No state has met the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) teacher-qualification goals for this school year, the AP reports. Nine states, plus DC and Puerto Rico, may lose federal aid because they did not try hard enough to comply by the law’s deadline. I’ve never been a fan of NCLB, but the teacher qualifications seem
Two new studies question the long-term effectiveness of inhaled steroids for treating asthma in infants and toddlers. Asthma is the most common chronic condition among children, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). Asthma is also the leading cause of school absenteeism and the third-ranking cause of hospitalization for children. May is
While I’m on a roll with the silly posts, here’s a review of The Twinkies Cookbook: An Inventive and Unexpected Recipe Collection from Hostess, courtesy of NPR. The collection includes such . . . ahem . . . delights as Twinkie Sushi and Twinkie Burritos. I think I’ll go bake a loaf of whole-wheat bread
That’s right. Play-Doh maker Hasbro is releasing a limited-edition Play-Doh perfume to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the squishy stuff. (Thanks to Blogging Baby for the nose up.) I say why buy the perfume for $19 when you can just rub a piece or two behind your ears?
The lesbian brain has made headlines recently. Scientists at the Center for Sapphic Studies in Lesbos, Greece, have taken this research a step further in a study of the brains of lesbian moms. Below is an image from their latest paper, “Lesbian Mothers of Toddlers: A Neurologic Analysis.” Further research may be forthcoming, as soon
The U. S. ranks second to last among industrialized countries in newborn survival rates, according to a new study. Not surprisingly, this varies along income and racial lines, with infants born to higher-income, white families more likely to survive. The researchers claim that in the U. S., lack of national health insurance and short maternity
Scientists in Sweden have found further evidence that sexual orientation is innate. They discovered that certain odors produce different responses in the brains of straight and lesbian women. The pattern of brain activity for lesbians was similar, but not identical, to that of straight men. A year ago, the same team showed a similarity in
Today’s political paradox: Florida may become the 17th state to allow fathers to give up child-support and other legal responsibilities if DNA tests show they are not the genetic fathers of children born to their wives or partners. The measure has passed the State Senate and will now go before the House. As it stands,
3738 women in Manila yesterday set a world record for simultaneous breast feeding. Organizers say the event was meant to raise awareness about the benefits of breastfeeding. In the U. S., we’re slowly latching on to the idea that it’s acceptable to breastfeed in public. In Oregon recently, a woman was asked to “cover up”
There’s an interesting comment thread in progress at Parent Hacks on children and gender identity. Hop on over and join the conversation, if you’re so inclined.
