News

Depressed caregivers hostile, not warm, to children
Children's health 21 Mar 2008

Depressed caregivers hostile, not warm, to children

A new study in the journal Family Process reveals that caregivers with moderate to severe depressive symptoms showed greater hostility and less warmth. The study focused on caregivers of low-income children with persistent asthma. Researchers led by Marianne Celano, PhD, of Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, utilized data…
Hyperactive girls face problems as adults
Children's health 21 Mar 2008

Hyperactive girls face problems as adults

Young girls who are hyperactive are more likely to get hooked on smoking, under-perform in school or jobs and gravitate towards mentally abusive relationships as adults, according to a joint study by researchers from the Université de Montréal and the University College London (UCL). The study, published in the latest…
Gender differences in language appear biological
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…
Genetic analysis reveals range of Rett syndrome
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…
Potential brain cancer drug for children may damage bones
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…
FDA issues alert on tussionex, a long-acting prescription cough medicine
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…
Smaller classes not enough to close achievement gap
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…
Kicking the habit on national youth tobacco free day
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…
CU researchers find dairy shrinks waist size
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…