BMJ (Clinical research ed.)
Audio Summaries

Assessing early effects of Australia's Social Media Minimum Age Act on adolescents' social media use: observational study

Jun 24, 2026

The study aimed to assess the early effects of Australia's Social Media Minimum Age Act 2024, which set a minimum age of 16 for social media accounts, on adolescents' social media use. Findings indicated that while many adolescents under 16 continued to use social media, with some reporting attempts to circumvent age verification, there was no significant reduction in overall social media use among this group. The results suggest that the Act has not yet achieved its intended goal of delaying access to social media for younger adolescents.

Stereotactic radiotherapy for neovascular age related macular degeneration: year 3 and 4 extended follow up results of a randomised, double masked, sham controlled, device trial (STAR)

Jun 18, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate the long-term effects of stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) on patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) beyond the initial two-year results of the STAR trial. They found that while SRT led to a reduction in the number of anti-VEGF injections over four years, it was associated with a significant decline in visual acuity compared to the sham treatment, ultimately questioning the efficacy of SRT for this condition. The study highlights the importance of extended follow-up in clinical trials to provide comprehensive insights into treatment outcomes.

Advances in the development of malaria vaccines

Jun 15, 2026

This review addresses the ongoing challenges in malaria elimination and examines recent advancements in vaccine development aimed at providing sustainable protection against *Plasmodium* species. The authors highlight the importance of targeting multiple stages of the parasite's life cycle and the need for innovative approaches, while also acknowledging the difficulties in identifying effective pre-erythrocytic antigens. They emphasize the necessity of integrating new technologies and enhancing vaccine delivery systems, particularly in high-burden regions like Africa, to improve current strategies and achieve malaria elimination.

Low concentration atropine eye drops and progression of myopia in children: multicentre placebo controlled, double masked, randomised trial in the UK (CHAMP-UK)

Jun 11, 2026

The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of low concentration atropine eye drops (0.01%) in reducing myopia progression in children aged 6-12 years in the UK. The results demonstrated that atropine significantly reduced myopia progression compared to placebo, with no serious adverse events reported, indicating it is a well-tolerated treatment option for managing myopia in this population.

Advances in supporting development in autistic children and youth

Jun 10, 2026

The authors aim to summarize the latest evidence on the developmental trajectories and outcomes of autistic children and youth, emphasizing the importance of adaptive skills, co-occurring conditions, and opportunities for autonomy. They highlight the need for interventions that consider adverse events and prioritize outcomes valued by autistic individuals, while also noting the progress made in inclusive programs that address diverse community needs. Ultimately, the review seeks to inform clinical practice and policy to support a 'good life' for autistic individuals through acceptance and meaningful inclusion.

Advances in the management of ADHD in children and adolescents

Jun 8, 2026

This review aims to synthesize recent evidence on the management of ADHD in children and adolescents, highlighting the need for individualized and sustained care due to the condition's chronic and fluctuating nature. It discusses the effectiveness of various diagnostic strategies and treatment modalities, including psychosocial interventions, lifestyle changes, and pharmacological options, while emphasizing a multimodal approach aligned with international guidelines. The findings underscore the importance of personalized treatment strategies, particularly in pharmacological management, to improve outcomes for affected individuals.

Systematic estimates of global causes of neonatal and under 5 mortality in 2000-24: secondary data analysis using bayesian multinomial logistic regression

Jun 4, 2026

The authors aimed to estimate cause-specific mortality among neonates and children under five across 195 countries from 2000 to 2024 using a Bayesian multinomial logistic regression model. Their findings revealed that preterm birth complications were the leading cause of death, followed by lower respiratory infections and intrapartum-related events, while highlighting a concerning slowdown in the decline of under-five mortality rates since 2016. The study underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions in high mortality countries to meet sustainable development goals for child mortality.

Global, regional, and national levels and trends in under 5, infant, and neonatal mortality during 1990-2024 with scenario based projections to 2030: modelling study

Jun 4, 2026

The authors aimed to estimate and project trends in neonatal, infant, and under-5 mortality rates from 1990 to 2024 across 200 countries, identifying areas where progress has stalled and assessing the risk of missing international child survival targets. Their findings reveal a significant slowdown in the decline of child mortality rates since 2015, with projections indicating that millions of preventable deaths could occur between 2025 and 2030, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. The study underscores the urgent need for renewed commitment and investment in child health care to meet global mortality reduction targets.

Global, regional, and national levels and trends in older child, adolescent, and youth (5-24 years) all cause mortality from 1990 to 2024: modelling study

Jun 4, 2026

The authors aim to estimate and analyze all-cause mortality among individuals aged 5-24 years across 200 countries from 1990 to 2024, identifying trends and regions requiring urgent investment. Their findings indicate that while overall mortality in this age group has increased in significance, progress in reducing deaths has been uneven, particularly in high mortality regions like West and Central Africa. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to address preventable deaths and improve mortality monitoring systems.

Estimates of global causes of death for children and adolescents aged 5-19 in 2000-24: secondary data analysis using bayesian multinomial logistic regression

Jun 4, 2026

The authors aimed to estimate cause-specific mortality among children and adolescents aged 5-19 years across 195 countries from 2000 to 2024 using a Bayesian multinomial logistic regression model. Their findings revealed that road traffic injuries, malaria, and neoplasms were the leading causes of death in this age group, with significant regional variations and a concerning stagnation in the decline of deaths from communicable and maternal conditions since 2015. The study underscores the need for targeted interventions to address both emerging and neglected health issues among children and adolescents to meet global health goals.