The brain is the most complex organ in the body. It’s the center of learning, and is responsible for processing sensory information and directing the body’s responses. The teen brain is still maturing, though it’s more resilient, the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health says. The agency offers these additional facts about the young brain:…  read on >

If your teen spends a lot of time on social media, you might want to get them to cut back due to the risk of cyberbullying, new research suggests. Researchers surveyed more than 12,000 teens in Germany, Poland and Romania and found those who used social network sites for more than two hours a day…  read on >

If an infant has hearing loss, it can affect the child’s ability to develop speech, language and social skills, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. An infant’s first hearing screening is recommended typically within the first month of life. Even if the child passes the initial screening, the CDC recommends watching for…  read on >

College is a unique stage in a young person’s development. But newfound independence coupled with the pressures of classwork and the need to fit in can make this a very emotional time. Tips from The Jed Foundation can help you help your child get through this transition. Though your relationship is changing, do still offer…  read on >

Bacteria and fungi grow on medical implants, such as hip and knee replacements, pacemakers and screws used to fix broken bones, researchers report. In a new study, Danish investigators examined 106 implants of different types and the surrounding tissue in patients. The findings showed that 70 percent of the implants had been colonized by bacteria,…  read on >

Children whose parents spend time in prison are more likely to lead risky lifestyles as young adults, a new study suggests. The findings are important because more than 5 million American children have had a parent in jail or prison, according to the researchers. “The United States has the highest incarceration rates in the world.…  read on >

Young pitchers should heed pitch count guidelines if they want their elbows to stay healthy, new research suggests. The Japanese study included 149 pitchers, aged 7 to 11, with no prior elbow pain who were assessed at the start and end of a baseball season. At the end of the season, the development of elbow…  read on >

Every nine days, a child dies in a hot car in the United States, but a safety expert says such tragedies can easily be prevented. “Three letters can help drivers remember to take proper safety precautions with children when traveling in the car: A, C, T,” said Susan Katz, coordinator of the pediatric injury prevention…  read on >

People who are prone to violence often have trouble controlling their behavior, the American Psychological Association says. The group says there may be tell-tale signs that a young person is about to “act out,” such as: Having a history of violent or aggressive behavior. Being young at the first violent incident. Having been a victim…  read on >