Children's Health: Acid-reducing medications sharply raise risk of C. difficile bacteria infection ♦ Genetic mutation associated with Aicardi syndrome ♦ Early life stress affects cognitive functioning

Acid-reducing medications sharply raise risk of C. difficile bacteria infection in kids Infants and children who are given prescription acid-reducing medications face a substantially higher risk of developing Clostridium difficile infection, a potentially severe colonic disorder.

Stronger working memory, reduced sexual risk-taking in adolescents A study of adolescents has found that individual differences in working memory, a function of the brain that helps us make decisions, can predict early sexual risk-taking. The findings suggest potential preventive intervention strategies for parents of teens at risk for engaging in these behaviors.

Early life stress affects cognitive functioning in low-income children A new study has identified how specific patterns of cortisol activity may relate to the cognitive abilities of children in poverty. The study looked at low-income children in the United States and how greater instability in family environments may predict early life stress and cognitive functioning

Study identifies first genetic mutation associated with Aicardi syndrome A genetic mutation responsible for a debilitating childhood neurological condition known as Aicardi syndrome has been identified by researchers. They identified mutations to a gene known as TEAD1, which not only affects formation of the brain but also the retina,

Child fitness falls further than feared: Not obesity-related Child fitness levels are falling at an even faster rate than first feared - and this time there is evidence it has nothing to do with obesity.