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).
August 1, 2025 — Source

The power of play in early childhood
Play is how young children make sense of the world. Whether with dolls, blocks, trains, or playdough, children use play to explore, experiment, and learn. In early childhood, it is essential that children have at least an hour of open-ended play each day, as recommended by research. During this time, they should be encouraged to ask questions, test ideas and engage in creative thinking. Play is not just fun — it is foundational.
August 1, 2025 — Source

Study identifies three inflammatory pathways behind asthma attacks in children
Eosinophilic asthma is characterized by high levels of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell involved in the body's immune response. While eosinophils typically help fight infections, in eosinophilic asthma, they accumulate in the lungs and airways, causing chronic inflammation, swelling and damage to the respiratory system.
August 1, 2025 — Source

Trump Revives the Presidential Fitness Test to Torment a New Generation of Kids
Boy, we truly are living in the era of reboots. This week, President Donald Trump announced the return of the Presidential Fitness Test, the program intended to promote physical activity in schoolchildren through twice-yearly exercise assessments like a one-mile run.
August 1, 2025 — Source

Vaping may be reversing decades of progress against youth smoking
Despite decades of progress, vaping has reignited teen smoking risk, putting today's e-cigarette users back where youth started in 1974.
August 1, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — July 29th, 2025

Fed up with brands that use corn syrup and skim milk, this mother developed her own 'clean' baby formula
When Esther Hallam welcomed her daughter, Nara, into the world, she faced the challenge of searching for trustworthy brands that offered high-quality organic infant formula in the U.S.
July 29, 2025 — Source

First malaria treatment for babies is a major step to ending the disease in Africa
The first malaria treatment for babies and very young children of 2 months up to 5 years was approved for use by Swiss agency for therapeutic products, Swissmedic, in early July 2025. Until now, babies and very young children have been treated with medicines formulated for older children.
July 29, 2025 — Source

My child is always losing and forgetting things. How can I help—without making it worse?
As school returns, parents and teachers might each be faced with the familiar chorus of "I can't find my school jumper" and "I left my hat at home." For parents of older kids, the stakes may be even higher: lost mobile phones or laptops left on the bus.
July 29, 2025 — Source

'No filter can fix that face': How online body shaming harms teenage girls
These are the sorts of comments teenage girls see online daily, via social media, group chats, or anonymous messages. While some may dismiss this as teasing, these comments constitute appearance-related cyberbullying.
July 29, 2025 — Source

Risk of deadly diarrheal diseases in children could worsen as climate changes
Diarrhea remains one of the most serious health threats to young children in the Global South, and new research shows that climate change is set to worsen the risk substantially. However, improved access to education and targeted health policies could help families protect their children from this deadly disease.
July 29, 2025 — Source

RNA scissors precisely target and remove mutant gene in rapid aging condition in children
Children who develop deep wrinkles, stunted growth, and rapidly aging bones and blood vessels as early as 1 to 2 years of age may be suffering from Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS), a rare and incurable genetic disorder that affects approximately one in eight million people. The average life expectancy for patients is just 14.5 years, and to date, no curative treatment exists.
July 29, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — July 25th, 2025

Automated speed enforcement significantly reduces speeding in Toronto school zones
Despite lower speed limits in school zones, child pedestrian injuries are most common near schools. Now, a new study led by researchers at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) has found that automated speed enforcement (ASE) cameras reduced the number of speeding vehicles by 45 percent in urban school zones.
July 25, 2025 — Source

Congenital syphilis remains a threat to healthy births despite screening
A 15-year study of nearly 60,000 births shows that congenital syphilis and other STIs continue to endanger babies, as healthcare barriers in remote Australia undermine otherwise effective screening programs.
July 25, 2025 — Source

Fearing Medicaid Coverage Loss, Some Parents Rush To Vaccinate Their Kids
For two decades, Washington, D.C., pediatrician Lanre Falusi has counseled parents about vaccine safety, side effects, and timing. But this year, she said, the conversations have changed.
July 25, 2025 — Source

First graders who use more educational media spend more time reading
An estimated 12% of first graders' most-used media at home is educational, a new study suggests.
July 25, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — July 22nd, 2025

Access to green spaces may be linked to lower risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in children
Living near green spaces before and during pregnancy as well as in early childhood is associated with a reduced risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, according to Rutgers Health researchers.
July 22, 2025 — Source or Source

Childhood gastrointestinal disorders may be predictive for interstitial cystitis
Noting that early-life conditions such as GI disorders, urological anomalies (UA), psychiatric disorders, and autoimmune diseases (AD) have been hypothesized as potential risk factors for developing IC in childhood, Mohammad Alipour‐Vaezi, from Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, and colleagues examined these associations in a retrospective cohort analysis using data encompassing 118 million patient records. Study and control groups were established across four categories of childhood disorders; the incidence of IC was monitored over a 14-year period.
July 22, 2025 — Source

Digital model based on noninvasive factors shows accuracy for identifying inflammatory bowel disease in children
Hailin Wu, from the Children's Hospital of Fudan University in Shanghai, and colleagues sought to establish and validate the optimal model of noninvasive evaluation tests to help clinicians with the early identification of pediatric IBD. The analysis included data on noninvasive features from 314 pediatric patients (IBD, 103 participants; non-IBD, 211 participants).
July 22, 2025 — Source

Extreme childhood obesity drives liver and diabetes risks
New research reveals that extreme obesity in US youth, although still rare, has more than tripled since 2008, placing older teens and minority children at higher risk for serious metabolic complications.
July 22, 2025 — Source

Over 14 million children miss lifesaving vaccines threatening global goals
More than 14 million children missed out on lifesaving vaccines against diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough last year, putting global goals off track, new UN data shows.
July 22, 2025 — Source

Teenagers aren't good at spotting misinformation online—research suggests why
Misinformation is found in every element of our online lives. It ranges from fake products available to buy, fake lifestyle posts on social media accounts and fake news about health and politics.
July 22, 2025 — Source

US adolescents with cannabis use disorder failing to complete rehabilitation
Cannabis use disorder in adolescents in the United States remains a growing threat despite declines in cannabis use. Many adolescents begin using cannabis before high school, during crucial stages of brain development, which may pose short- and long-term risks for cognitive, academic and social challenges.
July 22, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — July 18th, 2025

One-third of US public schools screen students for mental health issues
Nearly one-third of the nation's K-12 U.S. public schools mandate mental health screening for students, with most offering in-person treatment or referral to a community mental health professional if a student is identified as having depression or anxiety, according to a new study.
July 18, 2025 — Source

Research helps kids with acute gastroenteritis recover at home
Most children seeking emergency department (ED) care due to vomiting are discharged home. Although they usually feel better when they leave the ED, the vomiting recurs in nearly one-third of children.
July 18, 2025 — Source

Scientists develop new tool to identify NF1 cognitive signs earlier
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a rare genetic condition that affects approximately 100,000 Americans. Children diagnosed with the disorder often have motor delays and learning disabilities. Many are also diagnosed with autism or brain tumors.
July 18, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — July 17th, 2025

Aluminum vaccines cleared of long-term health risks
In the largest study of its kind, researchers examined aluminum exposure from vaccines in 1.2 million children, and found no increased risk of autism, asthma, or autoimmune disease.
July 17, 2025 — Source

Children living near oil and gas wells face higher risk of rare leukemia, studies show
Acute lymphocytic leukemia is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in children, although it is rare. It begins in the bone marrow and rapidly progresses.
July 17, 2025 — Source

Communication is a two-way street, even if you're talking to a four-month-old
A new study from Western Sydney University reveals that even from a very young age—as early as 4-months-old—babies are active participants in "conversations" with their parents.
July 17, 2025 — Source

Extremely severe obesity is on the rise in kids—along with a barrage of health problems
Obesity rates in children have been on the rise for decades, having quadrupled from 1990 to 2022, and along with the rise in obesity, comes a rise in health risks. However, obesity can be broken down further into categories based on severity.
July 17, 2025 — Source

Few babies getting RSV antibody shot, study says
A new antibody shot that protects babies against RSV infection could be struggling to gain traction, researchers report.
July 17, 2025 — Source

Impact of sociodemographic factors, treatment compliance, age of diagnosis in amblyopia treatment outcomes
Amblyopia, commonly referred to as "lazy eye," is the leading cause of vision loss in one eye in children, affecting around 2% of the population. Treatment success varies based on sociodemographic factors, with previous studies showing that Black children and those with Medicaid insurance are at higher risk for unsuccessful treatment.
July 17, 2025 — Source

New technique could increase infant heart transplants by 20%
Duke Health has pioneered a world's-first technique that could expand the donor pool for pediatric heart transplants in the U.S. by up to 20%—offering new hope to families on the waitlist.
July 17, 2025 — Source

Under the influence: How digital media use affects teens
EU researchers are shedding light on how digital media use is impacting teenagers and what parents, teachers and policymakers can do about it.
July 17, 2025 — Source

Wednesday's child is not 'full of woe,' new study finds, debunking popular nursery rhyme
A University of York study has found no link between a child's day of birth and their destiny, reassuring parents that the age-old verse is simply "harmless fun."
July 17, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — July 14th, 2025

Aluminum exposure from childhood vaccines not linked to increased risk of certain chronic disorders
A nationwide cohort study of Danish children examined the association between cumulative aluminum exposure from early childhood vaccination and the risk for the development of autoimmune, atopic or allergic, and neurodevelopmental disorders.
July 14, 2025 — Source

Children are forming emotional bonds with AI chatbots, report says
AI chatbots are rapidly becoming a fixture in children's digital lives thanks to their integration into platforms kids already use such as search engines, games, and social media. A report from the internet safety organization, Internet Matters, has found that two-thirds of kids in the UK, between the ages of nine and 17 in the UK, have used AI chatbots; usage has significantly grown in the last 18 months.
July 14, 2025 — Source

Early antibiotic exposure weakens infant immune development
A new study led by researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) found that early-life exposure to antibiotics can impair an infant's developing immune system, and that a naturally occurring metabolite may hold the key to reversing that damage.
July 14, 2025 — Source

Feeling confident and in control when they're active boosts children's well-being
The well-being of children is under the spotlight in the UK, after a 2025 report from Unicef ranked the UK at 21 out of 36 wealthy countries in child well-being. With growing concerns about mental health, rising screen time, and fewer chances to play—as well as the well-known links between physical activity and better mood—one solution seems obvious: Get kids moving more.
July 14, 2025 — Source

Short videos, long questions: Is there any link with children's attention?
Short-form video isn't new. Before TikTok, there was Vine—a platform that popularized 6-second video clips and helped redefine what it meant to go viral. The "Only a spoonful" of ice cream skit lives rent-free in many netizens' heads. But Vine arrived before mobile internet and algorithmic feeds fully matured. Though the site did not stand the test of time, newer platforms built on its legacy and further refined this engaging media format.
July 14, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — July 12th, 2025

It's never too late: Just moving more could add years to your life
But upping physical activity level still linked to 20--25% lower risk of death from any cause; Switching to a more active lifestyle at any point in adulthood may extend lifespan.
July 12, 2025 — Source

School smartphone bans reflect growing concern over youth mental health and academic performance
By banning smartphones in schools, New York is joining states across the country. The bans are happening in both traditionally liberal and conservative states.
July 12, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — July 11th, 2025

Dealing with extreme heat is a full-time job for parents of young kids—and their schools
According to survey data from the Stanford Center on Early Childhood, families—across all income levels, races, ethnicities and regions—are increasingly considering how extreme weather conditions affect them. More than half of families with young children across the state are worried about its effects, according to data from the center's RAPID Survey Project, which examines early childhood and family well-being. Heat, in particular, is a significant concern.
July 11, 2025 — Source

Early-onset neonatal sepsis linked to childhood epilepsy
Mads Andersen, M.D., from Aarhus University Hospital in Denmark, and colleagues examined the association between early-onset neonatal infection and childhood epilepsy in a nationwide, population-based, register-based cohort study of all Danish live-born singletons between 1997 and 2013 with at least 35 completed gestational weeks at birth without major congenital anomalies.
July 11, 2025 — Source

Effects of poor sleep may contribute to alcohol problems in college students
Certain behavioral effects of not getting enough sleep may explain why people who have insomnia are at risk for problems with alcohol. A study of college students, published in Alcohol: Clinical and Experimental Research, found that sleep problems may increase negative mood and worsen impulse control, factors which, in turn, lead to more problems with alcohol.
July 11, 2025 — Source

Floor video projection enhances cognitive functions during exercises for neurodiverse adolescents
The shuttle run (a round-trip endurance run) test measures physical fitness by having subjects run back and forth for a certain distance. This test has been adopted as part of a new physical fitness test formulated by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, and it is conducted in many schools as part of physical fitness training.
July 11, 2025 — Source

The Foster Care System Has a Suicide Problem. Federal Cuts Threaten To Slow Fixes.
Elliott Hinkle experienced depression and suicidal thoughts even before entering the foster care system in Casper, Wyoming, at age 15.
July 11, 2025 — Source

Toxic metals linked to impaired growth in infants in Guatemala
Research led by the University of Arizona Health Sciences found a potential link between growth problems among infants and high levels of toxic metals and other elements in the breast milk of Mayan women in Guatemala's Lake Atitlán watershed region.
July 11, 2025 — Source

Uncovering behavioral clues to childhood maltreatment
Childhood maltreatment leaves deep and lasting marks that have far-reaching consequences, extending beyond immediate trauma and affecting survivors in ways that are often invisible and misunderstood. Many survivors often face a complex mix of challenges that have an impact not only on their mental well-being but also on their physical health, social development, and overall quality of life.
July 11, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — July 10th, 2025

Exercise can greatly benefit teenagers' mental health—here's what the evidence says
Exercise can greatly benefit teenagers' mental health—here's what the evidence says
July 10, 2025 — Source

Healthy diet could help infants fight off effects of maternal obesity
Maternal obesity doesn't just affect the health of a pregnant woman. It can also have effects on her child, increasing their risk of developing obesity and its associated complications. According to a recent study published in The FASEB Journal, an early-in-life dietary intervention in mice can potentially reverse one of those complications—a reduction in the number of innate immune cells in the gut. The findings suggest that a healthful diet in infancy could help children of obese mothers start off on the right foot.
July 10, 2025 — Source

Majority of children who die in England have life-limiting conditions; inequities in palliative care provision exposed
New research shows the majority of child deaths in England were among children with life-limiting conditions and highlights key shortcomings with their end-of-life care, prompting calls for urgent reform to tackle inequities in care.
July 10, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — July 7th, 2025

App in development to help young children fall asleep
Bedtime can be tricky for parents, especially when their child is experiencing behavioral sleep problems, but help is on the way with an app in development designed to help parents manage their child's sleep problems.
July 7, 2025 — Source

Preventing heat-related illness in children as temperatures rise
The arrival of summer should mean more outdoor playtime for children, but the lessons of last summer warn of a different experience. Pediatricians see that as climate change leads to higher temperatures each year and longer stretches of hot days, parents increasingly need to be aware of the risks of heat-related illness on children.
July 7, 2025 — Source

Screen time may slow learning skills, study finds
Screens are a part of daily life for many families—but too much screen time in the early years could slow a child's language development, a new study suggests.
July 7, 2025 — Source

Study reveals power of shared mealtimes for children in hospital
A new study led by the University of Hertfordshire for the East of England's first specialist children's hospital has found that shared mealtimes in hospital settings can significantly improve the health and well-being of children and young people.
July 7, 2025 — Source

Twin study reveals genetic influence on infant crying and sleep
How much an infant cries is largely steered by their genetics and there is probably not much that parents can do about it. This has been shown in a new Swedish twin study from Uppsala University and Karolinska Institutet in which researchers investigated how genetics and environment influence infants' crying duration, sleep quality and ability to settle during the first months of life.
July 7, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — June 30th, 2025

Economic downturns increase childhood malnutrition risks
Even small drops in national income can significantly increase the risk of various forms of childhood malnutrition- not only undernutrition but also overweight and obesity, shows a study led by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), an institution supported by "la Caixa" Foundation.
June 30, 2025 — Source

Long periods of parental leave after childbirth associated with higher risk of unhealthy behavior
A new study by the University of Vienna shows that particularly long periods of parental leave around the birth of a child are associated with a higher risk of unhealthy behavior - specifically smoking - in the long term. The research team around Sonja Spitzer analyzed the effects of maternity and parental leave on the smoking behavior of mothers in 14 European countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and The Netherlands. The study was recently published in the renowned Journal of Health Economics and is based on a collaboration with the Hertie School Berlin and the TU Vienna.
June 30, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — June 28th, 2025

Rising summer heat increases risk of child deaths in hot cars
A record heat wave that spread across the East Coast of the United States during the first week of summer has child advocates warning parents and caretakers about the risks of heatstroke to children left inside hot vehicles.
June 28, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — June 25th, 2025

Brief online therapy may potentially reduce mental health problems in young people
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed two brief, low-threshold digital interventions aimed at preventing and reducing mental health problems among adolescents and their parents. A pilot study published in JAMA Network Open indicates that the interventions are well-received and potentially effective for adolescents experiencing mental health issues and their caregivers.
June 25, 2025 — Source

Culture is key for understanding and treatment of adolescent aggression
A recent study out of Vietnam, published in Research on Child and Adolescent Psychopathology, offers important insights into how culture affects adolescents' aggressive responses to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). ACEs include child abuse and neglect, exposure to domestic violence, and other damaging experiences.
June 25, 2025 — Source

Exposure to particulate matter during pregnancy linked to increased risk of childhood obesity
Exposure to air pollution during pregnancy, specifically to fine particulate matter (PM2.5), may increase the risk of childhood overweight or obesity. This is the conclusion of a large, pan-European meta-analysis study led by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) and published in Environment International.
June 25, 2025 — Source

More than half of US teens have had at least one cavity, but fluoride programs in schools help prevent them
Fluoride varnish is a liquid that is applied to the teeth by a trained provider to reduce cavities. It does not require special dental devices and can be applied quickly in various settings.
June 25, 2025 — Source

Neurodiverse kids at camp: How programs can become places where all children belong
For many families, summer camp is a rite of passage representing friendship, fun and freedom. But for families of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities, it can be a season of rejection, stress and exclusion.
June 25, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — June 23rd, 2025

AI system predicts early childhood cavities in individual teeth with high accuracy
Early childhood caries (ECC)—the world's most prevalent chronic childhood disease—disproportionately targets specific teeth, a mystery that has remained unresolved until now.
June 23, 2025 — Source

CBD might help children with autism, but more research needed
Researchers at the Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research at University of California San Diego School of Medicine have found that cannabidiol (CBD), a non-intoxicating compound found in cannabis, could help reduce problematic behaviors in autistic boys. The results provide valuable insights into the potential benefits and limitations of CBD as a therapeutic intervention for autism.
June 23, 2025 — Source

Genetic cause for rare childhood brain developmental disorder found
University of Otago–Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka has led international research uncovering a new genetic cause for a rare developmental disorder that profoundly impacts brain growth and function in children.
June 23, 2025 — Source

My kids only want to eat processed foods. How can I get them eating a healthier and more varied diet?
If it feels like your child's diet consists entirely of breakfast cereal, chicken nuggets and snacks that'd outlast the apocalypse, you're not alone.
June 23, 2025 — Source

New machine learning model brings transparency to risk prediction in medulloblastoma
Medulloblastoma the most common malignant pediatric brain tumor with a high risk of metastasis and poor survival outcomes. To delineate the metastatic microenvironment,, researchers in China have developed an explainable machine learning model that identifies key immune cells and cytokine markers linked to tumor dissemination and prognosis. Their model offers a transparent, data-driven approach that could help clinicians better assess risk and personalize treatment for children with this life-threatening disease.
June 23, 2025 — Source

Teen depression? Study finds clues in screen use and sleep quality
In this digital era, both kids and adults are often glued to smartphone screens. Digital technology keeps users entertained, connected to friends, and in tune with important news. But some reports suggest that, particularly for adolescents, excessive time on these screens can be linked to mental health problems and even depression.
June 23, 2025 — Source

US children who eat more fruit have less abdominal fat
A new study of over 1,700 US children reveals that higher fruit intake is linked to smaller waistlines, highlighting the role of fruit in fighting childhood obesity.
June 23, 2025 — Source

What kids need—and adults need to know—to combat the youth mental health crisis
Starting this fall, students in New York will join those in other states like California in not being able to access cellphones during the day. These bans are the culmination of years of education and activism by parents, teachers and researchers concerned about the effect of technology not only on academic performance but also on children's mental health.
June 23, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — June 21st, 2025

Genetics of cardiomyopathy risk in childhood cancer survivors differ by age of onset, study shows
The relationship between genetic variants and the risk of late-onset cardiomyopathy remains poorly understood in survivors of childhood cancer despite being otherwise well established. Scientists from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have helped address this gap, assessing whether variant trends seen in the general population also apply to late-onset cardiomyopathy in five-year survivors of childhood cancer.
June 21, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — June 20th, 2025

Experts explain how skipping screen time, studying infants' brain growth may improve health, long-term learning
The connections a baby's brain forms during the first two years of life, coupled with a baby's genetic makeup, offer a window into their development. Cedars-Sinai pediatric neurologists, developmental neuroscientists and brain imaging experts are working to better understand infant brain connections and genetics to improve health outcomes for future generations.
June 20, 2025 — Source

Six things Australia must do if it's serious about tackling school bullying
Bullying is arguably one of the most serious issues facing Australia's schools.
June 20, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — June 18th, 2025

Genetic testing for children with autism and intellectual disabilities remains rare in Medicaid, despite guidelines
A new national study reveals that most Medicaid-enrolled children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or intellectual disability (ID) are not receiving recommended genetic testing despite clinical guidelines urging its use.
June 18, 2025 — Source

How to make sure the new grooming gangs investigation is the last
Louise Casey's recent report on grooming gangs and child sexual exploitation in the UK lays bare institutional failings. It highlights that, at present, victims cannot rely upon the criminal justice system—and that it has badly let them down in the past.
June 18, 2025 — Source

Interferon pathway genes linked to treatment success in juvenile arthritis
A set of genes that could be used to help doctors predict which children will respond well to treatment for juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) have been identified by researchers at UCL and Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children (GOSH), who are part of the CLUSTER Consortium.
June 18, 2025 — Source

Study finds children with adverse childhood experiences are more likely to miss school due to illness or injury
A new study led by researchers at UCLA Health finds that children who have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are significantly more likely to miss school due to health-related issues.
June 18, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — June 16th, 2025

Bugaboo recalls 18,000+ Giraffe high chairs due to fall risk
Parents, take note: Bugaboo is recalling more than 18,000 of its Giraffe high chairs following reports of the legs separating from the frame.
June 16, 2025 — Source

Childhood weight gain leads to taller adults without increasing obesity risk
In children with undernutrition, increasing weight in a child's first decade of life can lead to significantly taller adults—with no increase in the risk of obesity or high blood pressure later in life, according to a new University of Michigan study.
June 16, 2025 — Source

Exposure to low levels of arsenic in public drinking water linked to lower birthweight and preterm birth
Babies born to mothers potentially exposed to low levels of arsenic in public drinking water—even at levels below the federal safety standard—were more likely to be born preterm, with lower birthweight, or be smaller than expected, according to a study at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health.
June 16, 2025 — Source

Father's mental health plays key role in child development, researchers say
Experts from Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago affirm the need to screen new fathers for mental distress, recognizing the mounting research that underscores the importance of fathers in child development.
June 16, 2025 — Source

Physical activity is critical for children's happiness, study finds
PE, school sports and physical activity (PESSPA) are critical tools in fostering healthier, happier and more resilient children and young people, concluded a recent study from University of Manchester experts in collaboration with the Youth Sport Trust who have included it in their new annual report.
June 16, 2025 — Source

Study links gestational hypertension to increased seizure risk in offspring
A new study led by researchers at University of Iowa Health Care has revealed a significant association between high blood pressure during pregnancy (gestational hypertension) and an increased risk of seizures in children.
June 16, 2025 — Source or Source

Health — Children & Kids — June 13th, 2025

Decline in youth physical fitness seen in association with pandemic
During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a decline in the physical fitness of U.S. youth, according to a study published online June 4 in JAMA Network Open.
June 13, 2025 — Source

Infant with rare, incurable disease is first to successfully receive personalized gene therapy treatment
NIH-supported gene-editing platform lays groundwork to rapidly develop treatments for other rare genetic diseases.
June 13, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — June 9th, 2025

Suspended children are twice as likely to be involved in violence, even when accounting for their behavior
A new study report has found that, even while controlling for a range of factors including measures of behavioral difficulties, children who are suspended or excluded from school are still nearly two and a half times more likely to become involved in violence and four and a half times more likely to offend compared to those who have not been suspended or excluded.
June 9, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — June 6th, 2025

Disadvantaged backgrounds can leave a lifelong accelerated aging marker in children
Economic disadvantage leaves a biological imprint on children which could last throughout their lifetime, reducing their quality and length of life. These are the findings of a study of more than 1,000 European children led by researchers at Imperial College London. The research finds evidence that the impacts of socioeconomic status can be seen in the blood cells of children, with those from less privileged backgrounds having shorter telomeres—an established biomarker for aging.
June 6, 2025 — Source

Obesity linked to subsequent neoplasms in childhood cancer survivors
Lenat Joffe, M.D., from Northwell in New Hyde Park, New York, and colleagues examined associations between time-varying BMI/physical activity and subsequent neoplasm risk among childhood cancer survivors in a retrospective cohort analysis. Five-year childhood cancer survivors diagnosed at younger than 21 years of age between 1970 and 1999 were enrolled and followed through September 2019.
June 6, 2025 — Source

Schools need better systems to support students experiencing family and domestic violence
Australian schools need comprehensive support systems to address the learning and safety needs of young people experiencing family and domestic violence, a Monash University study recommends.
June 6, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — June 3rd, 2025

APA calls for guardrails, education, to protect adolescent AI users
The effects of artificial intelligence on adolescents are nuanced and complex, according to a report from the American Psychological Association that calls on developers to prioritize features that protect young people from exploitation, manipulation and the erosion of real-world relationships.
June 3, 2025 — Source

Gut fungi in very-low-birthweight infants modulate oxygen-induced lung damage, study finds
Extremely preterm newborns who weigh less than 3.3 pounds have immature lungs that often require high levels of ventilation oxygen in the hospital. This contributes to the chronic lung disease bronchopulmonary dysplasia, or BPD, the most common cause of death for these tiny infants. BPD exacts a devastating toll on the immature lung.
June 3, 2025 — Source

Public health study explores how vaccines may help prevent hearing loss in children
Over 1.5 billion people worldwide are affected by some degree of hearing loss. While it is often linked to aging, a lesser-known but significant cause is infections contracted during childhood and adolescence, many of which are preventable.
June 3, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — May 28th, 2025

Children and young people are waiting longer than necessary for cancer diagnosis, according to new research
A study, led by experts at the University of Nottingham, has found that young people suffering from certain types of cancer, such as bone tumors, are experiencing lengthy times to diagnosis. The Childhood Cancer Diagnosis Study is published in The Lancet Regional Health—Europe.
May 28, 2025 — Source

Fire safety tips for families: Prevent burns around campfires
Campfires are a beloved part of summer—whether roasting marshmallows, telling stories or just enjoying the warmth. But for families with young children, it's important to be aware of the risk of burns and know how to prevent and respond to such injuries.
May 28, 2025 — Source

Infant-directed singing shown to boost emotional health
Researchers advertised for study participants through in-person visits to baby fairs, distribution of flyers at local daycare centers, preschools, and delivery hospitals, and an announcement on public radio in New Haven, Connecticut. Online recruitment efforts targeted social media groups for expecting and new parents, along with online communities related to early childhood education.
May 28, 2025 — Source

Mother's warmth in childhood can influence teen health by shaping perceptions of social safety
Parental warmth and affection in early childhood can have life-long physical and mental health benefits for children, and new UCLA Health research points to an important underlying process: children's sense of social safety.
May 28, 2025 — Source

Paracetamol to poisoning: When medicines harm children instead of heal
Every day, nearly 100 children present to Australian emergency departments with suspected medicine poisoning. It's a startling statistic, but a reality that could be avoided, according to new research from the University of South Australia.
May 28, 2025 — Source

Researchers identify key symptoms of long COVID in young children
Long COVID—symptoms that linger long after the initial viral infection—can affect people of every age, including children. But the lasting symptoms in an infant, toddler, or pre-school-aged child may be different than symptoms in adults and older children.
May 28, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — May 27th, 2025

Boys who are overweight in their early teens risk passing on harmful epigenetic traits to future children
A new study suggests that boys who become overweight in their early teens risk damaging the genes of their future children, increasing their chances of developing asthma, obesity and low lung function.
May 27, 2025 — Source or Source

Health — Children & Kids — May 23rd, 2025

CDC can no longer help prevent lead poisoning in children, state officials say
Under Trump, the CDC's Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program was cut.
May 23, 2025 — Source

Long-term study confirms safety and effectiveness of rivaroxaban for children
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a life-threatening complication in children with serious underlying conditions such as heart defects or cancer. Treatment or prevention of thrombosis poses an additional challenge in everyday clinical practice. A therapy using the active ingredient rivaroxaban specifically tailored to children was successfully tested for the first time in 2020.
May 23, 2025 — Source

Sound insulation tiles at school may help calm crying children
When children are dropped off at a school or daycare for the first time, there can be a lot of feelings and sometimes meltdowns caused by being separated from parents, meeting new people, and hearing new noises. Could the architecture of the room help to soothe at least some of the children's concerns?
May 23, 2025 — Source

Tropical cyclones increase infant mortality in developing countries
Tropical cyclones, including storms below hurricane and typhoon strength, were associated with a sharp rise in infant mortality in low- and middle-income countries during the first two decades of this century, according to new research published in Science Advances. The findings point to a critical need for stronger disaster response and child health protections in vulnerable regions, especially as climate change increases the frequency and severity of these storms.
May 23, 2025 — Source

Wayne State research team tracks effects of bullying from high school to college
With funding from the Spencer Foundation, a private foundation focused on funding education studies, a Wayne State University research team is examining the long-term effects of bullying and mental health on social and academic progress in adolescents.
May 23, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — May 22nd, 2025

Blood test identifies biological markers for teen depression and severity
Using a novel lab method they developed, McGill University researchers have identified nine molecules in the blood that were elevated in teens diagnosed with depression. These molecules also predicted how symptoms might progress over time.
May 22, 2025 — Source

Childhood cancer survivors have increased risk for chronic kidney disease and hypertension: Study
Childhood cancer survivors (CCS) have an increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and hypertension, according to a study published online May 19 in JAMA Network Open.
May 22, 2025 — Source

Childhood financial hardship linked to anxiety and loneliness 20 years later
Stress about money doesn't just weigh on us in the moment. According to a new study published in Aging and Mental Health and led by a researcher at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, it can echo across decades—leaving a measurable imprint on emotional health well into older age.
May 22, 2025 — Source

China donates $500M to WHO as US pulls back support
China has promised to give $500 million to the World Health Organization (WHO) over the next five years, positioning itself to become the group's top donor.
May 22, 2025 — Source

DNA patterns provide key insights in the diagnosis of childhood leukemia
The treatment of leukemia among children could be made more precise with fewer side effects with the help of more accurate methods of diagnosis. A new study led by Umeå University, Sweden, reveals that analyzing methylation patterns in the child's leukemic cells DNA can enhance risk assessment, helping to ensure that only the children who need the most intensive treatment receive it.
May 22, 2025 — Source

Even weak tropical cyclones raise infant mortality in poorer countries, finds research
Tropical cyclones, including storms below hurricane and typhoon strength, were associated with a sharp rise in infant mortality in low- and middle-income countries during the first two decades of this century, according to new research published in Science Advances. The findings point to a critical need for stronger disaster response and child health protections in vulnerable regions, especially as climate change increases the frequency and severity of these storms.
May 22, 2025 — Source

Half of youth-serving clinicians screen for substance use disorder at every well visit
Just over half of youth-serving clinicians report that they routinely screen adolescents for substance-use disorders (SUDs) at every well visit, according to a study published online May 20 in JAMA Network Open.
May 22, 2025 — Source

Increase in number of young patients with anorexia nervosa found in Japan after COVID-19 pandemic
A research group analyzed large-scale clinical data to examine the association between the COVID-19 pandemic and the incidence of anorexia nervosa (ICD-10 classification: F50.0) in young patients in Japan. Their study revealed that the number of patients with anorexia nervosa increased after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
May 22, 2025 — Source

Overimitation begins in infancy, but is not yet linked to in-group preference: Study
Humans are by nature social creatures, far more so than other primates. Our desire to be accepted by our in-groups is universal and innate. It also comes early. Multiple studies have demonstrated how preschool-age imitation of adult behavior leads to acquiring new skills, sharing cultural knowledge and fostering a sense of affiliation.
May 22, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — May 13th, 2025

Better support needed for teenage contraception in rural and regional areas, Australian study says
Teenagers in rural and regional areas may not be receiving the level of contraceptive support they need, according to GPs interviewed in a new study from Monash University's SPHERE Center of Research Excellence.
May 13, 2025 — Source

Breastfeeding provides health benefits to both babies and their mothers, according to new UF/IFAS guides
Both the World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that infants exclusively breastfeed during their first six months of life, but only 24.9% in the United States do, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. In Florida, the rate is 18.2%, above only Mississippi (15.6%) and West Virginia (13.8%).
May 13, 2025 — Source

Nearly 19 million children live under same roof as parent with substance use disorder
In 2023, nearly 19 million children in the United States were estimated to be living in a household with at least one parent or primary caregiver with a substance-use disorder (SUD), according to a research letter published online May 12 in JAMA Pediatrics.
May 13, 2025 — Source

Survey shows privacy and safety top list of parental concerns about screen time
As kids spend more time on screens, a new national survey conducted by Ipsos on behalf of The Kids Mental Health Foundation, founded by Nationwide Children's Hospital, identifies parents' greatest fears for their children around screen time.
May 13, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — May 9th, 2025

Improving newborn genetic screening
More than a decade ago, researchers launched the BabySeq Project, a pilot program to return newborn genomic sequencing results to parents and measure the effects on newborn care. Today, over 30 international initiatives are exploring the expansion of newborn screening using genomic sequencing (NBSeq), but a new study highlights the substantial variability in gene selection among those programs.
May 9, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — May 6th, 2025

Adolescents with mental health conditions show different social media habits
Young people with a diagnosable mental health condition report differences in their experiences of social media compared to those without a condition, including greater dissatisfaction with online friend counts and more time spent on social media sites.
May 6, 2025 — Source

Are kids resilient? Societies and families need to offer supports and relationships to nurture resilience
"Kids are resilient." You have heard this before, right? You might have even said it, with the best of intentions.
May 6, 2025 — Source

Can learning cursive help kids read better? Some policymakers think it's worth a try
Recently, my 8-year-old son received a birthday card from his grandmother. He opened the card, looked at it and said, "I can't read cursive yet."
May 6, 2025 — Source

Early caregiver coaching before age 1 boosts infants' social communication, research shows
A new trial from the Kennedy Krieger Institute reveals a promising path forward for infants showing early signs of social communication delays.
May 6, 2025 — Source

Mobility meets energy: Unlocking new roles for electric scooter batteries in smart cities
As cities around the world strive toward net-zero carbon emissions, one key challenge remains: how to integrate clean transportation with smart energy systems.
May 6, 2025 — Source

Parental loss can impact biological and emotional mechanisms, fostering long-term growth and resilience
A new study explores how the loss of a parent in childhood impacts biological and emotional mechanisms. These changes pave the way for resilience and personal growth through the regulation of the body systems involved in attachment and exploration.
May 6, 2025 — Source

Shifting nicotine product preferences observed in US high school students
University of Southern California and University of Michigan researchers report expanded use of non-tobacco nicotine products among U.S. adolescents. While exclusive e-cigarette use has declined, dual use of nicotine pouches and e-cigarettes has risen.
May 6, 2025 — Source

Sleep products for kids: Do they really help?
We spoke to the experts.
May 6, 2025 — Source

Wearable X-ray technology makes respiratory scans more comfortable for young children
Light conversion technology developed by University of Queensland researchers will be used for wearable X-ray devices that make respiratory scans more comfortable for young children.
May 6, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — May 5th, 2025

Adolescents with mental health conditions use social media differently than their peers, study suggests
Young people with a diagnosable mental health condition report differences in their experiences of social media compared to those without a condition, including greater dissatisfaction with online friend counts and more time spent on social media sites.
May 5, 2025 — Source

Children in military families face unique psychological challenges, and the barriers to getting help add to the strain
The origin of the statement: "When one person joins the military, the whole family serves" is unknown, but it captures the reality that military families confront in 2025. One member's service shapes the lives of the entire family.
May 5, 2025 — Source

CEPI and University of Bergen collaborate on global vaccine mapping project
Supported by CEPI funding of up to $ 1.5 million over three years, researchers at Norway's University of Bergen will maintain an up-to-date overview of every vaccine candidate being developed around the globe for CEPI's priority pathogens as well as other emerging viral threats identified by CEPI.
May 5, 2025 — Source

Preterm infant with drug-resistant seizures responds to antisense oligonucleotide treatment
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München-led researchers have induced a greater than 60% reduction in seizure frequency in a preterm infant with early-onset SCN2A developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE). Seizures initially occurred at a rate of 20 to 25 per hour and declined to five to seven per hour following repeated intrathecal dosing with elsunersen, an antisense oligonucleotide therapy.
May 5, 2025 — Source

Physical punishment leads to exclusively negative outcomes for children in low- and middle-income countries: Study
Physically punishing children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) has exclusively negative outcomes—including poor health, lower academic performance, and impaired social-emotional development—yielding similar results to studies in wealthier nations, finds an analysis published in Nature Human Behaviour.
May 5, 2025 — Source

Stress, not identity, drives riskier cannabis use among sexually diverse youth, new study finds
Cannabis is undoubtedly a polarizing substance. On one side: a century of restrictive laws made cannabis illegal. This was based on little science. On the other side: a torrent of wellness claims encourage consumers to buy cannabis products. These claims are also based on little science.
May 5, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — May 2nd, 2025

Gluten-free diet for celiac disease found to increase arsenic exposure in children
Children with newly diagnosed celiac disease have increased arsenic exposure shortly after transitioning to a gluten-free diet, according to a study published in the April issue of the American Journal of Gastroenterology.
May 2, 2025 — Source

Schools today also teach social and emotional skills: Why is this important? And what's involved?
The school curriculum has changed a lot from when many parents and grandparents were at school.
May 2, 2025 — Source

Trump administration releases report critical of youth gender care
President Donald Trump's administration on Thursday released what it described as a comprehensive review of gender-related medical interventions for children and adolescents, warning of "significant risks" associated with puberty blockers and surgeries.
May 2, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — April 28th, 2025

Best Bassinets of 2025
The MaxiCosi Iora and Starling, the Snoo, the BabyBjorn Baby Cradle, and other bassinets stood out in our tests for ease of assembly, convenience, and smart features
April 28, 2025 — Source

Children with liver disease face dramatically higher risk of early death
Researchers from the University of California San Diego have found that children diagnosed with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) are at significantly increased risk of premature death and serious long-term health complications. The findings, published April 22, 2025 in Hepatology, come from the Longitudinal InVestigation Evaluating Results of Steatosis (LIVERS) study, which followed 1,096 children over an average of 8.5 years. Nearly half of all deaths in the cohort were liver-related, and the overall mortality rate was 40 times higher than that of similar peers in the general U.S. population.
April 28, 2025 — Source

How online gambling hurts teens: Advice from a pediatrician
Not long ago, teens had only a handful of ways to be exposed to gambling. Some might see a caregiver buy lottery tickets, others might watch a family member join fantasy sports leagues and some might encounter gambling on a family trip. Gambling was a behavior that had clear boundaries around it as "adults only."
April 28, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — April 25th, 2025

Children born before 34 weeks show lasting cognitive lag behind peers
Karolinska Institutet researchers report that children born before 34 weeks of gestation show persistent deficits in cognitive abilities at ages 9 to 10. Impairments appear independent of socioeconomic status, genetic predisposition, and prenatal or child-specific risk factors. Lower scores were observed in vocabulary, working memory, episodic memory, and recall tasks. Children born late preterm (34--36 weeks) or early term (37--38 weeks) performed comparably to those born full term.
April 25, 2025 — Source

Early antibiotic use linked to higher childhood BMI
Taking antibiotics within the first two years of life is linked to a higher body mass index (BMI) in childhood, according to a new study. The research will be presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) 2025 Meeting, held April 24-28 in Honolulu.
April 25, 2025 — Source

Study shows significant increase in mental health diagnoses among publicly insured children
In the first comprehensive investigation into the trends of mental health diagnoses among children with public health insurance, a new study reports the percentage of mental health and neurodevelopmental disorder diagnoses increased substantially in the decade before the COVID-19 pandemic.
April 25, 2025 — Source

Telehealth in pediatric primary care linked to responsible antibiotic use
Children treated with primary care telehealth visits were less likely to receive antibiotics for acute respiratory tract infections than those examined in person, according to a new study. The research will be presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) 2025 Meeting, held April 24-28 in Honolulu.
April 25, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — April 22nd, 2025

Adolescents who sleep longer can perform better at cognitive tasks
Adolescents who sleep for longer—and from an earlier bedtime—than their peers tend to have improved brain function and perform better at cognitive tests, researchers from the UK and China have shown.
April 22, 2025 — Source

Female children may face greater emotional and immune challenges from prenatal stress, study finds
A new study led by Prof. Hermona Soreq and Shani Vaknine Treidel from the Edmond and Lily Safra Center of Brain Science, uncovers how stress experienced during pregnancy can affect newborns at the molecular level—with significant differences between male and female babies.
April 22, 2025 — Source

Researchers examine mental impact of Girl Scouts' interactions with nature: Q&A
New research from the University of Washington, published in the Journal of Environmental Education, examined whether children's interactions with nature that are embodied, rather than just visual, are associated with being in the moment and feeling connected to something beyond the self.
April 22, 2025 — Source

Social Media Apps Blamed by Many Teens for Mental Health Struggles
New Pew data shows nearly half of the 1,400 teens surveyed believe social media is harmful to their generation.
April 22, 2025 — Health — Diabetes — April 22nd, 2025

New noninvasive method for early diabetes risk detection
The highs and lows of blood glucose aren't just an energy rollercoaster; they could be a key to detecting diabetes risk early and spare you a needle prick or two.
April 22, 2025 — Source

No needles needed: Wearable glucose monitors could reveal early diabetes warning signs missed by blood tests
The highs and lows of blood glucose aren't just an energy rollercoaster; they could be a key to detecting diabetes risk early and spare you a needle prick or two.
April 22, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — April 20th, 2025

Child concussion: What to know if your child takes a blow to the head
by Jeffrey Lo, MD, Attending Physician, Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Department, Boston Children's Hospital
April 20, 2025 — Source

The lasting impact of paternal depression on children
In popular culture, dads are stoic, sensitive and strong. So powerful is the mystique of the happy dad that celebrities, joke books -- even hard seltzers -- carry the label.
April 20, 2025 — Source

Health — Children & Kids — April 11th, 2025

Breaking the cycle: How childhood trauma affects parental empathy and perpetuates abuse
Childhood maltreatment (CM) is a complex issue that is often passed on through generations. Studies have shown that parents who were abused as children may perpetuate a similar pattern of mistreating their children, creating a vicious cycle of abuse.
April 11, 2025 — Source or Source

Conversation catalysts: Study shows English-speaking robots can enhance parent-child dialogue
Over the past decades, researchers have developed a wide range of advanced social and assistance robots that could soon be introduced into households worldwide. Understanding how the introduction of these systems might impact the lives of users and their interactions with others living in their homes is crucial, as it could inform the further improvement of robots before their widespread deployment.
April 11, 2025 — Source

Families of Transgender Youth No Longer View Colorado as a Haven for Gender-Affirming Care
n recent years, states across the Mountain West have passed laws that limit doctors from providing transgender children with certain kinds of gender-affirming care, from prohibitions on surgery to bans on puberty blockers and hormones. Colorado families say their state was a haven for those health services for a long time, but following executive orders from the Trump administration, even hospitals in Colorado limited the care they offer for trans patients under age 19. KFF Health News Colorado correspondent Rae Ellen Bichell spoke with youth and their families.
April 11, 2025 — Source

Medical complexity seen in 12% of military-connected children
The cumulative incidence of children with medical complexity (CMC)-defining diagnoses in military-connected children is 12.0% by age 60 months, according to a study published online April 8 in Pediatrics.
April 11, 2025 — Source

More psych hospital beds are needed for kids, but neighbors say not here
If you or someone you know may be experiencing a mental health crisis, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing or texting "988."
April 11, 2025 — Source

School-based asthma therapy can improve student health and lower medical costs
Nearly 5 million children in the U.S. have asthma, a disease that narrows the airways. While there's no cure, it can be controlled with anti-inflammatory medications. However, it can be tough for kids to take their daily medication on schedule, especially while they're in school.
April 11, 2025 — Source

Health — Children and Kids — Resources

Adlerian Counselling & Consulting Group
for children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families.
Provides a Service — Source

Breastfeeding rooms hidden in health care law
With her 5-week-old daughter crying in a bathroom at Nordstrom, and not knowing how to get the baby to latch on to her breast, Garima Nahar found herself surrounded by other women. some offered tips, but one woman told the new mother to cover up or turn the other way.
April 9, 2010 — Source

Chickenpoxinfo.com
Consumer information site from Merck.
Provides Information — Source

Child Safety in the Home
In a world made by the point-of-view of grown-ups, there are inadvertent hazards to small children all over the place. Home is no exception. According to Safe Kids USA (an organization that educates parents, policy makers, and the general public in creating safe environments for children) a child dies every 101 minutes as a result of an unintentional injury, making iuse of accidental death and permanent disability for America's kids.
April 1, 2010 — Source

First baby given xenon gas to prevent brain injury
A newborn baby has become the first in the world to receive xenon gas treatment, pioneered in Bristol in a bid to prevent brain injury.
April 9, 2010 — Source