Research
Gene therapy’s future may be all about the bases
Gene therapy offers the possibility of a cure for many genetic disorders, especially those involving a single gene. The first kind of gene therapy used a virus to carry a corrected copy of the gene into people’s cells. When the early viral vectors used in the 1990s were found to have off-target effects, sometimes even ... Read More about Gene therapy’s future may be all about the bases
Patient Stories
Treatment for anorectal malformation gives Steven freedom and confidence
Steven York has “come a very long way,” says his mother, Beth — both literally and figuratively. In just seven years, he’s traveled from China to a new home in South Carolina, made multiple visits to Boston, and undergone a series of complex but ultimately life-changing surgical procedures. According to his adoption and hospital notes, ... Read More about Treatment for anorectal malformation gives Steven freedom and confidence
Our Community
How Boston Children’s is supporting childcare during COVID-19
If you’re a parent who relies on childcare, you may be struggling with closures during COVID-19. You also may have questions about the reopening and the safety of the childcare classroom. For people who live in communities of color, which are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, the challenges associated with childcare are magnified. That’s why Boston ... Read More about How Boston Children’s is supporting childcare during COVID-19
Patient Stories
Asthma, softball, and COVID-19: Gwen’s story
Gwendolyn Castro has a competitive streak. Whether playing softball or debating topics like universal health care, the 15-year-old wants to be the best at whatever she does. Her mom, Alicia Cacho, doesn’t want Gwen’s asthma to hold her back in any way. Over the years, both have learned that the best way to keep asthma ... Read More about Asthma, softball, and COVID-19: Gwen’s story
Health and Parenting
Rapid rise in COVID-19 in children: Key takeaways from the AAP report on COVID-19 and kids
You may have seen the news this week that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and Children’s Hospital Association (CHA) released a new report about a rise in COVID-19 diagnoses in children. The headlines are scary — but are they accurate? We discussed the report with Boston Children’s infectious disease specialist Dr. Richard Malley to understand the ... Read More about Rapid rise in COVID-19 in children: Key takeaways from the AAP report on COVID-19 and kids
Health and Parenting
Q and A: What you need to know about ticks and Lyme disease
With summer on the way, you and your family will probably be spending more time outdoors. You may be taking walks, playing in your yard or a park, biking, or camping. But before you head outside, it’s important to take precautions to reduce your children’s risk for a common tick borne illness, Lyme disease. Dr. Rebekka ... Read More about Q and A: What you need to know about ticks and Lyme disease
Health and Parenting
Teens and young adults: Is it time for a ‘COVID-19 talk’ with your friends?
You’ve made plans to get together with a few friends to enjoy a physically-distant bonfire at a local beach. You’ve brought your mask, hand sanitizer, and your own big bottle of sparkling water. But when you show up, none of your friends are wearing masks, they keep moving their chairs closer to the fire — ... Read More about Teens and young adults: Is it time for a ‘COVID-19 talk’ with your friends?
Research
Two drugs join forces against COVID-19
Two drugs, including one developed by a researcher at Boston Children’s Hospital, inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 in tests of human cells. Both drugs, vacuolin-1 and apilimod, originally developed years ago, target a large enzyme called PIKfyve kinase. Prior to this study, little was known about this enzyme’s role in COVID-19 infection. Details ... Read More about Two drugs join forces against COVID-19
Health and Parenting
Preparing your kids for the new school year during COVID-19
This back-to-school season is shaping up to be unlike any before. As kids, parents, teachers, and schools approach the start of a new school year, there are still many questions about exactly what school might look like in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. With so many questions around school reopening, many parents don’t know ... Read More about Preparing your kids for the new school year during COVID-19
Our Community
The impact of COVID-19 on communities of color
Throughout the COVID-19 outbreak, it has become increasingly clear that some racial and ethnic groups have high rates of infection and death from the virus. Recent national data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that Black Americans are five times more likely than white Americans to get COVID-19, and Latino Americans ... Read More about The impact of COVID-19 on communities of color