Featured News
Articles from November 2010
- Enrolling in preschool may narrow academic achievement gaps between races
According to results from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, enrolling in preschool significantly improves the literacy skills of some African-American children across different socioeconomic backgrounds. more...
- Severe heart conditions in kids may affect moms' emotional health
Mothers who have children with severe heart disease are more likely to exhibit symptoms of anxiety disorders and depression than those with healthy kids, according to Norwegian researchers at the Institute of Public Health in Oslo. more...
- Drug sensitivity and risk of addiction may be higher during adolescence
Adolescence may be a period of increased vulnerability to drug abuse and addiction, as researchers have discovered that laboratory rats in this age group are more susceptible to lower doses of cocaine and work harder for access to the substance than adults. more...
- Social ostracism toward high achievers may differ across racial groups
A new study conducted among 14,000 children in the seventh through 12th grade has revealed that social ostracism of students who excel academically varies across different ethnic groups. more...
- Heavy drinking prompts impulse behavior in adolescent boys
A study that will be published in the February issue of Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research has found that risky behavior significantly increases among adolescent males who participate in episodes of heavy drinking. more...
- Boys with ADHD are much more likely to be involved in traffic accidents
Male teenagers who have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), conduct disorder or oppositional defiance disorder may have a higher risk for being seriously injured in a car crash, whether they are a driver or a pedestrian. more...
- Canada's higher age of sexual consent may not be effective for younger teens
Increasing the age of sexual consent may not efficiently protect children and teens who are at greatest risk, according to Canadian researchers from the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University. more...
- Fearlessness in children may be associated with high levels of aggression
In a new study conducted at the University of Haifa's Faculty of Education, researchers discovered that preschool-aged children who demonstrate fearless behavior may have less empathy and more aggression toward their peers. more...
- Study reveals differences in brain activity of kids with and without autism
Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), researchers at the Yale University School of Medicine have identified a pattern of brain activity that could reveal the presence of genetic vulnerabilities in the development of autism. more...
- Childhood bullies risk becoming aggressively violent adults
Sociologists at Iowa State University have revealed that an adult who has a history of childhood bullying may have a higher likelihood of being homeless, a compulsive liar or someone who scams others out of money. more...
- Childhood abuse linked to formation of benign uterine growths in adulthood
Boston University School of Medicine researchers have found a connection between a history of physical and sexual abuse with the development of uterine fibroids, which are benign tumors that can occur in up to 25 percent of women of childbearing age. more...
- Genetic mutations in sperm and eggs may lead to mental retardation in children
Dutch scientists from the Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center have found that spontaneous mutations in paternal sperm or maternal egg cells could be the cause of mental retardation in children. more...
- Losing loved ones may cause depression and harmful changes in heart rhythm
Adolescents who are coping with a death in the family may experience potentially harmful changes in heart rhythm, according to a study presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions. more...
- Teens tend to blame individuals for bullying, Swedish study finds
A new study conducted by Swedish researchers at Linkoping University has found that an individual's traits and characteristics may be the main reasons for bullying. more...
- Math talk from parents may improve children's academic achievement
A study conducted by researchers at the University of Chicago has found that parents who frequently talk about mathematics can significantly influence their children's achievement in the subject. more...
- Experiencing anxiety disorders in the past may make it harder for smokers to quit
Smokers who have a history of anxiety disorders may be less likely to quit the harmful habit, according to a new study that was published in the journal Addiction. more...
- Few young women are vaccinated for HPV, study reveals
A recent study reports that fewer than 30 percent of young adult women who are eligible for the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine actually choose to get it, according to researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. more...
- Government announces new tobacco control strategy
This week, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a new tobacco control strategy that will involve the inclusion of graphic health warnings on cigarette packages and advertisements, Occupational Health and Safety Online reports. more...
- Myths surrounding marijuana may encourage its use
There are many myths that surround the use of marijuana, which may be considered America's most popular illicit drug, according to officials at Edwards Air Force Base. more...
- Intentionally swallowing foreign bodies is a costly behavior in those with psychiatric disorders
A new study that was published in the journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology has revealed that individuals with psychiatric disorders who intentionally swallow foreign bodies could account for more than $2 million in hospital expenses. more...
- Parents' military deployment overseas may lead to mental health issues in children
The children of U.S. military personnel may suffer from mental health or behavioral problems when their parents are deployed overseas, Fox News reports. more...
- Smoking leads to systemic damage long before development of disease
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have revealed that, immediately after having a cigarette, the blood profiles of smokers show evidence of cell death, inflammation and other forms of systemic damage. more...
- LGBTQ students have a high risk of harassment by peers
Students who identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning (LGBTQ) may often face harassment and bullying from their peers. This could lead to poor academic achievement, as well as emotional and behavioral health problems. more...
- Interventions for disadvantaged adolescents may help prevent crime, drugs and risky sex
An article that will be published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry has found that early intervention among disadvantaged adolescents who have delinquency problems may prevent the development of long-term criminal activity, alcohol abuse and risky sex behaviors. more...
- Adolescent goals and expectations define achievement in adulthood, study finds
A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has revealed that academic achievement may be significantly influenced by a student's aspirations for the future. more...
- Many celebrities report having been bullied in the past
Bullying is an experience that has affected many children over the years, and it has grown to be an even greater problem with the advent of social networking and other new forms of harassment. more...
- Study unveils brain connections behind attention processing
Researchers from the University of Utah have developed a wiring diagram that shows how the brain responds to visual, cognitive, motor and sensory cues, which could provide insight on disorders such as attention deficit disorder (ADD), autism and schizophrenia. more...
- Kids who experience sexual abuse are much more likely to develop psychotic disorders
Children who are sexually abused may have a higher risk for developing schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, a report published in the Archives of General Psychiatry reports. more...
- Early diagnosis of ADHD may increase risk of adolescent depression
Children who are diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) at an early age may be more likely to suffer from depression as adolescents, according to a study published in the October issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry. more...
- Study: Rural teens are more likely to abuse prescription drugs
Rural teens may be more likely to abuse prescription drugs than urban adolescents, according to a study that will be published in the March issue of the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine. more...
- Oral sex may increase a teen's chances of engaging in intercourse
A recent survey conducted by a team of researchers at the University of California, San Francisco has revealed that half of teens who engage in oral sex during the ninth grade will most likely have intercourse by the end of 11th grade. more...
- Young women with anorexia may have higher risk of unplanned pregnancies
A new study conducted at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has revealed that young women who suffer from anorexia may have a higher risk for unplanned pregnancies and induced abortions. more...
- Parental efforts are essential in ensuring children's school success
According to a study conducted by researchers from the University of Leicester and the University of Leeds, parents and caregivers who encourage kids to do well in school may be more important in educational achievement than the school or the children themselves. more...
- Child abuse victims may develop symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder
Individuals who experienced child abuse and who blame themselves or their families may have a higher risk for developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), according to a study that was conducted at the University of Granada. more...
- Sports participation promotes adolescent health and satisfaction with life
Researchers from West Virginia University have revealed that playing sports could improve the physical, social and mental health of teenagers. They reported that middle school students who are physically active tend to be more satisfied with their lives, in addition to feeling healthier. more...