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Pediatrics
Scientists say active early learning shapes the adult brain
Through the Abecedarian Project, an early education, randomized controlled trial that has followed children since 1971, Penn and Virginia Tech researchers reveal new discoveries about brain structure decades later.
A mental health checkup for children and adolescents, a year into COVID
As a whole, this group experienced a significant short-term psychological toll. Though the long-term consequences aren’t yet known, particularly given how the year disproportionately exacerbated adverse childhood experiences, Penn experts remain cautiously optimistic.
WIC Child Nutrition Program saw enrollment grow after switch from paper vouchers
A Penn Medicine study finds electronic benefit cards are more user-friendly and encourage less stigma than paper vouchers.
Infants experiencing opioid withdrawal more often treated in poorer quality hospitals
The research from the School of Nursing analyzed information from three datasets accounting for 25% of U.S. births annually.
A tool for more inclusive autism screening
A new visual screening tool for autism spectrum disorder may reduce disparities in diagnoses, especially when English is not a family’s primary language.
Doulas help families meet breastfeeding goals
Research from the School of Nursing shows that these support professionals can be another tool to improve outcomes for newborns and parents.
Immune response in some children may influence COVID treatments for adults
A joint study from researchers at Penn and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia shows that T cell activation in children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome is more similar to adults with severe COVID-19.
Children, the pandemic, and long-term mental health consequences
New work from Penn Nursing and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia describes the importance of recognizing COVID-19’s psychological effects on young people and the pivotal role pediatric nurses in all settings can play.
Pregnant mothers’ antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 transfer to their fetuses
Antibodies to coronavirus in pregnant women cross the placenta efficiently, and are found at similar concentrations in their newborns, according to a large study from researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine.
Racial disparities in pediatric diabetes treatment
Despite similar outpatient appointment attendance rates, significant disparities in continuous glucose monitoring and insulin pump use were observed in non-Hispanic Black children over 20 years.
In the News
Paul Offit looks back on COVID-19, misinformation, and how public health lost the public’s trust in new book
“Tell Me When It’s Over,” a new book by Paul Offit of the Perelman School of Medicine, chronicles the initial years of the COVID-19 pandemic and the mishaps of public health agencies. Recent surveys by the Annenberg Public Policy Center find that mistrust of vaccines has continued to grow through last fall.
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‘Holding our breath’: Philadelphia officials respond to measles outbreak from day care
Paul Offit of the Perelman School of Medicine explains why measles is so much more infectious than flu.
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Pa. research will study environmental factors’ effects on children
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Penn, CHOP to study how environmental factors affect pregnancy, children’s health
Sunni L. Mumford, Heather Burris, and Sara B. DeMauro of the Perelman School of Medicine and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia have received a $50 million grant to study how environmental factors impact pregnancy and children’s health.
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CHOP and Penn get $50 million to study environmental effects on pregnancy
Heather Burris, Sara B. DeMauro, and Sunni L. Mumford of the Perelman School of Medicine and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia have won a $50 million grant to study how environmental factors affect the health of fetuses, babies, and toddlers.
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Who should get a COVID vaccine this year?
Paul Offit of the Perelman School of Medicine believes that the COVID boosters should be recommended annually only for high-risk groups.
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