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Childhood ADHD traits linked to poorer physical health in midlife

People who have ADHD traits at age 10 are more likely than those without such traits to have physical health problems and to report physical health-related disability at age 46, according to a study led by University College London (UCL) and University of Liverpool researchers.

21 Jan 2026

New review explores how stress uniquely affects children

Most research on the health effects of stress focuses on adults, but a new review looks at how stress uniquely affects children.

21 Jan 2026

Evidence shows no autism risk from paracetamol in pregnancy

Evidence from a comprehensive review shows no link between paracetamol in pregnancy and neurodevelopmental issues, supporting its safe use for pain management.

21 Jan 2026

Suppressing brain immune cells enhances memory recall in young mice

Babies of every species from mouse to human rapidly forget things that happen to them-an effect called infantile amnesia.

20 Jan 2026

Prenatal wildfire smoke exposure linked to higher autism risk in children

Exposure to wildfire smoke during the final months of pregnancy may raise the risk that a child is later diagnosed with autism, according to a new study led by Tulane University researchers.

20 Jan 2026

Landmark UK study supports nationwide screening for childhood type 1 diabetes

A landmark UK study involving tens of thousands of families has shown that childhood screening for type 1 diabetes is effective, laying the groundwork for a UK-wide childhood screening program.

20 Jan 2026

Early pregnancy sulfur dioxide exposure raises odds of congenital limb defects

Maternal exposure to sulfur dioxide during the first trimester was associated with higher odds of congenital limb defects in offspring in a large population-based cohort from Wuhan. Associations were strongest for polydactyly and limb shortening, while other major air pollutants showed no consistent links with overall risk.

20 Jan 2026

Blood lipid–hormone ratios predict future asthma attacks years in advance

This study shows that specific ratios of circulating sphingolipids to steroids can predict the risk of future asthma exacerbations over five years with high discriminatory performance. By integrating metabolomics with longitudinal medical records, the research highlights lipid–hormone pathway imbalance as a key driver of asthma instability.

20 Jan 2026

Blocking microglia can prevent infantile amnesia

Scientists have found that blocking microglia (specialist immune cells in the brain) prevents infant forgetting ("infantile amnesia") and improves memory in mice, suggesting that microglia may actively manage memory formation and dictate what, and when, we forget.

20 Jan 2026

Community water fluoridation not associated with changes in birth weight

A new study from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health finds that community water fluoridation (CWF) is not associated with significant changes in birth weight-a widely accepted indicator of infant health and a predictor of later-life outcomes.

20 Jan 2026

Groundwater chemistry may raise children’s lead exposure risk

The study examines groundwater chemistry's role in children's lead exposure, stressing the importance of monitoring and effective water treatment strategies.

20 Jan 2026

Insulin anxiety and workplace barriers complicate gestational diabetes care

Insulin use in gestational diabetes presents challenges; education and support are key to overcoming fears and ensuring effective self-management for mothers.

20 Jan 2026

Teen girls who play organized sports show lower breast cancer risk biomarkers

This cross-sectional study of 191 adolescent girls found that ≥2 hours of organized recreational physical activity in the past week was associated with lower breast percent water content and reduced oxidative stress. These biomarkers are linked to breast cancer risk, although causality and long-term outcomes cannot be inferred.

19 Jan 2026

National poll: Parents less concerned about children's use of curse words

Today's parents may be growing more relaxed about their children using curse words, according to a national poll.

19 Jan 2026

Understanding how caregiving burdens affect the psychology and emotions of young carers

Caregiving in the modern era is challenging for even the most prepared adults. So, what happens when this burden falls on children?

19 Jan 2026

England’s North–South maternity mortality gap persists

The study identifies persistent variations in perinatal mortality across England, calling for structured knowledge exchange to reduce health inequalities.

19 Jan 2026

Expanded school tobacco prevention in California is linked to lower youth vaping and smoking

A statewide evaluation found that California schools receiving TUPE funding delivered more antitobacco education and activities and reported lower student tobacco use than non-funded schools. The association was driven mainly by reduced vaping, within a broader environment of strong statewide tobacco control.

18 Jan 2026