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Discovery unravels two populations of gonadotrophs in the pituitary gland

Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute have shown that gonadotrophs, cells in the pituitary gland with a key role in puberty and reproduction, come from two different populations, with the majority produced after birth rather than in the embryo, as previously thought.

21 May 2025

3 things to watch on mental health in Trump’s early budget proposals

Since President Donald Trump released his 2026 budget blueprint in early May, calling for $163 billion in federal spending cuts, much of the attention has focused on his slashing of foreign aid and boosting of border security.

21 May 2025

Maternal RSV vaccine and nirsevimab sharply cut infant hospitalizations, new data show

Widespread use of maternal RSV vaccination and nirsevimab during the 2024–2025 U.S. RSV season led to a significant reduction in RSV-associated hospitalizations among infants aged 0–7 months. The largest benefits were seen in the youngest and most vulnerable infants, particularly during peak winter months.

20 May 2025

BMI changes in adolescence mediate the effect of air pollution on metabolic health

Changes in Body Mass Index (BMI) during adolescence play an important role in the association between air pollution exposure and insulin resistance, according to a new study led by investigators from the Keck School of Medicine of USC.

20 May 2025

Longer breastfeeding boosts brain growth and thinking skills in teens, study shows

Longer breastfeeding duration is associated with greater cortical thickness, surface area, and improved fluid cognition in adolescents. These brain structures and cognitive benefits remain stable over two years and support current recommendations for extended breastfeeding.

20 May 2025

Global report highlights key health challenges facing adolescents

Poor mental health, rising obesity rates, exposure to violence and climate change are among the key challenges facing our adolescents today, according to a global report.

20 May 2025

Study finds higher rates of pulmonary embolism in pediatric patients

Pulmonary embolism in children has been acknowledged to be an issue in clinical care but was thought to be rare.

20 May 2025

Study reveals dual role of TEAD proteins in neural development

Scientists at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital found that, in neural development, the same set of proteins involved in cellular self-renewal can also facilitate differentiation with the right binding partner.

20 May 2025

Long COVID linked to rising anxiety and depression in children

A new study from Kennedy Krieger Institute is calling attention to an emerging mental health crisis among children with long COVID. Researchers found that nearly 40% of pediatric patients with long COVID reported feeling significant symptoms of anxiety or depression.

20 May 2025

Most Americans back MMR vaccine as measles surges and misconceptions rise

A national survey shows that most Americans still support MMR vaccination for children, but public understanding of measles complications and vaccine facts is declining. Despite a sharp rise in measles cases, misconceptions about vaccine risks and autism persist.

20 May 2025

Combination of two drugs shows promise in treating B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia

A combination of two drugs could improve outcomes and reduce the need for toxic chemotherapy for B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), the commonest cancer in childhood and one that can be particularly difficult to treat in older patients, according to Cambridge scientists.

20 May 2025

US withdrawal from global health bodies threatens millions with hunger and disease

A new Perspective in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition warns of catastrophic global nutrition and health impacts if the US withdraws from the WHO and dismantles USAID. The authors urge urgent policy reversal and call for collaborative global action to prevent widespread humanitarian crises.

19 May 2025

Air pollution fuels artery damage and accelerates heart disease, review finds

Researchers reviewed how air pollution, especially fine particulate matter (PM2.5), drives the development and worsening of atherosclerosis, a leading cause of heart attacks and strokes. Their findings highlight robust links between air pollution exposure, early artery changes, and underlying biological mechanisms fueling cardiovascular risk.

19 May 2025

Higher maternal selenium linked to lower streptococcal infection risk in children

Higher maternal selenium levels during pregnancy were associated with a lower risk of streptococcal infections in children, suggesting a potential protective effect.

19 May 2025

Scientists discover how EBV-infected immune cells migrate and invade the brain

Many people are infected with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and most are unaware of it. However, EBV can sometimes cause cancer, and this pathogen also appears to play an important role in multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases.

19 May 2025

Automating speech screening for children through AI innovation

Speech and language impairments affect over a million children every year, and identifying and treating these conditions early is key to helping these children overcome them.

19 May 2025

New evidence ties ADHD traits to lower activity and higher smoking rates

Young adults with higher ADHD symptoms are more likely to avoid physical effort, smoke, and lead sedentary lifestyles. The study highlights the complex links between ADHD, motivation, and health-related behaviours.

19 May 2025

New partnership aims to advance treatments for blood disorders and leukemia

A new frontier into advancing treatments for children and adults with bone marrow failure, leukaemia and other blood disorders will be achieved under a new partnership between Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI) and US biotechnology company Retro Biosciences.

19 May 2025

Some parents struggle with ending pacifier use and thumb-sucking in children, poll suggests

Pacifiers and thumb-sucking can help soothe babies and ease them to sleep but some parents struggle with knowing when and how to stop these habits, a new national poll suggests.

19 May 2025

Repeated antibiotics in preterm infants linked to long-term lung problems

Repeated perinatal antibiotic exposure in very low-birth-weight preterm infants was associated with impaired lung function and a higher risk of asthma at early school age. The findings underscore the need for cautious antibiotic use and targeted respiratory health strategies in this high-risk group.

18 May 2025