Research
As COVID-19 fuels opioid deaths, researchers look to create an anti-opioid vaccine
A project that began one year ago at Boston Children’s Hospital to develop an anti-opioid vaccine is starting to bear its first fruits. A team of addiction experts and vaccine developers across the Boston Children’s research community were recently awarded a $25 million research contract from the NIH’s Helping to End Addiction Long-term Initiative, or NIH ... Read More about As COVID-19 fuels opioid deaths, researchers look to create an anti-opioid vaccine
Patient Stories
No longer just ‘getting through the day’: Addressing Lucie’s chronic pain
Lucie Robert had always been an engaged and active kid: At just 10 years old, she loved Nordic skiing, dancing, and playing the cello. Yet she was also prone to injury, sometimes on crutches because of minor twists and sprains. Even after a series of minor dislocations led to a diagnosis of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) ... Read More about No longer just ‘getting through the day’: Addressing Lucie’s chronic pain
Research
Too many blood cells: Probing a blood cancer’s genetic origins
At age 7, Meredith Shah began having debilitating migraine headaches. “I would have trouble seeing and shapes were blurry,” she recalls. “It was really painful.” Over time, the frequency and intensity of the headaches escalated. Her parents, Heidi and Nil, sought the help of multiple specialists. But they received few answers, other than an indication ... Read More about Too many blood cells: Probing a blood cancer’s genetic origins
Health and Parenting
Does your child need a flu shot? Yes, especially this year.
Have you and your children received your flu shots yet? If not, it’s important to get them as soon as possible. Every year, flu shots save lives by preventing influenza (another name for the flu), or reducing complications if people do get sick. In fact, the flu vaccine is mandatory this year in Massachusetts for ... Read More about Does your child need a flu shot? Yes, especially this year.
Research
The tiny choroid plexus protects the prenatal brain — but may also pass on inflammation from the mother
Floating in fluid deep in the brain are small, little-understood fronds of tissue. Two new studies reveal that these miniature organs are a hotbed of immune system activity. This activity may protect the developing brain from infections and other insults — but may also contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders like autism. Key takeaway This pioneering work ... Read More about The tiny choroid plexus protects the prenatal brain — but may also pass on inflammation from the mother
Clinical Care
Coordinated care and research for genetic cardiovascular disorders
Genetic cardiovascular disease in children sometimes comes to light in a crisis — a sudden collapse, sudden breathing difficulty, a sudden death in the family. Or it may be part of a diverse collection of symptoms, mostly having nothing to do with the heart. Sometimes it is picked up incidentally. “From an incidental ECG finding ... Read More about Coordinated care and research for genetic cardiovascular disorders
Patient Stories
Heart strong: Two families bond over shared challenges
Four years ago, Ali Marcus walked through the door of a coffee shop in Connecticut and met the woman who would soon become her close friend, Britt Sheiber. The two were meeting at the suggestion of a mutual friend: Britt had just learned at a prenatal visit that one of her twins would be born ... Read More about Heart strong: Two families bond over shared challenges
Health and Parenting
Can the show go on? Song, dance, and other activities during COVID-19
At the start of any typical school year, Kelly Blake is busy meeting with the after-school clubs she runs. This year, however, Blake’s schedule — and her students’ schedules — are full of unknowns. “The school has so many things related to COVID-19 to figure out this year,” she says. “After-school activities are not a ... Read More about Can the show go on? Song, dance, and other activities during COVID-19
Research
Scar-free healing after spinal cord injury relies on specialized cells
Key takeaways Scar tissue prevents nerves from communicating with each other. Microglia cells in the central nervous system help prevent scar tissue formation after spinal cord injuries in newborn mice. Transplanted newborn microglia cells drastically reduced scar formation in adult mice with spinal cord injury, opening the door to new treatment possibilities. One of the ... Read More about Scar-free healing after spinal cord injury relies on specialized cells
Health and Parenting
Behind the mask: How to prevent and treat mask-related acne in children and teens
Wearing a mask is very effective at helping prevent the spread of COVID-19, but it can also trigger a host of skin problems for children and teens, including acne, irritation, rashes, and chafing behind the ears. Many adults are also suddenly experiencing acne and other skin issues for the first time in years. Fortunately, you ... Read More about Behind the mask: How to prevent and treat mask-related acne in children and teens