Healthy Development research at the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute

Violence linked to puberty

Violent behaviour dramatically increases during puberty, according to a study of almost 6000 adolescents in Victoria, Australia and Washington State, USA.

Stuck for words

Getting words out can be a struggle for some youngsters. Our research shows 8.5 per cent of children stutter by the time they turn three – almost twice the rate previously reported.

'Controlled crying' technique safe for babies

Using behavioural techniques including ‘controlled crying’ to help infants sleep does not lead to later emotional and behavioural problems, according to new research by the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute.

Mums' work-life balance shapes children's health

Children whose mothers work part-time are less likely to be overweight than children whose mums are in full-time work or not in the workforce, according to new Australian research.

Australian preschoolers get fatter

The number of overweight and obese Australian preschoolers increased by more than 8000 between 2004 and 2008 as children spent more time watching television and less time being physically active, new research shows.

Video games linked to poor health

Children who play video games are putting themselves at increased risk of poor health and well-being, researchers at Murdoch Childrens have found.

Helping mothers beat depression

Better national strategies are needed to identify and treat depression in women during and after pregnancy, according to researchers at Murdoch Childrens.

Preparing couples for life with a new baby

Relationship problems, tiredness, guilt and anxiety are among problems experienced by many new mothers, a study has found.

Australian boys more violent than US peers

Australian school boys have admitted to being more violent than their US counterparts.

Teens and young adults most at risk of death

Young people from developed countries including Australia are up to four times more likely to die in their late teens and early twenties than in earlier childhood.

Better policies needed to fight childhood obesity

Current national guidelines for GPs to help overweight and obese children lose weight are costly and ineffective, according to a new Australian study published online in the British Medical Journal.

Children who stutter: Caleb’s story

Five year old Caleb started stuttering two years ago.

Alcohol in teens risky for adult health

Drinking ‘safe’ amounts of alcohol does not protect teenagers from developing alcohol-related problems as adults.

Awards & achievements
National Award for Professor Melissa Wake

Professor Melissa Wake is the recipient of the 2009 Federal Health Minister’s Award for Excellence in Health and Medical Research.

Stuttering in preschool common but recoverable

Stuttering is much more common during the pre-school years than previously thought, new research has found.

Infant sleep beats mum's long-term depression

Managing infant sleep problems significantly reduces maternal depression symptoms, and shows no long term adverse effects to the mother or the child

Sleepy kids suffer

Primary school children with sleep problems are falling behind in their early years at school because their disrupted nights are leaving them tired, grumpy and unable to concentrate.

MCRI health and medical research makes top ten again

MCRI research has been included in the NHMRC’s publication ‘10 of the best’ for the fourth time in the last three years, which is the most a research institute or University has been recognised.

Mobile phones used in battle against depression

Research News
2000 Stories

2000 Stories began in 1992 with the aim of providing a snapshot of adolescent health to guide public health policies.

Research News
What do Marilyn Monroe and Winston Churchill have in common?

They both stuttered as children. So did Nat King Cole, Isaac Newton & Sam Neil.

Research News
Australia's obese children need help now

Australian children are fatter and less fit than they have ever been.

Research News
Primary students show high rates of alcohol use

Australian primary and secondary school aged children are drinking alcohol at twice the rate of their American counterparts, a new study has shown.

Research News
A website to help Australian parents raise their children

A landmark Australian website is helping parents and carers raise young children.

Awards & achievements
A Healthy Start to Life for All Australians

Professor George Patton and Dr Craig Olsson from the Centre for Adolescent Health will receive $639,650 over three years for their research into whether mental illness passes between generations.

Research

Critical Care & Neurosciences

Early Development & Disease