Today in Medicine

Kids like colorful meals; adults, not so much
Study subjects: 23 preteen children and 46 adults
Location of study: U.S.
Results: According to a Cornell University study, plates with seven different foods and six different colors are especially appealing to children, while adults find fewer items and colors on their plates appealing (three foods and three colors). Kids also liked when their entrees were placed in the front part of the plate in a fun design.
Significance: Children don’t like boring meals! An easy remedy for picky eaters: Get creative.

Twin births increasing
Location of study: U.S.
Results: A new report from the CDC claims that there are more twins being born in the United States than ever before. The study found that in 2009, one out of every 30 U.S.-born babies was a twin, compared with one out of every 53 babies in 1980.
Significance: The increase is likely due to more older women having children, and the burgeoning use of fertility drugs.

Gestational diabetes and ADHD
Study subjects: 212 preschool children
Location of study: U.S.
Results: An ongoing study at Queens College at the City University of New York found that children whose mothers had gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) had a two-fold risk of ADHD diagnosis at age 6. The study also found that GDM was greater among low socioeconomic status (SES) families than among higher SES families.
Significance: Children exposed to both GDM and low SES had lower cognitive development than those not exposed.