In Brief

By Lisa McLaughlin

ASTHMA RISKS According to a study in the October issue of Pediatrics, kids genetically susceptible to asthma face more than double the risk of developing the disease by the time they are eight if their parents had trouble caring for them in infancy. The study's authors speculate that maternal depression or marital conflicts could cause emotional stress to the infant, impairing development of the immune system.

DATING DANGER Up to a third of American teens have experienced psychological or physical violence in a dating relationship, according to a new study. Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill surveyed 6,897 teens and found that 20% had experienced psychological violence--most often name calling or threats. An additional 12% reported being physically hurt. The study noted that victimization rates were similar for boys and girls. HEALTHY TV A recent study has concluded that some TV watching has long-range benefits for children in low- to moderate-income families. University of Texas at Austin researchers analyzed over three years the viewing habits of 200 children, 2 to 7. The results showed that kids who spent even a few hours a week watching educational shows such as Sesame Street or Mister Wizard's World had higher academic test scores three years later than those who watched no such programs.

--By Lisa McLaughlin