Research
‘Human accelerated regions’: How they make our brains uniquely human
Starting when humans diverged from chimpanzees some 5 to 6 million years ago, we’ve evolved in our uniquely human fashion thanks to changes in our genome. And certain parts of the human genome, known as human accelerated regions or HARs, have evolved especially rapidly. Intriguing new work led by Christopher Walsh, MD, PhD, of Boston ... Read More about ‘Human accelerated regions’: How they make our brains uniquely human
Health and Parenting
Dealing with peer pressure: How to empower your teen
With every coming of age almost inevitably comes changing friendships, relationships, and social pressures. But gone are the days when it was considered best practice to tell young people to ignore their peers’ bad behavior or troubling situations. So what should you do? Here, social worker Nanci Ginty Butler, director of mental health services in ... Read More about Dealing with peer pressure: How to empower your teen
Patient Stories
Like father, like daughter: Finding care for cavernous malformations
After Charlotte Miller underwent neurosurgery, her parents, Daniel and Eliza were a little nervous to tell her that part of her head had been shaved. But the spunky 5-year-old wasn’t fazed. Instead, she pointed to her father’s head and laughed, “Now I’m going bald like you, Daddy!” A sense of humor isn’t all Charlotte and ... Read More about Like father, like daughter: Finding care for cavernous malformations
Patient Stories
After two ACL tears, a skier reconnects with her body and her sport
The memory remains vivid in Sophia’s mind. Racing down a slalom course at top speed, she hit a patch of bad snow. “The next thing I knew, I was launched up in the air. My legs were above me and I lost sight of my right leg. I felt my right knee twist and I ... Read More about After two ACL tears, a skier reconnects with her body and her sport
Health and Parenting
The dos and don’ts of potty training
Eager as parents may be to start potty training, it can be a period filled with a lot of uncertainty and frustration. For insight on your most pressing potty training questions and effective — and not-so-effective — strategies for helping your child, we spoke with Wanessa Risko, MD, DSc., a pediatrician and founder of Singular ... Read More about The dos and don’ts of potty training
Patient Stories
After a marathon year, let’s make organ donation part of our new normal
Six years ago, an organ donor saved my daughter’s life. Cora was born with a congenital heart defect called hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), which was fatal if not treated. After more than four years living with HLHS — and six open-heart surgeries — Cora’s only chance of survival was a heart transplant. On the ... Read More about After a marathon year, let’s make organ donation part of our new normal
Clinical Care
Fingers, shoulders, and everything in between: Three upper extremity surgeons and their relentless quest for solutions
It’s 6 a.m. and the surgeons in the Hand and Orthopedic Upper Extremity Program at Boston Children’s Hospital have logged on for their weekly meeting. “We meet first thing every Monday to discuss our complex cases,” says orthopedic surgeon Dr. Carley Vuillermin. “It gives us a chance to talk through treatment options for our patients ... Read More about Fingers, shoulders, and everything in between: Three upper extremity surgeons and their relentless quest for solutions
Clinical Care
Keeping kids emotionally healthy during COVID-19
Children and teens have suffered immensely during the COVID-19 pandemic. Changing school and family routines, isolation at home, illness or loss of a family member, stressed parents, and fear of the virus itself have hit kids hard. And sadly, the pandemic continues with the rise of new COVID-19 variants. Pediatric practices can play a role ... Read More about Keeping kids emotionally healthy during COVID-19
Clinical Care
The adolescent mental health crisis: Bolstering primary care capabilities
The mental health crisis among children and teens shows no sign of abating, and COVID-19 has clearly made matters worse. A recent study found that suicide attempts and self-harm were among the few indications for hospitalization that didn’t drop during the first waves of the pandemic. On the contrary, the past year has seen a ... Read More about The adolescent mental health crisis: Bolstering primary care capabilities
Health and Parenting
Covid variants 101: What parents should know
First came Alpha, then Beta. It’s all about Delta right now, but Mu is already making headlines. You almost can’t keep track of COVID-19 variants without a scorecard. And as a parent striving to protect your family, this seemingly endless parade of variants may have you concerned about what’s next. We asked three infectious disease ... Read More about Covid variants 101: What parents should know