Research
Emerging protein-based COVID-19 vaccines could be game-changing
Current messenger RNA vaccines appear to offer at least some protection against new SARS-CoV-2 variants, including Omicron, especially for people who have received boosters. But manufacturing costs and the need for ultra-cold refrigeration have limited availability of these vaccines in low-and middle-income countries. That’s where emerging protein-based COVID-19 vaccines — including two candidates developed at ... Read More about Emerging protein-based COVID-19 vaccines could be game-changing
Health and Parenting
‘Never stop looking for answers’: Andrea’s journey with dysmotility
As a volunteer at Caritas Internationalis, Andrea Hernandez loves helping feed the hungry. Yet, until recently, Andrea herself was unable to eat by mouth, instead relying on a feeding tube for nutrition. Nevertheless, she says that when it comes to her health, “We are fed with hope.” Andrea, now 23, has experienced severe dysmotility problems, ... Read More about ‘Never stop looking for answers’: Andrea’s journey with dysmotility
Clinical Care
Surviving stem cell transplant: New hope when the donor isn’t a full match
To see Tara Daniels today, with a corporate job in marketing and about to close on a house, you’d never know what she’s been through, how thrilled she is to be alive. This month marks five years since she received a high-risk bone marrow transplant for a life-threatening blood cancer. Tara woke up feeling sick ... Read More about Surviving stem cell transplant: New hope when the donor isn’t a full match
Health and Parenting
Unwrapping myths for children: How to prepare them for the truth about Santa Claus and other legends
Virginia might have been told, “Yes, there is a Santa Claus” — but someday your child will expect an honest answer about the legitimacy of a bearded, centuries-old deliverer of gifts. This holiday season isn’t just a time for families to come together and celebrate traditions. It’s also a time for children of a certain ... Read More about Unwrapping myths for children: How to prepare them for the truth about Santa Claus and other legends
Patient Stories
Making food fun: Jacob’s journey with feeding difficulties
Most parents might discourage their child from playing with their food. But for Lorraine Scanlon, getting her son Jacob to have fun at the table is all part of taking the pressure out of eating. In fact, it’s an approach recommended by his health care team. Jacob, now 8, has had feeding challenges since he ... Read More about Making food fun: Jacob’s journey with feeding difficulties
Our Community
Addressing inequities in asthma by focusing on children’s environments
Asthma strikes children in low-income urban areas especially hard, more often sending them to the hospital. For more than 20 years, Dr. Wanda Phipatanakul at Boston Children’s Hospital has been investigating why — and seeking ways to level the playing field. “Children in low-income areas and children of color often aren’t diagnosed early enough with ... Read More about Addressing inequities in asthma by focusing on children’s environments
Clinical Care
Generations of excellence in caring for childhood bone cancers: Dr. Gebhardt and Dr. Anderson
When Dr. Mark Gebhardt was a surgical resident at Boston Children’s Hospital in the early ’80s, doctors were just starting to use chemotherapy to treat bone cancers like osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma. Boston Children’s and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute were among the first places to offer this treatment. They were also among the first to ... Read More about Generations of excellence in caring for childhood bone cancers: Dr. Gebhardt and Dr. Anderson
Clinical Care
It takes a village: Creating best practices for personalized treatments
In 2019, doctors and scientists at Boston Children’s Hospital announced a medical landmark. In the space of one year, a team led by Timothy Yu, MD, PhD, pinpointed a one-of-a-kind genetic mutation in a girl named Mila with Batten disease, developed a custom drug called milasen to repair the mutation, and treated Mila with it. ... Read More about It takes a village: Creating best practices for personalized treatments
Research
Solving neurodevelopmental mysteries, one gene, one child at a time
Suheil Day was born early, at 37 weeks. Aside from a slight head lag and mild muscle weakness, nothing seemed terribly amiss. But as the months progressed, he began having seizures. “At the age of 4 to 5 months, he started waking up screaming and crying excessively, his eyes rolling up into his head,” says ... Read More about Solving neurodevelopmental mysteries, one gene, one child at a time
Patient Stories
Care for post-COVID symptoms helps get figure skater back in the rink
Drew Kenney is no stranger to the ice. As a local and national competitive figure skater, the 16-year-old executes double salchows, double flips, and axels with ease. So when she began to feel winded — and then started falling — at the rink last fall, she knew something was wrong. “At first we thought she ... Read More about Care for post-COVID symptoms helps get figure skater back in the rink