Breakthrough

In part one of this episode, Boston Children's experts described the state of the youth mental health crisis in the U.S. One thing that's painfully clear? Missing a mental illness diagnosis can be severe, and even fatal. Predictive screening tools along with innovative methods for examining brain function and patterns over time are just a few of the ways Boston Children's is at the forefront of the solution.

There is a youth mental health crisis in the United States. In some cases, 30 percent to 40 percent of pediatric and emergency room visits are dedicated to mental health. Boston Children's research into biological factors, environmental triggers and inequitable systems is uncovering how we got here.

No two hearts are alike. And for children born with heart defects, there's no one-size-fits-all surgical approach. But collaborations between cardiac surgeons and engineers, along with  advancements in 3D modeling technology, mean experts can plan and simulate surgeries with precision — before anyone even enters the operating room — creating solutions personalized for every patient's unique anatomy.

Epilepsy is one of the most debilitating chronic neurological conditions in the world, affecting 1 in 26 people. Until very recently, finding causes of the disease has been a major barrier to treatment. Recent work from Boston Children's has found that the answer often lies in the patient's genes.

About 10 percent of the U.S. population has a rare genetic condition. From computational biologists to geneticists, Boston Children's scientists are working across departments to create new, accessible and personalized diagnosis and treatment processes for many previously mysterious genetic diseases.

Pain is a complex sensation. It has both physiological and psychological components that make it agonizing to describe and to manage. Boston Children's pain researchers can now model pain in a petri dish, allowing their team of experts to reimagine clinical diagnoses and treatment for pain patients.

Listen to season two of the podcast, Breakthrough. On the heels of a chart-topping* first year, host Dr. Zakiya Whatley, biologist and educator, hears from doctors and research scientists at Boston Children's about how they're pushing the boundaries of what's possible for the future of pediatrics — and what that means for patients, their families and the global medical community.*#1 in Life Sciences on Apple Podcasts on June 8 and August 11, 2022

Biomarkers are elevated levels of proteins or other substances that can signify the presence of disease. In this episode, hear from Boston Children's researchers who are leading the way for timely noninvasive diagnosis and management of dozens of conditions.

Boston Children's is at the forefront of developing some of the most life-changing treatments for pediatric genetic heart conditions. In this episode, hear from a surgeon who pioneered a new technique for BiV repairs in patients with single ventricle defects.

Sports clichés like “no pain, no gain” can often drive young athletes to push themselves to the point of injury on the field. In this episode, hear from a Boston Children's doctor who is paving the way for new treatments for A.C.L. tears.

Boston Children's Maternal Fetal Care Center is leading the way for in-utero interventions that can help in treating defects and diseases in fetuses before birth. In this episode we'll hear from doctors and scientists about these cutting-edge treatments and technologies.

Historically, vaccines have been used to combat infectious diseases. Now, researchers are utilizing precision medicine to formulate vaccines that can be used for much more. Think: one flu vaccine for life, a vaccine to help combat opioid addiction or even someday, a vaccine for cancer.

Autism is surprisingly common. 1 in 44 people are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), but we're still learning a lot about this condition. In this episode, Dr. Charles Nelson shares breakthroughs in diagnosing ASD in children as young as three months using EEGs. And later, Dr. April Levin and Dr. Carol Wilkinson will get into groundbreaking treatments that target early development of executive control functions.

Breakthrough is a podcast from Boston Children's about the innovations that are revolutionizing the future of pediatrics and what that means for children and their families.