A study published in Nature Microbiology found that children born by C-section were up to 2.6 times more likely to have an ineffective measles vaccine compared to children born naturally. The researchers attributed this to the different development of gut microbiome in infants born by C-section, which could impact immune system response. The study emphasizes the importance of ensuring that children born by C-section receive their second measles jab to protect against the disease.
A recent study has revealed a strong association between chronic sleep deprivation in children and an elevated risk of developing psychotic disorders during early adulthood. The study, published in The Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) Psychiatry, analyzed the sleep patterns of nearly 12,400 children from infancy to age 7. The findings indicate that children who consistently experience sleep deprivation are more than twice as likely to develop a psychotic disorder as young adults. While the study does not establish a direct causal relationship, it highlights the potential role of persistent sleep problems as a contributing factor to psychosis. The researchers emphasize that addressing chronic sleep issues in children could be crucial in mitigating the risk of future mental health problems.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced new nutrition standards for school meals nationwide, effective from 2025. These standards aim to limit added sugars for the first time, reduce sodium intake, and provide essential nutrients for students. The changes are based on feedback from over 136,000 public comments and extensive consultation with various stakeholders.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced significant changes to school meal nutrition standards, including the first-time limitation on added sugars. Starting fall 2025, sugar content in school meals will be gradually reduced, and by fall 2027, the regulations will be fully implemented. The new rules also require a modest reduction in sodium content by fall 2027.
A five-year-old girl, Destiny-Rae, has received a life-changing kidney transplant after enduring dialysis treatments for a decade. Thanks to a groundbreaking ‘swap’ scheme, she received a matching organ from a donor after another generous individual, Liffy, donated her kidney to someone else in her place. The scheme enables organ ‘swaps’ within compatible groups, ensuring that a specific recipient receives an organ. In Destiny-Rae’s case, this allowed Liffy to donate her kidney to another person, while Destiny-Rae received a matching organ from another donor. The successful transplantation has significantly improved Destiny-Rae’s quality of life, allowing her to engage in activities she was previously unable to due to her strict diet and hospital visits. Her mother, Maria, expressed immense gratitude for the scheme and its donors and urged others to consider organ donation to save lives and improve the well-being of those in need.
