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First-in-human trial tests safer T-cell therapy for pediatric brain cancers

Researchers report encouraging early results from a first-in-human clinical trial led by Children's National using a new T-cell immunotherapy for children and young adults with some of the deadliest brain tumors, including diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) and relapsed central nervous system (CNS) tumors.

30 Jun 2026

Researchers identify key predictors for mother-infant bonding difficulties

Mother-to-infant bonding difficulties (MIBD) are commonly associated with postnatal depression. MIBD has been linked to developmental delays and child abuse.

30 Jun 2026

UCD professor wins ERC grant for pediatric growth disorder research

Professor Niamh Nowlan of University College Dublin (UCD) has been awarded a European Research Council (ERC) Proof of Concept Grant for research with the potential to enable new treatments for a broad range of paediatric growth disorders.

30 Jun 2026

Children and adults who eat more live microbe-rich foods have healthier diets

French children and adults widely consumed foods likely to contain live microbes, mainly yogurt, unpasteurised cheese, fruits, and vegetables. Higher intake was associated with more nutrient-rich diets and better diet quality scores, but the cross-sectional study cannot prove health benefits.

29 Jun 2026

Fatal rabies case underscores need for immediate preventive treatment

Ontario's first case of fatal rabies since 1967 provides critical guidance to help prevent death from rabies in future instances.

29 Jun 2026

Study finds two effective therapies for common childhood eating disorder

The first randomized, controlled trial for a common childhood eating disorder has shown how therapists and parents can help those struggling with the condition, known as avoidant restrictive food intake disorder, or ARFID.

29 Jun 2026

Teen reliance on AI could hinder healthy relationship development

As teenagers increasingly turn to artificial intelligence chatbots for advice about friendships, family conflicts and romantic ties, researchers are raising concerns that the technology could disturb how young people learn to navigate human relationships.

29 Jun 2026

Under-twos should avoid screen time to protect future health

Using screens during the first 1001 days of life can lead to developmental concerns for the next generation, researchers warn.

29 Jun 2026

Melatonin dampens fetal membrane inflammation linked to preterm birth

Melatonin reduced infection-related inflammation in human fetal membranes in an ex vivo model. The study suggests that this effect works partly through melatonin receptors and by suppressing the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway.

28 Jun 2026

Breastfeeding up to six months linked to lower ADHD risk

A new study from the University of Bergen shows an association between breastfeeding up to six months of age and a reduced risk of ADHD symptoms from ages three to eight.

26 Jun 2026

Breastfeeding linked to longer sleep duration in one year old infants

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life because of its many proven benefits, including protection against infections and support for healthy long-term development.

26 Jun 2026

Playing organized youth sports does not reduce future violence risks

Contrary to popular belief, simply playing organized youth sports does not reduce the likelihood of committing violence in one's lifetime, and in some cases, may increase it, according to a new study.

26 Jun 2026

Could your birth characteristics influence colorectal cancer risk?

A California study links birth and parental factors to early-onset colorectal cancer risk, highlighting male sex and Hispanic ethnicity as key contributors.

26 Jun 2026

Childhood sugary drinks and fruit juice linked to higher adult blood pressure risk

The study finds sugary drinks and fruit juice linked to hypertension, highlighting whole fruit as a healthier alternative for long-term heart health.

26 Jun 2026

Musculoskeletal pain in children is often underestimated and misunderstood

Three out of every ten Brazilian children and adolescents complain of musculoskeletal pain (affecting bones, ligaments, and muscles).

25 Jun 2026

Targeted investments can significantly reduce newborn deaths by 2040

A global analysis spanning 194 countries reveals a mixed picture for newborn survival: deaths caused by birth asphyxia, trauma, and prematurity have declined markedly since 2000, yet progress is slowing in many low- and middle-income countries, particularly across sub-Saharan Africa.

25 Jun 2026

Blueberries may boost children's memory and mood

Research suggests blueberry compounds could enhance mood and cognitive function in children, yet stronger evidence is required for clinical recommendations.

25 Jun 2026

Maternal blood test reveals prenatal methylation clues linked to autism risk

Researchers found that maternal plasma cell-free DNA methylation patterns in late pregnancy were associated with later autism diagnosis and maternal obesity in a high-likelihood ASD cohort. The findings suggest cfDNA may offer a minimally invasive way to study prenatal epigenetic changes linked to neurodevelopmental risk, but larger validation studies are needed.

25 Jun 2026

US study shows updated COVID vaccines cut hospitalization odds by 55%

The 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccines were associated with 50% estimated effectiveness against COVID-19-associated emergency department and urgent care encounters among immunocompetent US adults. They were also linked to an estimated 55% effectiveness against COVID-19-associated hospitalization, providing added protection beyond existing immunity from prior infection or vaccination.

24 Jun 2026

Using blood proteomics to identify pediatric inflammatory bowel disease risk

For children with suspected inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a chronic, relapsing condition of the gastrointestinal tract, getting the right diagnosis relies on a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging, endoscopy, and histopathology.

24 Jun 2026