https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/children's_health/ Learn valuable parenting tips and information on parenting toddlers through teens. Find out about children's health issues such as learning disabilities, weight problems and other common health problems with children. en-us Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:12:37 EDT Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:12:37 EDT 60 https://www.sciencedaily.com/images/scidaily-logo-rss.png https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/children's_health/ For more science news, visit ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260402042737.htm Fast fashion might come with a hidden danger: lead. Researchers testing children’s shirts from multiple retailers found every sample exceeded U.S. safety limits, raising concerns about toxic exposure—especially since young kids often chew on clothing. Brightly colored fabrics like red and yellow showed particularly high levels, likely due to chemicals used to fix dyes. Simulations suggest that even brief mouthing could expose children to unsafe amounts of lead, a substance known to harm brain development and behavior. Thu, 02 Apr 2026 20:25:20 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260402042737.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260331001107.htm A surprising breakthrough suggests that a drug best known as Viagra could help treat a devastating childhood disease. Researchers found that sildenafil significantly improved symptoms in patients with Leigh syndrome—a rare and often fatal disorder that affects the brain and muscles. In a small study, patients showed stronger muscles, fewer seizures, and better recovery from dangerous metabolic crises, with some experiencing dramatic improvements in mobility and daily life. Tue, 31 Mar 2026 08:33:45 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260331001107.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260330001147.htm Scientists have uncovered a surprising secret about our DNA: it’s not a static blueprint, but a constantly shifting, folding structure that helps control how genes turn on and off. Researchers at the Salk Institute found that different parts of the genome loop and unloop at different speeds, with more active regions constantly reshaping themselves to support gene activity. Tue, 31 Mar 2026 06:47:40 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260330001147.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260328043602.htm What teens eat might matter more for their mental health than previously thought. A sweeping review of nearly 20 studies found that healthier diets are often linked to fewer depressive symptoms, while poor eating habits may go hand in hand with greater psychological distress. Interestingly, focusing on whole dietary patterns—not just individual nutrients—showed more consistent benefits, suggesting that overall eating habits could play a meaningful role during this critical stage of brain development. Sun, 29 Mar 2026 04:02:35 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260328043602.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260326075552.htm A new study reveals that high doses of antioxidants—often seen as harmless or beneficial—may actually impact future generations. Male mice given common supplements like NAC produced offspring with subtle but significant facial and skull changes. Researchers believe this is tied to altered sperm DNA, even though the fathers showed no outward health issues. Fri, 27 Mar 2026 08:41:19 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260326075552.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260321004440.htm “Forever chemicals” may be affecting kids in ways that last a lifetime. A new study links early PFAS exposure to lower bone density during the teen years, especially in girls. Researchers also found that when exposure happens may play a key role. Reducing exposure during childhood could help protect long-term bone health. Sat, 21 Mar 2026 00:51:27 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260321004440.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260319044656.htm The largest review of medicinal cannabis to date found it doesn’t effectively treat anxiety, depression, or PTSD—despite millions using it for those reasons. Researchers warn it could even make mental health worse, raising risks like psychosis and addiction while delaying proven treatments. Some limited benefits were seen for conditions like insomnia and autism, but the evidence is weak. The findings are fueling calls for stricter oversight as cannabis use continues to rise. Fri, 20 Mar 2026 08:27:27 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260319044656.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260318033134.htm A risky but often lifesaving surgery that removes damaged parts of the small intestine can leave patients facing a new threat: serious liver damage with no available treatment. Now, scientists have developed a promising compound that works directly in the gut to shield the liver and improve how the body absorbs nutrients. In mouse studies, the drug boosted weight gain, reduced harmful liver scarring, and avoided side effects by staying confined to the intestines. Wed, 18 Mar 2026 03:31:34 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260318033134.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260317064444.htm Early life stress may set the stage for long-term digestive problems by disrupting the gut-brain connection. Studies in both mice and thousands of children found links to symptoms like pain, constipation, and IBS. Scientists discovered that different biological pathways control different gut issues, hinting at more personalized treatments in the future. The research also highlights how a child’s early environment can have lasting physical effects—not just emotional ones. Tue, 17 Mar 2026 22:08:54 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260317064444.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260317015928.htm Researchers have identified a surprising brain pattern that may help explain why people with ADHD often struggle to stay focused. Even while awake, their brains can slip into brief episodes of “sleep-like” activity during demanding tasks. These moments are linked to more mistakes, slower reaction times, and lapses in attention. Tue, 17 Mar 2026 02:25:43 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260317015928.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260315004407.htm Melatonin is now widely used to help children sleep, but scientists say the enthusiasm may be getting ahead of the evidence. A major review found clear benefits for children with conditions like autism and ADHD, yet far less data exists for typical childhood insomnia. Researchers also warn about mislabeled supplement doses and rising accidental ingestions among young kids. Experts say melatonin should be used carefully and only alongside proven behavioral sleep strategies. Sun, 15 Mar 2026 07:08:26 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260315004407.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260312020107.htm Researchers have discovered a surprising change in how cells produce energy in people with depression. Brain and blood cells in young adults with major depressive disorder produced more energy molecules at rest but had trouble increasing energy production when needed. Scientists believe this imbalance may contribute to symptoms such as fatigue and low motivation. The finding could help pave the way for earlier diagnosis and more personalized treatments. Thu, 12 Mar 2026 07:09:13 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260312020107.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260311004725.htm Teenagers naturally fall asleep later, which makes early school start times a recipe for chronic sleep deprivation. Researchers studying a Swiss high school that introduced flexible start times found that students overwhelmingly chose to begin later—and ended up sleeping about 45 minutes longer each school night. The extra rest led to fewer sleep problems, better well-being, and improved academic performance. Wed, 11 Mar 2026 18:49:23 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260311004725.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260307213234.htm A new brain-imaging study has revealed how ketamine produces its fast antidepressant effects in people with treatment-resistant depression. Researchers tracked changes in a critical brain receptor that helps neurons communicate and found that ketamine reshapes its activity in specific brain regions tied to mood and reward. These shifts strongly matched improvements in patients’ symptoms. The findings could help scientists develop better ways to predict who will benefit from ketamine therapy. Sun, 08 Mar 2026 19:40:58 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260307213234.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260307213228.htm A Yale study found that lowering parent stress can help protect young children from obesity. When parents practiced mindfulness and stress-management skills, their kids showed healthier eating patterns and avoided the weight gain seen in families that only focused on diet and exercise. Sun, 08 Mar 2026 20:28:48 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260307213228.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260306145621.htm Researchers have discovered a new way to increase a key brain protein damaged in Rett syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects thousands of children worldwide. Early studies in mice and patient-derived cells show the approach can restore normal brain cell function, raising hopes for future therapies. Fri, 06 Mar 2026 21:18:09 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260306145621.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260304184215.htm A new experimental drug is showing remarkable promise for children with Dravet syndrome, a severe genetic form of epilepsy. In clinical trials, the treatment zorevunersen cut seizures by as much as 91% while also improving quality of life for many patients. The therapy works by boosting the function of a key gene involved in nerve cell signaling. Encouraging results have led researchers to launch a larger Phase 3 trial. Wed, 04 Mar 2026 21:14:30 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260304184215.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260302030652.htm Surviving cancer at a young age may come with an unexpected cost: faster aging at both the cellular and brain levels. Researchers found that survivors often show signs of being biologically older than their actual age, with chemotherapy accelerating the process most dramatically. This accelerated aging is linked to struggles with memory and focus, which can ripple into education and career outcomes. Encouragingly, scientists believe healthy habits like exercise may help turn back the clock. Mon, 02 Mar 2026 12:11:26 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260302030652.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260228093502.htm That photogenic cup of bubble tea may come with hidden downsides. Tapioca pearls made from cassava can absorb heavy metals like lead, and in large amounts they may slow digestion or even cause blockages. The drink is often loaded with sugar—sometimes more than soda—raising risks for cavities, obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver disease. There are even reports linking frequent consumption to kidney stones and poorer mental health. Sun, 01 Mar 2026 09:45:49 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260228093502.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260227061818.htm Heart disease is on track to tighten its grip on American women. New projections from the American Heart Association warn that over the next 25 years, cardiovascular disease will rise sharply, driven largely by a surge in high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. By 2050, nearly 60% of women in the U.S. could have high blood pressure, and close to one in three women ages 22 to 44 may already be living with some form of heart disease. Fri, 27 Feb 2026 06:18:18 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260227061818.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260224023103.htm A weeklong, high-intensity version of TMS may work nearly as well as the standard six-week treatment for depression. In a UCLA study, patients who received five sessions a day for five days experienced meaningful symptom relief comparable to those on the traditional schedule. Some who didn’t improve immediately showed strong gains weeks later. The findings hint at a faster, more accessible path to recovery. Wed, 25 Feb 2026 05:08:45 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260224023103.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260222092324.htm People whose sugar intake was restricted before birth and in early childhood had markedly lower rates of heart disease later in life. Compared to those never exposed to rationing, their risks of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and cardiovascular death were cut by roughly 20–30%. Mon, 23 Feb 2026 09:21:48 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260222092324.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260222085203.htm Scientists have created a blood test that can estimate when Alzheimer’s symptoms are likely to begin. By measuring a protein called p-tau217, the model predicts symptom onset within roughly three to four years. The protein mirrors the silent buildup of amyloid and tau in the brain long before memory loss appears. This advance could speed up preventive drug trials and eventually guide personalized care. Mon, 23 Feb 2026 06:46:07 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260222085203.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260218044624.htm Sugary drinks may be linked to more than just physical health problems in teens. A new review of multiple studies found a consistent association between high consumption of beverages like soda, energy drinks, sweetened juices, and flavored milks and increased anxiety symptoms in adolescents. Wed, 18 Feb 2026 09:45:27 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260218044624.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260215085001.htm Researchers tracked more than 400 toddlers to see whether mRNA COVID-19 vaccination during or just before pregnancy was linked to autism or developmental delays. After detailed assessments of speech, motor skills, behavior, and social development, they found no meaningful differences between vaccinated and unvaccinated groups. Experts say the results provide strong reassurance about vaccine safety in pregnancy. Sun, 15 Feb 2026 09:51:05 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260215085001.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260213020412.htm A sweeping review of global research suggests that exercise—especially aerobic activities like running, swimming, and dancing—can be one of the most powerful ways to ease depression and anxiety. Across tens of thousands of people aged 10 to 90, exercise consistently reduced symptoms, often matching or even outperforming medication and talk therapy. Mon, 16 Feb 2026 01:58:04 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260213020412.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260211073043.htm Swapping just an hour of TV a day for something more active could significantly lower the risk of developing major depression—especially in middle age. A large Dutch study tracking more than 65,000 adults over four years found that replacing 60 minutes of TV with other activities cut depression risk by 11% overall, and by nearly 19% in middle-aged adults. The more time people reallocated—up to two hours—the greater the benefit, with risk dropping as much as 43% in midlife. Thu, 12 Feb 2026 02:08:23 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260211073043.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260210082921.htm Autism has long been thought of as a condition that mostly affects boys, but a massive study from Sweden suggests that idea may be misleading. Tracking nearly 3 million people over decades, researchers found that while boys are diagnosed more often in childhood, girls steadily catch up during their teenage years. By early adulthood, autism diagnoses among males and females are nearly equal. Tue, 10 Feb 2026 09:19:46 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260210082921.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260210040623.htm Depression in older adults may sometimes signal the early stages of Parkinson’s disease or Lewy body dementia. Researchers found that depression often appears years before diagnosis and remains elevated long afterward, unlike in other chronic illnesses. This suggests depression may reflect early brain changes rather than emotional distress alone. Wed, 11 Feb 2026 06:57:31 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260210040623.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260210040559.htm Human evolution has long been tied to growing brain size, and new research suggests prenatal hormones may have played a surprising role. By studying the relative lengths of index and ring fingers — a clue to oestrogen and testosterone exposure in the womb — researchers found that higher prenatal estrogen was linked to larger head size in newborn boys. Tue, 10 Feb 2026 09:42:37 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260210040559.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260208203013.htm A new international study points to a specific brain network as the core driver of Parkinson’s disease. Scientists found that this network becomes overly connected, disrupting not just movement but also thinking and other bodily functions. When researchers targeted it with non-invasive brain stimulation, patients showed much stronger symptom improvement than with conventional stimulation. The discovery could reshape how Parkinson’s is diagnosed and treated. Sun, 08 Feb 2026 20:37:23 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260208203013.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260207092904.htm A major study suggests menopause is linked to changes in brain structure, mental health, and sleep. Brain scans revealed grey matter loss in areas tied to memory and emotional regulation, while many women reported increased anxiety, depression, and fatigue. Hormone therapy did not reverse these effects, though it may slow age-related declines in reaction speed. Researchers say menopause could represent an important turning point for brain health. Sat, 07 Feb 2026 09:52:48 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260207092904.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260205025026.htm Advanced care provided by air ambulance teams was linked to higher survival rates in major trauma patients. Researchers found that more people survived than predicted by standard models, including many with severe injuries and low chances of survival. Younger patients and those more responsive at first assessment benefited most. Outcomes for traumatic cardiac arrest also improved steadily over the study period. Thu, 05 Feb 2026 02:56:53 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260205025026.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260203030529.htm Sound machines may not be the sleep saviors many believe. Researchers found that pink noise significantly reduced REM sleep, while simple earplugs did a better job protecting deep, restorative sleep from traffic noise. When pink noise was combined with outside noise, sleep quality dropped even further. The results suggest that popular “sleep sounds” could be doing more harm than good—particularly for kids. Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:58:14 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260203030529.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260201231240.htm Chronic stress can damage the gut’s protective lining, triggering inflammation that may worsen depression. New research shows that stress lowers levels of a protein called Reelin, which plays a key role in both gut repair and brain health. Remarkably, a single injection restored Reelin levels and produced antidepressant-like effects in preclinical models. The findings hint at a future treatment that targets depression through the gut–brain connection. Mon, 02 Feb 2026 11:37:15 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260201231240.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260128075319.htm A massive international study of more than 3,100 long COVID patients uncovered a striking divide in how brain-related symptoms are reported around the world. In the U.S., the vast majority of non-hospitalized patients described brain fog, depression, and anxiety, while far fewer patients in countries like India and Nigeria reported the same issues. The difference doesn’t appear to be about the virus itself, but about culture, stigma, and access to mental health care. Wed, 28 Jan 2026 08:59:08 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260128075319.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260124073920.htm A large, decades-long study suggests that signs of ADHD in childhood may have consequences that extend well beyond school and behavior. Researchers followed nearly 11,000 people from childhood into midlife and found that those with strong ADHD traits at age 10 were more likely to experience multiple physical health problems and health-related disability by their mid-40s. Sat, 24 Jan 2026 07:39:20 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260124073920.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260120000328.htm Researchers report that vagus nerve stimulation helped many people with long-standing, treatment-resistant depression feel better—and stay better—for at least two years. Most participants had lived with depression for decades and had exhausted nearly every other option. Those who improved at one year were very likely to maintain or increase their gains over time. Even some patients who didn’t respond initially improved after longer treatment. Tue, 20 Jan 2026 23:44:34 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260120000328.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260113220920.htm Some people get drunk without drinking because their gut bacteria produce alcohol from food. Researchers have now identified the microbes and biological pathways behind this rare condition, auto-brewery syndrome. Tests showed patients’ gut samples produced far more alcohol than those of healthy people. In one case, a fecal transplant led to long-lasting symptom relief. Tue, 13 Jan 2026 23:41:15 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260113220920.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260112001001.htm Most U.S. adults have risk factors tied to a little-known condition called CKM syndrome, which connects heart disease, kidney problems, diabetes, and obesity into one powerful health threat. When these issues overlap, the danger rises far more than when they occur alone. Despite low awareness, people are eager to learn how CKM is diagnosed and treated. Experts say understanding how these systems work together could prevent serious, life-threatening events. Mon, 12 Jan 2026 00:10:01 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260112001001.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260106224623.htm Teens who sleep in on weekends may be giving their mental health a boost. A new study found that young people who made up for lost weekday sleep had a significantly lower risk of depression. While consistent sleep is still best, weekend catch-up sleep appears to offer meaningful protection. The findings highlight how powerful sleep can be for adolescent well-being. Wed, 07 Jan 2026 01:04:25 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260106224623.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260106001913.htm Many people with multiple sclerosis struggle with balance and coordination, and this study uncovers a hidden reason why. Researchers found that inflammation in the brain disrupts the energy supply of vital movement-controlling neurons. As their mitochondria fail, these cells weaken and eventually die, worsening motor problems over time. Protecting brain energy systems could open the door to slowing these symptoms. Tue, 06 Jan 2026 03:18:40 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260106001913.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260105165818.htm A long-running debate over Tamiflu’s safety in children may finally be settled. Researchers found that influenza, not the antiviral medication, was linked to serious neuropsychiatric events like seizures and hallucinations. Even more striking, kids treated with Tamiflu had about half the risk of these events compared to untreated children with the flu. The results suggest the drug may be protective rather than harmful. Mon, 05 Jan 2026 20:48:09 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260105165818.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251228074500.htm Researchers compared a traditional Chinese medicine, Yueju Pill, with a standard antidepressant and found both reduced depression symptoms. However, only Yueju Pill increased a brain-supporting protein associated with mood improvement. Brain imaging showed that unique network patterns—especially in visual regions—could predict who benefited most from Yueju Pill. This opens the door to more personalized depression treatments guided by brain scans. Sun, 04 Jan 2026 20:38:03 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251228074500.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251225235942.htm ADHD stimulants appear to work less by sharpening focus and more by waking up the brain. Brain scans revealed that these medications activate reward and alertness systems, helping children stay interested in tasks they would normally avoid. The drugs even reversed brain patterns linked to sleep deprivation. Researchers say this could complicate ADHD diagnoses if poor sleep is the real underlying problem. Thu, 25 Dec 2025 23:59:42 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251225235942.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251223084855.htm A massive global genetics study is reshaping how we understand mental illness—and why diagnoses so often pile up. By analyzing genetic data from more than six million people, researchers uncovered deep genetic connections across 14 psychiatric conditions, showing that many disorders share common biological roots. Instead of existing in isolation, these conditions fall into five overlapping families, helping explain why depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders so frequently occur together. Sat, 03 Jan 2026 02:28:04 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251223084855.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251222044104.htm MIT scientists have achieved the first-ever lab synthesis of verticillin A, a complex fungal compound discovered in 1970. Its delicate structure stalled chemists for decades, despite differing from related molecules by only two atoms. With the synthesis finally complete, researchers created new variants that showed strong activity against a rare pediatric brain cancer. The breakthrough could unlock an entire class of previously unreachable cancer-fighting molecules. Mon, 22 Dec 2025 10:36:33 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251222044104.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251219093319.htm A major new meta-analysis finds that vegetarian and vegan diets can support healthy growth in children when properly planned. Kids on plant-based diets often had better heart health markers, including lower “bad” cholesterol, and consumed more fiber and vitamins. But the study also flagged common nutrient gaps—especially vitamin B12 and calcium—without supplementation. Experts say plant-based eating is achievable for kids, but only with careful planning. Sun, 21 Dec 2025 00:26:48 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251219093319.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251219093309.htm In a rare and historic achievement, Children’s Hospital Colorado successfully completed its first dual heart and liver transplant in a pediatric patient. The life-saving surgery was performed on 11-year-old Gracie Greenlaw, whose congenital heart condition eventually led to liver failure. Dozens of specialists worked together for years to prepare for a moment like this, executing a complex, 16-hour operation. Now months later, Gracie is home, in school, and thriving. Fri, 19 Dec 2025 10:35:40 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251219093309.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251217082507.htm More than 20% of young adults say they use cannabis or alcohol to fall asleep, with cannabis leading by a wide margin. Researchers warn this strategy can backfire, disrupting sleep quality and increasing the risk of long-term sleep and substance-use problems. Thu, 18 Dec 2025 03:11:46 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251217082507.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251217082505.htm A missing brain molecule may be disrupting neural wiring in Down syndrome, according to new research. Replacing it in adult mice rewired brain circuits and improved brain flexibility, challenging the idea that treatment must happen before birth. Wed, 17 Dec 2025 08:25:05 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251217082505.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251214100924.htm Natural killer cells act as the immune system’s rapid-response team, but the stress of anxiety and insomnia may be quietly thinning their ranks. A study of young women in Saudi Arabia found that both conditions were linked to significantly fewer NK cells—especially the circulating types responsible for destroying infected or abnormal cells. As anxiety severity increased, NK cell levels dropped even further, suggesting a stress-driven weakening of immune defenses. Mon, 15 Dec 2025 05:47:43 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251214100924.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251213042244.htm Researchers discovered that children who went back to school during COVID experienced far fewer mental health diagnoses than those who stayed remote. Anxiety, depression, and ADHD all declined as in-person learning resumed. Healthcare spending tied to these conditions also dropped. Girls showed the largest improvements, highlighting the importance of school-based structure and support. Sat, 13 Dec 2025 08:28:15 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251213042244.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251209043055.htm A Virginia Tech study shows that ultra-processed foods may influence adolescents differently from slightly older young adults. Participants aged 18 to 21 ate more at a buffet and snacked even when not hungry after two weeks on an ultra-processed diet. Because eating without hunger predicts future weight gain, these findings hint at a heightened vulnerability during late adolescence. Wed, 10 Dec 2025 08:53:40 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251209043055.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251204024236.htm Researchers found that people with anxiety disorders consistently show lower choline levels in key brain regions that regulate thinking and emotions. This biochemical difference may help explain why the brain reacts more intensely to stress in anxiety conditions. Scientists believe nutrition could play a role in restoring balance, though more research is needed. Many Americans already fall short of recommended choline intake, making diet a potential area of interest. Thu, 04 Dec 2025 23:46:34 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251204024236.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251203004741.htm College life creates a perfect storm for overeating, as students consume more calories when surrounded by friends, eating in dining halls, or following unstructured schedules. A four-week study using a mobile app revealed that students often underestimate how much they eat, especially in social or formal dining settings. Emotional influences, gender differences, and environmental cues all contribute to this subtle but consistent rise in intake. Wed, 03 Dec 2025 07:57:18 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251203004741.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251202052230.htm Scientists have discovered that a single gene, GRIN2A, can directly cause mental illness—something previously thought to stem only from many genes acting together. People with certain variants of this gene often develop psychiatric symptoms much earlier than expected, sometimes in childhood instead of adulthood. Even more surprising, some individuals show only mental health symptoms, without the seizures or learning problems usually linked to GRIN2A. Tue, 02 Dec 2025 11:01:34 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251202052230.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251202052213.htm Nitrous oxide may offer quick, short-term relief for people with major depression, especially those who haven’t responded to standard medications. The meta-analysis found rapid improvements after a single dose and more sustained benefits after repeated treatments. Side effects were generally mild and brief, though researchers stress the need for larger, longer-term studies. Tue, 02 Dec 2025 10:00:17 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251202052213.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251129044513.htm Millions face Medicare decisions each year, but many don’t take advantage of tools that can save them money and stress. Insurance marketing often overshadows unbiased options like SHIP, leaving people unaware of better choices. Comparing real costs—not just premiums—can prevent unpleasant surprises, especially when provider networks or drug rules change. New assistance programs for low-income adults offer valuable help for 2026. Sat, 29 Nov 2025 07:22:46 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251129044513.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251126095029.htm Chronic cannabis use is increasingly linked to recurring bouts of vomiting, now officially classified as cannabis hyperemesis syndrome. The new ICD code helps doctors identify cases more consistently and gives researchers a clearer picture of how often it occurs. Patients often resist the diagnosis, and the condition’s causes remain murky. Relief can come from unusual sources like hot showers or capsaicin cream. Thu, 27 Nov 2025 21:26:28 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251126095029.htm