FRIDAY, Nov. 10,They’re pickier tenants than you’d think: Bugs are ideally looking for carpeted, airy, ground-floor residences in wealthier neighborhoods, and pets and even filth aren’t really so important. So finds a meticulous new study of the insect life in 50 urban homes in Raleigh, N.C. One surprise: There was a greater diversity of insect…  read on >

The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, first developed to help guard against cervical cancer, also seems to protect against a rare, chronic childhood respiratory disease, a new study suggests. It’s believed that the disease — recurrent respiratory papillomatosis — occurs in children when HPV type 6 or 11 spreads from mother to child around the time…  read on >

As if the idea of teen cyberbullying isn’t harrowing enough, a new study warns of a strange twist in which kids anonymously post hurtful messages — to themselves. The worry is that this digital self-harm — like traditional self-harm — may be a harbinger for suicide down the road, the study authors said. In the…  read on >

Caring for a child with cancer can be emotionally and physically overwhelming. The Children’s Oncology Group says the best thing such a parent can do is to accept help from friends and family. The group mentions these benefits of doing so: You will have more energy to take care of your child, spend time with…  read on >

The last place you should fear getting sick is in a doctor’s waiting room. The American Academy of Pediatrics has updated its guidelines for pediatricians to prevent the spread of germs. The group says all pediatric medical offices should: Equip waiting rooms with alcohol-based hand sanitizers and masks. Put up visual reminders for kids and…  read on >

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, texting: Sometimes it seems today’s young adults are online more often than not. But new research suggests that the amount of time young adults spend on social media doesn’t seem to affect their risk for mental health problems. The finding came from a study of 467 young adults who were asked about…  read on >

Sibling rivalry — the jealousy and competition between your children — can start even before baby number two is born, according to experts at the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital of Michigan Medicine. How siblings relate to each other and to parents can change as they go through the stages of childhood. Toddlers starting to assert…  read on >

Fun, decorative drinking glasses may contain potentially harmful levels of lead and cadmium, a new British study says. University of Plymouth researchers analyzed 72 new and second-hand decorated drinking glasses, including tumblers, beer and wine glasses, and jars. Around 7 out of 10 tested positive for lead or cadmium, both toxic metals. Lead was found…  read on >