This Week in Pediatrics
Dr. Yvonne Fanous honored with Dr. Leonard L. Bailey Outstanding Clinician at 2026 Children’s Hospital Gala | News
Yvonne Fanous, MD, a pediatric allergist and immunologist at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, has been named the recipient of the 2026 Dr. Leonard L. Bailey Outstanding Clinician Award, an honor recognizing her more than four decades ...
Fluoride in drinking water has no effect on IQ or brain function, long-term study shows
The new research is the first to measure community water fluoridation exposure during childhood and any potential impact on cognition up to age 80.
JAMA Pediatrics – The Science of Child and Adolescent Health
Explore the latest in child health including food and nutrition, Kawasaki disease and C difficile, effects of media, and more. Formerly Archives of
Research of the Day
Social Media Use and Depression in Early Adolescence: Longitudinal Analysis
This 3-year longitudinal study followed 6,500 adolescents ages 12-15, tracking social media use patterns and mental health outcomes. High social media use (>3 hours/day) was associated with increased depression risk, though the relationship was bidirectional.
Key findings: (1) 35% increased odds of elevated depressive symptoms with high use; (2) Social comparison and cyberbullying mediated the relationship; (3) Active use (creating content) showed smaller associations than passive consumption.
Screen for problematic social media use during well visits. Counsel families on media limits, encourage active over passive use, and discuss warning signs of cyberbullying and unhealthy comparison.
Popular Beliefs
Organic food is significantly more nutritious
What the evidence shows: Organic foods have lower pesticide residues, but studies show minimal nutritional differences compared to conventional foods. What matters most for health is eating a variety of fruits and vegetables, whether organic or conventional.
Green mucus means bacterial infection requiring antibiotics
What the evidence shows: Mucus color changes naturally during viral infections and does not reliably distinguish viral from bacterial causes. Green/yellow mucus indicates immune cell activity, which occurs in both viral and bacterial infections. Antibiotics should be prescribed based on clinical criteria, not mucus color.
Shaving makes hair grow back thicker and darker
What the evidence shows: Shaving removes hair at the skin surface, leaving a blunt tip that may feel coarser as it grows out. However, it does not affect hair thickness, color, or growth rate. This is an optical illusion from the blunt vs. tapered hair shaft.
Behaviors
Green Space Exposure and Mental Health in Urban Adolescents
This longitudinal study followed 5,000 urban adolescents over 4 years, using GPS tracking to measure green space exposure. Greater exposure to parks and nature was associated with lower rates of depression and anxiety, independent of socioeconomic factors.
Key findings: (1) 20% lower depression risk with daily green space exposure; (2) Benefits dose-dependent—more exposure meant better outcomes; (3) Active use (sports, walking) showed greater benefits than passive exposure.
Encourage outdoor time as part of mental health promotion. For families in urban areas, identify nearby parks and green spaces. Nature exposure is an accessible, cost-effective mental health intervention.
Genetics
Newborn Screening: Recommended Uniform Screening Panel Updates
The Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP) has been updated to include three additional conditions: Pompe disease, MPS I, and X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy. States are implementing expanded screening with early treatment implications.
Key findings: (1) Early identification allows treatment before symptom onset; (2) Cost-effectiveness demonstrated for new conditions; (3) Primary care providers need to understand screening results and follow-up.
Know your state's newborn screening panel. Ensure timely follow-up of abnormal screens. Early treatment dramatically improves outcomes for many of these conditions.