This Week in Pediatrics
Pediatrics - Medscape
Medscape Medical News June 8, 2026 · Choosing a Journal: What Matters More Than Impact Factor? Medscape News Global June 8, 2026 View All · The Case for Screening Parents at the Pediatric Visit · Commentary June 5, 2026 · The parents’ mental health affects the child’s mental heal...
Pediatrics faculty share expertise: May 2026
Also covered in CBS 58 News, WISN News, Fox 6 News, and WIFR News. May 7: Opinion | RFK Jr. ushers in age of contagion Interview: James (Jim) Conway, MD, professor, Divisions of Infectious Diseases and Global Pediatrics | Source: The Cap Times · May 7: Fairfax County parents push...
JAMA Pediatrics – The Science of Child and Adolescent ...
Editor's Choice: JAMA Pediatrics—The Year in Review, 2025 · Jennifer J. Koplin, PhD; Desalegn Markos Shifti, PhD; Victoria X. Soriano, PhD; et al
Research of the Day
Probiotics for Infantile Colic: Randomized Controlled Trial of L. reuteri
This double-blind RCT enrolled 400 breastfed infants with colic to evaluate Lactobacillus reuteri supplementation. Infants receiving the probiotic showed significantly reduced crying time compared to placebo, with effects observed within 7 days of treatment initiation.
Key findings: (1) Mean crying time reduced by 51 minutes/day at 21 days; (2) 73% of treatment group had crying <3 hours/day vs 36% placebo; (3) No adverse events reported. Effect was specific to breastfed infants.
L. reuteri may be considered for breastfed infants with colic after excluding other causes. This is one of several evidence-based interventions alongside feeding adjustments, carrying techniques, and parental support.
Popular Beliefs
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.
Chocolate causes acne
What the evidence shows: The relationship between diet and acne is complex. Some studies suggest high-glycemic diets and dairy may worsen acne, but chocolate specifically has not been definitively proven to cause breakouts. Individual responses vary—advise patients to observe their own triggers.
Wait 30 minutes after eating before swimming
What the evidence shows: There's no evidence that swimming after eating causes cramps or drowning. While digestion diverts some blood flow to the gut, it doesn't impair swimming ability in normal circumstances. Common-sense supervision is always important regardless of meal timing.
Behaviors
Growth Mindset and Academic Resilience in Middle School
This school-based intervention taught growth mindset principles to 4,000 middle schoolers. Students who internalized growth mindset showed improved grades, greater persistence, and reduced anxiety around academic challenges.
Key findings: (1) 0.3 GPA improvement in intervention group; (2) 25% reduction in test anxiety; (3) Effects largest for initially low-performing students. Teacher reinforcement of messages enhanced effects.
Praise effort over ability when discussing academics with patients. Encourage families to use growth mindset language. Struggle is part of learning, not a sign of inability.
Genetics
CRISPR Gene Editing for Sickle Cell Disease: Long-Term Follow-Up
Long-term data from CRISPR-edited sickle cell patients shows durable remission of vaso-occlusive crises in 95% of treated patients at 4-year follow-up. The one-time treatment has transformed the disease trajectory for participants.
Key findings: (1) No vaso-occlusive crises in 95% of patients; (2) Hemoglobin levels maintained in normal range; (3) No off-target editing effects detected. Access and affordability remain challenges.
Curative therapy for sickle cell disease is now reality, though access barriers remain. Stay informed about treatment centers and insurance coverage in your area. Early referral for evaluation is appropriate.