Research
First sharp images reveal structure of key inflammatory protein
After decades of attempts by the scientific community, researchers have now provided the first clear look at a protein implicated in a vast array of inflammatory conditions. The finding, published recently in Nature, lifts a blindfold that has hampered scientists’ ability to intervene when the immune system overreacts to perceived threats. The protein, known as ... Read More about First sharp images reveal structure of key inflammatory protein
Research
‘Good’ bacteria may prevent – and reverse – food allergy
Food allergy is a large and growing public health problem. For reasons that remain a mystery, the number of Americans who suffer from the disease has risen sharply over the last decade to as many as 32 million, according to one recent estimate. Nearly 8 percent of children in the U.S. — about two in ... Read More about ‘Good’ bacteria may prevent – and reverse – food allergy
Health and Parenting
Guide to car seat safety
Proper use of car seats and seat belts reduces serious and fatal injuries by more than 50 percent. This guide to car seat safety illustrates proper car seat etiquette for children under 1 year old to children using booster seats.
Patient Stories
How three extraordinary kids inspire their families, one mile at a time
For many people, running the Boston Marathon is a way to challenge themselves. But for three special Boston Children’s Hospital families, the marathon also provides an opportunity to celebrate the journeys of their extraordinary children who have overcome many obstacles to be able to cheer on their parents to the finish line. Meet Natalie, Brigid, ... Read More about How three extraordinary kids inspire their families, one mile at a time
Patient Stories
Jasmine and the puffy tumor: A diagnosis in the nick of time
The Dominique family had just returned from a wonderful trip to Disney World in 2017 when 7-year-old Jasmine came down with a sinus infection. She was in a lot of pain, so her parents took her to their local urgent care center. “They prescribed antibiotics, but even after a week they didn’t seem to be ... Read More about Jasmine and the puffy tumor: A diagnosis in the nick of time
Research
Rare recessive mutations pry open new windows on autism
Over the past decade, autism spectrum disorder has been linked to mutations in a variety of genes, explaining up to 30 percent of all cases to date. Most of these variants are de novo mutations, which are not inherited, affect just one copy of a gene, and are relatively easy to find. The lab of ... Read More about Rare recessive mutations pry open new windows on autism
Clinical Care
Panel urges new genetic test for neurodevelopmental disorders
An international group of doctors and scientists, led by Boston Children’s Hospital, is urging the medical community to embrace — and health insurers to pay for — a new genetic technology as a first-line test for autism and other disorders affecting the development of the brain and nervous system. In a paper published last week ... Read More about Panel urges new genetic test for neurodevelopmental disorders
Patient Stories
New genetic test yields answer after family’s 10-year search
Kate Cole knew her daughter Lilly was different almost from the moment of birth. She was “a floppy baby,” lacking the strength and muscle tone her older sister had. She had trouble eating and was slow to gain weight. When she started on solid food, she often choked on it. She never really crawled and ... Read More about New genetic test yields answer after family’s 10-year search
Patient Stories
Young inventor puts time in hospital to good use
Alexis (Lexi) Abbott is a 14-year-old inventor from the Appalachian Highlands region of Virginia. Lexi is so dedicated to her craft that she didn’t let a recent hospital stay at Boston Children’s Hospital for a complex spinal surgery get in the way of her creativity. Instead, she came prepared, turning her stay into an extended ... Read More about Young inventor puts time in hospital to good use
Patient Stories
Solving the mystery of Sophie’s high blood pressure
Sophie Lawrence loves “Baby Shark.” Like many other toddlers, she listens to the popular children’s song on repeat, bopping her head and mimicking the accompanying hand gestures. “Something about it just really calms her when she’s upset,” says her mother, Samantha. Indeed, Sophie was rocking out to “Baby Shark” during a recent appointment with Dr. ... Read More about Solving the mystery of Sophie’s high blood pressure