An international team of genetics researchers has discovered four new gene regions that contribute to low birth weight. Three of those regions influence adult metabolism, and appear to affect longer-term outcomes such as adult height, risk of type 2 diabetes, and adult blood pressure.

Research from PolicyLab shows that one of the nation's largest programs providing home visitation support for at-risk mothers and children, the Nurse-Family Partnership, may not be as successful in reducing early childhood injuries as it was in earlier evaluations.

Using powerful gene-analysis tools, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia researchers have discovered mutations in two related genes that are involved in the most aggressive form of the childhood cancer neuroblastoma. While not offering immediate clinical treatments, the findings identify a novel pathway that could help develop potential new therapies.

A study of concussion management practices points to the need for improved concussion-specific training and infrastructure to support optimal patient care. The findings, recently published online in Pediatrics, led The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia to create a new "medical home" model for managing adolescent and pediatric concussion.