Researchers have identified a chemical in urine that is closely associated with appendicitis in children and are working to develop a test that could be used to diagnose the condition, a test that would increase both the likelihood of performing surgery before the appendix bursts and prevent unnecessary surgery. ...more

June 24, 2009

Children who want to be vegetarians need to "fill in the blanks" of their low-protein diets by eating alternatives to red meat, fish and poultry, experts say. ...more

January 12, 2009

Mice genetically engineered to overproduce the brain chemical serotonin died at an early age after developing symptoms similar to sudden infant death syndrome, suggesting improper regulation of serotonin might play a role in SIDS in humans. ...more

July 5, 2008

When patients are placed on heart bypass and surgeons cut into their nonbeating hearts to correct defects and related problems, at the least the patients face a long recovery. Even worse, a number of serious complications can occur. ...more

June 11, 2008

The percentage of American children who are overweight or obese appears to have leveled off after a 25-year increase, according to new figures that offer a glimmer of hope in an otherwise dismal battle. ...more

May 28, 2008

Lung transplants, a treatment of last resort for cystic fibrosis, are rarely beneficial to children with that condition and are often harmful, according to a study released Thursday. ...more

November 23, 2007

Cold and cough medicines given to infants and toddlers work no better than dummy pills and can be dangerous, pediatricians seeking to curb their use told government health advisers Thursday. ...more

October 19, 2007