New study reinforces link between maternal infection and leukemia in kids

Leukemia is the most common type of cancer in children and adolescents. Little is known about how the disease is caused, but previous studies have indicated a link between leukemia and maternal infections. A new study of Danish children has shed more l… Continue reading New study reinforces link between maternal infection and leukemia in kids

Tracking of geometric shapes a reliable biomarker of autism in toddlers

Although autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be diagnosed at any age, symptoms generally appear in the first two years of a child’s life. The earlier ASD is diagnosed, the sooner treatment and access to relevant services can start. A new study has found… Continue reading Tracking of geometric shapes a reliable biomarker of autism in toddlers

New neurological disease discovered in three children

Illustration of a child with the brain visible

A neurological disorder that causes issues with speech and motor coordination has been identified in three children by scientists from the National Institutes of Health’s National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) and Undiagnosed Diseases Program. The researchers believe the condition is caused by a genetic mutation that affects the ability of neurons in the brain to properly carry out a cellular recycling function called autophagy. In addition to helping those afflicted with the condition, the scientists hope the discovery could help evaluate other diseases in which autophagy is implicated, such as Alzheimer’s.

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Three-year study suggests social media use could be changing kids’ brains

A sophisticated new study has tracked the relationship between early teen social media use and changes in their brains over a three-year period. The novel research found more frequent checking of social media was linked with a greater sensitivity to so… Continue reading Three-year study suggests social media use could be changing kids’ brains

Gene therapy cures kids with rare “bubble-boy” disease in new trial

A rare genetic disease that renders children without a functioning immune system from birth has been effectively cured by an experimental gene therapy. A new study is reporting on the first 10 children treated with the therapy, all of whom are now heal… Continue reading Gene therapy cures kids with rare “bubble-boy” disease in new trial

Womb with a view: EctoLife baby farm eliminates pregnancy and labor

The EctoLife Artificial Womb Facility envisages a controversial new way to be pregnant, with the baby growing in an idealized, but completely inhuman environment: transparent “growth pods” arranged by their hundreds in human baby farming operations.Con… Continue reading Womb with a view: EctoLife baby farm eliminates pregnancy and labor

Low-cost 3D-printed violin could be coming to a music school near you

It’s ironic that while violins are popular instruments for children to learn to play, they can also be very pricey. The Montreal-based AVIVA Young Artists Program has set out to change that, by developing an inexpensive yet nice-sounding 3D-printed vio… Continue reading Low-cost 3D-printed violin could be coming to a music school near you