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Discovery of a genetic dimmer switch controlling embryonic development

A team of scientists at the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences (LMS) has uncovered a previously unknown mechanism that controls how genes are switched ‘on’ and ‘off’ during embryonic development.

27 Jun 2025

Early therapy for preschool depression shows long lasting benefits

Depression affects 1%-2% of children younger than 13 in the U.S. and can arise as early as age 3, but a specialized therapeutic intervention can help preschool-aged children find relief from this condition - with benefits lasting at least four years, according to a new study led by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

27 Jun 2025

Prenatal checkups linked to healthier birth weights in West Africa

In The Gambia, a small country in West Africa, 1 in 10 newborns have a low birth weight — less than 5.5 pounds — and face daunting challenges.

27 Jun 2025

Investigating the role of ultra-processed foods in the inheritance of autism and ADHD

In a recent publication released by PubMed, American scientist Dr. Renee Dufault at the Food Ingredient and Health Research Institute, provides a peer-reviewed protocol for determining the role ultra-processed foods play in prenatal heavy metal exposures and changes in the expression of the zinc dependent MT-1 (metallothionein) gene that impact child neurodevelopment.

27 Jun 2025

Protein cleavage mechanism sheds light on severe childhood ciliopathies

New research by Sumeda Nandadasa, PhD, reveals how a key protein associated with Meckel-Gruber syndrome, nephronophthisis, Joubert syndrome and other ciliopathies is cut in half to perform two separate functions, both of which are fundamental to the healthy development of children.

27 Jun 2025

Babies as young as eight months show flexible learning abilities

Babies as young as eight months old can adapt their learning style to changing situations, according to research by Francesco Poli of the Donders Institute at Radboud University.

27 Jun 2025

New U.S. poll shows strong backing for routine childhood vaccines

In the midst of a multi-state measles outbreak, a new poll by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the de Beaumont Foundation finds that most U.S. adults (79%) say parents should be required to have children vaccinated against preventable diseases like measles, mumps, and rubella to attend school.

26 Jun 2025

Study shows the correlation between stressed parents and self-harming in adolescents

One in ten Norwegian adolescents has engaged in deliberate self-harm without intending to commit suicide.

26 Jun 2025

At at some federal beaches, surf’s up but the lifeguard chair’s empty

When Azania Lane-Majestic arrived at the beach with her family, her initial excitement gave way to concern. No lifeguards could be seen despite heavy, pounding surf.

26 Jun 2025

Global report calls for innovation and cooperation to improve newborn health

More effective platforms for drug and medical device development and better cross sector engagement are urgently required to prevent the 'unacceptably high' newborn death rate, according to a global report.

26 Jun 2025

Bedfont® Scientific Limited joins IFE Group to support young people’s mental health

Bedfont® Scientific Limited, a local medical breath analysis device manufacturer, is thrilled to announce its sponsorship and participation in a local charity golf day hosted by IFE Group, raising vital funds for Young Minds, a leading UK charity dedicated to fighting for the mental health of children and young people.

From Bedfont® Scientific Ltd 26 Jun 2025

Teaching emotional skills improves student wellbeing in Japan

Today, high school students worldwide face unprecedented levels of stress as they navigate academic pressures, issues with social identity, and future career decisions.

26 Jun 2025

Missing gut bacteria in US babies triples allergy and eczema risk

US infants lacking Bifidobacterium in their gut microbiome face significant changes in microbial composition, metabolic function, and immune-related health risks. This large, nationally representative study links early-life Bifidobacterium deficits to a three-fold increase in eczema, allergy, or asthma by age two.

25 Jun 2025

Prenatal exposure to nitrates associated with increased risk of preterm birth

Even low levels of nitrate-a common agricultural runoff and drinking water contaminant-are associated with increased risks of preterm birth and low birthweight babies, according to a new study published June 25 in PLOS Water by Jason Semprini of Des Moines University College of Health Sciences, US.

25 Jun 2025

Prenatal air pollution exposure linked to higher childhood obesity risk

Exposure to air pollution during pregnancy, specifically to fine particulate matter (PM2.5), may increase the risk of childhood overweight or obesity.

25 Jun 2025

Louisiana and Texas test new laws to shield teens from junk food ads on social media

Researchers are studying how new laws in Louisiana and Texas that restrict adolescent social media use and targeted food advertising impact teens’ exposure to junk food marketing. The protocol uses real-time screen recording and surveys to measure the effects on health equity.

24 Jun 2025

Unhealthy teen diets reshape the brain and drive lifelong eating habits, study finds

Adolescent diets high in fat and sugar disrupt the development of the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, impacting cognition, memory, and impulse control. These brain changes can promote unhealthy eating behaviors and obesity risk that persist into adulthood.

24 Jun 2025

Social media content exposure linked to teen vaping and cannabis use

Teens who see social media posts showing cannabis or e-cigarettes, including from friends and influencers, are more likely to later start using those substances or to report using them in the past month, according to surveys done by researchers at the Keck School of Medicine of USC.

24 Jun 2025

Newborns and Alzheimer's patients have elevated blood levels of phosphorylated tau

Newborn babies and patients with Alzheimer's disease share an unexpected biological trait: elevated levels of a well-known biomarker for Alzheimer's.

24 Jun 2025

Study: Intravenous rehydration ‘safe’ for severely malnourished children

Children with critical levels of malnutrition can be safely rehydrated intravenously, according to a new study that calls for a review of the existing global treatment guidelines.

24 Jun 2025