Children with autism differ socially and developmentally from their typically developing peers. Now, researchers say there are also differences in their array of healthy gut bacteria or “microbiome.” The findings may lead to earlier treatment for kids with an autism spectrum disorder, suggested the authors of a new small study. The gut microbiome can vary…  read on >  read on >

Watch videos on TikTok and you’re likely to see plenty of positive portrayals of vaping, a new study shows. And that’s a problem, according to researchers, who call for tighter regulation of the platform popular with kids and teens. “Viewing other young people, friends, acquaintances or influencers vaping in fun and entertaining contexts, is likely…  read on >  read on >

Midsummer heat and high humidity aren’t just uncomfortable — they’re a combo that can cause serious illness and even death. “Whenever you walk or do outdoor activity, take a friend with you who can help you if you run into trouble,” Dr. Eleanor Dunham advised. She’s an emergency medicine doctor at Penn State Health Milton…  read on >  read on >

New research offers some reassuring news for parents of kids returning to school soon: The risk of acquiring COVID-19 on the school bus is very low when proper precautions are taken. With open windows, mandated masking and two kids per seat, there was no transmission of the new coronavirus linked to busing even during the…  read on >  read on >

Young soccer players have more head impacts during practices but experience more severe head impacts during games, a small, preliminary study shows. The findings could help devise ways to improve head impact safety in youth soccer, according to the researchers. “Headers are a fundamental component to the sport of soccer. Therefore, it is important to…  read on >  read on >

Accidental exposure to fentanyl pain patches is putting children’s lives at risk, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns. Fentanyl is a powerful opioid pain reliever; so powerful that fentanyl patches are typically only prescribed to patients who require round-the-clock, long-term pain relief, such as cancer patients. They’re generally replaced every three days. Kids can…  read on >  read on >