Children's health
21 Mar 2008
Gender differences in language appear biological
Although researchers have long agreed that girls have superior language abilities than boys, until now no one has clearly provided a biological basis that may account for their differences. For the first time — and in unambiguous findings — researchers from Northwestern University and the University of Haifa show both…
Children's health
21 Mar 2008
Genetic analysis reveals range of Rett syndrome
The first comprehensive analysis of the clinical effects of genetic mutations involved in Rett syndrome will enable affected families to receive a more accurate indication of their child’s prognosis. The research was undertaken by an international collaboration based on information provided by families and clinicians from around the world to…
Bone
21 Mar 2008
Potential brain cancer drug for children may damage bones
A novel drug that fully eliminated brain tumours from mice in a dramatic 2004 study has shown a darker side — causing permanent bone damage in younger mice. The researcher who conducted both studies says the disappointing new finding raises concerns about using similar drugs to treat children’s cancers, at…
Children's health
21 Mar 2008
FDA issues alert on tussionex, a long-acting prescription cough medicine
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an alert today on the safe and correct use of Tussionex Pennkinetic Extended-Release Suspension in response to numerous reports of adverse events–including death–associated with the misuse and inappropriate use of this potent cough medication. Tussionex is a prescription cough medicine containing hydrocodone, a…
Children's health
21 Mar 2008
Skin prick tests identify asthma risk for toddlers with eczema
Toddlers with eczema who have a positive skin prick test for allergy have almost triple the risk of developing asthma than those with a negative test, says an Australian study. The study, led by the University of Melbourne, is the first to clearly demonstrate that skin prick tests can be…
Children's health
20 Mar 2008
Smaller classes not enough to close achievement gap
A Northwestern University study investigating the effects of class size on the achievement gap between high and low academic achievers suggests that high achievers benefit more from small classes than low achievers, especially at the kindergarten and first grade levels. “While decreasing class size may increase achievement on average for…
Children's health
20 Mar 2008
Kicking the habit on national youth tobacco free day
Young people all around Australia are being asked to quit smoking today, on National Youth Tobacco Free Day. Smoking habits can start in the early teens, so refusing to take up the habit before it develops is the key. "Tobacco smoking is responsible for the premature death of about 19,000…
Children's health
20 Mar 2008
Treatment for mild asthma improves lung function
A study by the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research in Sydney is the first to demonstrate that in patients with very mild or well-controlled asthma, regular treatment with low dose ICS leads to significantly better day–to-day lung function. The study published in this month’s edition of Primary Care Respiratory Journal…
Children's health
19 Mar 2008
CU researchers find dairy shrinks waist size
Dairy foods could be the key to losing that spare tyre for good. Milk, cheese and yogurt may not be the first foods that come to mind when dieting, however, eating more dairy foods may actually help shrink your waist. New research, published in the Journal of Physical Activity and…
