Lundbeck Advances Leadership in Migraine With New Data at the American Headache Society 67th Annual Scientific Meeting
In a post-hoc analysis of the DELIVER trial, interictal periods were longer with VYEPTI compared to placebo and corresponded to higher patient-reported quality of life outcomes
Individuals taking VYEPTI consistently had high, long-term retention rates across studies with anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies, as seen in a post-hoc analysis across selected phase 3 clinical trials
Interim data analysis from the INFUSE study showed most patients surveyed generally had low levels of concern about initiating an intravenous (IV) treatment and reported a positive experience
Insights from patient perspectives on migraine symptomology from the anti-PACAP HOPE trial exit interviews support need for comprehensive assessments to better understand the full disease burden, including its cognitive impact
DEERFIELD, Ill., June 19, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Lundbeck US, the US subsidiaries of H. Lundbeck A/S, today announced it will present one oral and eight poster presentations at the 67th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Headache Society (AHS) in Minneapolis from June 19-22, 2025. The data presentations reinforce the need to look beyond monthly migraine days (MMDs) and the importance of a holistic approach to migraine care as suggested by data from eptinezumab-jjmr post-hoc analyses.
VYEPTI® (eptinezumab-jjmr) is indicated for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults. VYEPTI is contraindicated in patients with serious hypersensitivity to eptinezumab-jjmr or to any of its ingredients. Reactions have included anaphylaxis and angioedema. Please see Important Safety Information below.
"Migraine disease affects over 40 million people in the U.S.,1 profoundly impacting every aspect of life for many," said Damian Fiore, Vice President, Lundbeck US Medical Affairs Neurology. "Lundbeck is energized to be at AHS, driving conversations on how we can better understand the holistic burden of migraine and redefine how we approach care. Our focus goes beyond just alleviating individual symptoms—we are committed to improving the overall quality of life for people living with migraine disease."
Analyses presented at AHS from several studies including clinical trials and real-world research continue to focus on novel ways to assess VYEPTI and study results and advance preventive migraine care:
P-341: Eptinezumab Treatment was Associated with Longer Interictal Periods and Corresponding Larger Improvements in Quality of Life in Participants With Migraine for Whom 2-4 Prior Preventive Treatments had Failed: A Post Hoc Analysis of the DELIVER Trial: Individuals living with migraine who have longer periods of time between migraine attacks (interictal periods) may experience a reduced overall burden of migraine. A post-hoc analysis of the phase 3b DELIVER trial during weeks 1-12 (n=853) and weeks 1-24 (n=832) evaluated the association between the mean longest interictal period and improvements in patient-reported quality of life (QoL) outcomes. Results from this post-hoc analysis indicate the mean longest interictal period was larger with VYEPTI than as reported by patients receiving placebo during the first 24 weeks of the DELIVER trial. Among participants with >14- and >21-day mean longest interictal periods, a greater proportion of participants achieved clinically meaningful improvements in the 6-item Headache Impact test score (HIT-6; ≥5-point total score reduction) and Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC; "much improved" or "very much improved" rating) with VYEPTI compared with placebo.2
P-333: Retention Rates Across Clinical Trials of Anti-CGRP Monoclonal Antibodies for Migraine Prevention: Researchers analyzed select phase 3 clinical trials to assess retention rates for adult participants who were treated with VYEPTI and other anti-CGRP mAbs for the prevention of migraine, including long-term eptinezumab trials: the 104-week, open label, single-arm PREVAIL trial and the 72-week DELIVER trial. In this retrospective cohort study of US claims data, VYEPTI showed high, long-term retention rates for preventive treatment in participants with chronic migraine and in those with migraine for whom 2-4 prior migraine preventive treatments have failed, suggesting a high level of participant satisfaction with continued treatment of VYEPTI. Similar results were observed in other anti-CGRP mAbs in this treatment group.3
P-332: Baseline Characteristics and Eptinezumab Infusion Experience in Participants in Whom ≥1 Prior Preventive Anti-CGRP Treatment Had Failed: Interim Results of an Ongoing Real-World Study: INFUSE is an ongoing, non-interventional, prospective study in individuals with migraine initiating VYEPTI for the preventive treatment of migraine. In an interim analysis of the first 75 participants entering the INFUSE study, results indicate that individuals, despite having ≥1 prior a-CGRP preventive treatment, reported a long history of disease and high disease burden (with regard to frequency, severity and cognitive impairments). Interim results also showed that the level of concern about initiating an intravenous (IV) treatment was low and participants in the study generally had a positive infusion experience.4
Further highlighting our commitment to pushing the boundaries on migraine care with preventive treatments, Lundbeck also will host a symposium titled, "Why the interictal period matters: Striving for migraine freedom" with Dr. Amaal Starling and Dr. Stewart Tepper on Thursday, June 19 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. CT.
"For optimal migraine management, it's important to prioritize continuous improvement and a patient-centered approach," said Dr. Amaal Starling, Neurologist, Mayo Clinic. "These studies highlight the real-world impact of preventive migraine treatments that can provide sustained control, which may allow individuals to focus on their personal goals and live their lives to the fullest."
Additional migraine data being presented at AHS include:
IOR-02 (Oral): Patient Perspectives of Migraine Symptomology: Insights from Exit Interviews from the anti-PACAP Antibody Phase 2 HOPE Trial for Migraine Prevention5
P-299: Associated Long-Term Clinical Improvements Following ≥50% Migraine Response and Sustained ≥50% and ≥75% Migraine Reductions in Early Responders to Eptinezumab Treatment in Participants With Migraine: Post Hoc Analyses of the DELIVER Trial6
P-320: Sustained Reductions in Monthly Headache Days with Long-Term Eptinezumab Treatment for Chronic Migraine: Post Hoc Analysis of the Phase 3 PREVAIL Study7
P-319: Impact of Participant-reported ≥75% Increase in Good Days/Month on Migraine Symptoms, Quality of Life, and Brain Fog: Results of the REVIEW Real-world Study of Adults With Chronic Migraine Treated with Eptinezumab8
P-297: Eptinezumab and Patient Education in Chronic Migraine and Medication-overuse Headache: Results from the Randomized, Placebo-controlled RESOLUTION Trial9
P-308: Efficacy and Safety of Eptinezumab in Chronic Migraine: A Randomized Placebo-controlled Trial in a Predominantly Asian Population10
About VYEPTI® VYEPTI® (eptinezumab-jjmr) is a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds to calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) ligand and blocks its binding to the receptor. VYEPTI was deliberately developed for administration by IV infusion to deliver 100 percent of the medication into the bloodstream at the end of the infusion.
The efficacy and safety of VYEPTI were demonstrated in two phase 3 clinical trials; episodic migraine in PROMISE-1 and chronic migraine in PROMISE-2. VYEPTI met its primary endpoint of decrease in mean monthly migraine days (MMD) over months 1-3 in both episodic and chronic migraine. The safety of VYEPTI was evaluated in 2,076 patients with migraine who received at least one dose of VYEPTI. The most common adverse reactions (≥2 percent and at least 2 percent or greater than placebo) in the clinical trials for the preventive treatment of migraine were nasopharyngitis and hypersensitivity. In PROMISE-1 and PROMISE-2, 1.9 percent of patients treated with VYEPTI discontinued treatment due to adverse reactions.
VYEPTI offers patients with migraine a preventive treatment administered as one 30-minute IV infusion 4 times a year (every three months). The recommended dosage is 100 mg, and some patients may benefit from a dosage of 300 mg. Dosing should be based on the guidance in the Prescribing Information and Patient Information.
INDICATION
VYEPTI (eptinezumab-jjmr) is indicated for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
CONTRAINDICATIONS
VYEPTI is contraindicated in patients with serious hypersensitivity to eptinezumab-jjmr or to any of the excipients. Reactions have included anaphylaxis and angioedema.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Hypersensitivity Reactions: Hypersensitivity reactions, including angioedema, urticaria, facial flushing, dyspnea, and rash, have occurred with VYEPTI in clinical trials and in the postmarketing setting. Most hypersensitivity reactions occurred during infusion and were not serious, but often led to discontinuation or required treatment. Serious hypersensitivity reactions may occur. Cases of anaphylaxis have been reported in the postmarketing setting. If a hypersensitivity reaction occurs, consider discontinuing VYEPTI and institute appropriate therapy.
Hypertension: Development of hypertension and worsening of pre-existing hypertension have been reported following the use of CGRP antagonists, including VYEPTI, in the postmarketing setting. Some of the patients who developed new-onset hypertension had risk factors for hypertension. There were cases requiring initiation of pharmacological treatment for hypertension, and in some cases hospitalization. Hypertension may occur at any time during treatment, but was most frequently reported within 7 days of therapy initiation. The CGRP antagonist was discontinued in many of the reported cases.
Monitor patients treated with VYEPTI for new-onset hypertension or worsening of pre-existing hypertension, and consider whether discontinuation of VYEPTI is warranted if evaluation fails to establish an alternative etiology or blood pressure is inadequately controlled.
Raynaud's Phenomenon: Development of Raynaud's phenomenon and recurrence or worsening of pre-existing Raynaud's phenomenon have been reported in the postmarketing setting following the use of CGRP antagonists. In reported cases with monoclonal antibody CGRP antagonists, symptom onset occurred a median of 71 days following dosing. Many of the cases reported serious outcomes, including hospitalizations and disability, generally related to debilitating pain. In most reported cases, discontinuation of the CGRP antagonist resulted in resolution of symptoms.
VYEPTI should be discontinued if signs or symptoms of Raynaud's phenomenon develop, and patients should be evaluated by a healthcare provider if symptoms do not resolve. Patients with a history of Raynaud's phenomenon should be monitored for, and informed about the possibility of, worsening or recurrence of signs and symptoms.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
The most common adverse reactions (≥2% and at least 2% or greater than placebo) in the clinical trials for the preventive treatment of migraine were nasopharyngitis and hypersensitivity.
VYEPTI was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults in February 2020. For more information, please see Full Prescribing Information and Patient Information or visit www.VYEPTIHCP.com.
About Migraine DiseaseMigraine is a complex and disabling neurological disease that limits functionality and quality of life.1 It is characterized by moderate to severe head pain typically accompanied by an array of symptoms, including nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light or sound.1,11 Over time, migraine disease may worsen, with attacks increasing in frequency, severity and duration.12,13 It is estimated to affect more than 40 million people in the U.S. and impacts three times as many women than men.1 It is the second leading cause of years lived with disability (YLD) among all diseases and is the top YLD cause among people aged 15 to 49 years, according to the Global Burden of Disease study. The impact of migraine permeates into career, home life and relationships.14
About INFUSE studyINFUSE is an ongoing, non-interventional, prospective study in individuals with migraine, initiating preventive treatment with eptinezumab-jjmr. Eligible participants were recruited by two infusion center networks and are being followed for 12 months after initiating eptinezumab-jjmr treatment. INFUSE includes adults ≥18 years of age with a diagnosis of migraine who tried ≥1 preventive a-CGRP treatment (erenumab, fremanezumab, galcanezumab, atogepant, or rimegepant [prescribed every other day]).
About DELIVER studyDELIVER (NCT04418765) is a phase 3b, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluating the safety and efficacy of eptinezumab-jjmr in patients with chronic or episodic migraine. Chronic migraine was defined as migraine occurring on ≥8 days per month and headache occurring on >14 days, and episodic migraine as migraine occurring on ≥4 days and headache occurring on ≤14 days. All patients had to have experienced failures of two to four prior preventive treatment classes (including: propranolol, metoprolol, topiramate, amitriptyline, flunarizine, valproate, divalproex, candesartan) or botulinum toxin A/B (if documented that botulinum toxin was used for chronic migraine), and at least one failure being due to inadequate efficacy. Patients who experienced failure on a previous treatment targeting the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) pathway were excluded from participation. Documented evidence of prior migraine treatment failures was supported by medical records or by physicians´ confirmation specific to each treatment in the past 10 years.
In the study, 892 patients were randomized to receive eptinezumab-jjmr 100 mg or 300 mg or placebo by IV infusion. Patients included in the study most frequently experienced treatment failures of topiramate and amitriptyline, with 550(61.8%), 277(31.1%), and 60(6.7%) patients experiencing 2, 3, and 4 prior preventive treatment failures respectively. The primary endpoint was change from baseline in the number of monthly migraine days over Weeks 1-12. Key secondary endpoints included response rates as patients with 50% or greater reduction from baseline in MMDs (Weeks 1-12), response rates of patients with 75% or greater reduction from baseline in MMDs (Weeks 1-12) and change from baseline in the number of MMDs (Weeks 13-24). Other secondary endpoints assessed the effect of eptinezumab-jjmr vs placebo on: 6-item Headache Impact test score (HIT-6), Migraine-specific quality of life (MSQ v2.1), HRQoL (EQ-5D-5L) visual analogue scale (VAS) score, healthcare resources utilization (HCRU), and Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire (WPAI).
The safety and tolerability of eptinezumab-jjmr in the DELIVER study were similar to placebo and consistent with findings from previous eptinezumab-jjmr clinical trials. In DELIVER and earlier eptinezumab-jjmr studies, upper respiratory tract infection, nasopharyngitis, dizziness, and fatigue were the most commonly reported treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs).
About PREVAIL studyPREVAIL was a phase 3, open-label multi-site U.S.-based study that evaluated eptinezumab-jjmr 300 mg intravenous administration in 128 adults with chronic migraine (CM). PREVAIL included two treatment phases: the primary treatment phase included four infusions of eptinezumab-jjmr 12 weeks apart (Day 0, and Weeks 12, 24, and 36); the secondary treatment phase included up to four additional eptinezumab-jjmr infusions 12 weeks apart (Weeks 48, 60, 72, and 84). Further, patients were followed for 20 additional weeks after the final infusion until Week 104. The PREVAIL study evaluated the long-term safety of repeat doses of eptinezumab-jjmr 300 mg in patients with CM, as well as the pharmacokinetics, immunogenicity, and patient-reported outcomes (PROs). Patient-reported outcome measures included the Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) questionnaire, patient-identified most bothersome symptom (PI-MBS) associated with migraine, Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC), and 6-item Headache Impact Test (HIT-6).
About a-PACAPa-PACAP monoclonal antibody is an investigational compound currently under development (phase 2) for the treatment of migraine. The compound is not commercially available globally.
About LundbeckLundbeck is a global biopharmaceutical company focusing exclusively on brain health. With more than 70 years of experience in neuroscience, we are committed to improving the lives of people with neurological and psychiatric diseases.
Brain disorders affect a large part of the world's population, and the effects are felt throughout society. With the rapidly improving understanding of the biology of the brain, we hold ourselves accountable for advancing brain health by curiously exploring new opportunities for treatments.
As a focused innovator, we strive for our research and development programs to tackle some of the most complex neurological challenges. We develop transformative medicines targeting people for whom there are few or no treatments available, expanding into neuro-specialty and neuro-rare from our strong legacy within psychiatry and neurology.
We are committed to fighting stigma and we act to improve health equity. We strive to create long-term value for our shareholders by making positive contributions to patients, their families and society as a whole.
Lundbeck has approximately 5,700 employees in more than 50 countries and our products are available in more than 80 countries.
Lundbeck US comprises the wholly owned US subsidiaries of H. Lundbeck A/S (HLUNa / HLUNb, HLUNA DC / HLUNB DC) ("Lundbeck"), including Lundbeck LLC and Lundbeck Pharmaceuticals LLC. For additional information, please visit Lundbeck.com/us and connect with us on LinkedIn and X at @LundbeckUS.
References
1 Cohen, F., Brooks, C. V., Sun, D., Buse, D. C., Reed, M. L., Fanning, K. M., & Lipton, R. B. (2024). Prevalence and burden of migraine in the United States: A systematic review. Headache, 64(5), 516–532. https://doi.org/10.1111/head.14709 2 Tepper, Stewart J., Joshi, Shivang, Hirman, Joe, et al. Eptinezumab Treatment was Associated with Longer Interictal Periods and Larger Improvements in Quality of Life in Participants With Migraine for Whom 2-4 Prior Preventive Treatments had Failed: A Post Hoc Analysis of the DELIVER Trial. Available at https://headachejournal.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/. Accessed June 4, 2025.3 Blumenfeld, Andrew, Patel, Foram, Kapur, Neha, et al. Retention Rates Across Clinical Trials of Anti-CGRP Monoclonal Antibodies for Migraine Prevention. Available at https://headachejournal.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/. Accessed June 4, 2025.4 Starling, Amaal, Regnier, Stephane, Soni-Brahmbhatt, Seema, et al. Characteristics and Eptinezumab Infusion Experience in Participants in Whom ≥1 Prior Preventive anti-CGRP Treatment had Failed: Interim Results of an Ongoing Real-world Study. Available at https://headachejournal.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/. Accessed June 4, 2025.5 Lipton, Richard B., IOR-02 - Patient perspectives of migraine symptomology: Insights from exit interviews from the anti-PACAP antibody phase 2 HOPE trial for migraine prevention. Available at https://headachejournal.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/. Accessed June 4, 2025.6 Ailani, Jessica, Ashina, Messoud, Awad, Susanne F., et al. Long-term Improvements Following ≥50% Migraine Response to Eptinezumab Treatment in Participants With Migraine: Post Hoc Analysis of the DELIVER Trial. Available at https://headachejournal.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/. Accessed June 4, 2025.7 Starling, Amaal, Kudrow, David, Kapur, Neha, et al. Sustained Reductions in Monthly Headache Days with Long-Term Eptinezumab Treatment for Chronic Migraine: Post-Hoc Analysis of the Phase 3 PREVAIL Study. Available at https://headachejournal.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/. Accessed June 4, 2025.8 Starling, Amaal, Kudrow, David, Kapur, Neha, et al. Sustained Reductions in Monthly Headache Days with Long-Term Eptinezumab Treatment for Chronic Migraine: Post-Hoc Analysis of the Phase 3 PREVAIL Study. Available at https://headachejournal.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/. Accessed June 4, 2025.9 Jensen, Rigmor H., Lundqvist, Christofer, Schytz, Henrik W., et al. Eptinezumab and patient education in chronic migraine and medication-overuse headache: Results from the randomized, placebo-controlled RESOLUTION trial. Available at https://headachejournal.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/. Accessed June 13, 202510 Yu, Shengyuan, Matsumori, Yasuhiko, Kim, Byung-Kun, et al. Efficacy and safety of eptinezumab in chronic migraine: A randomized placebo-controlled trial in a predominantly Asian population. Available at https://headachejournal.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/. Accessed June 13, 2025.11 National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Migraine. Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/migraine. Accessed March 28, 2024.12 GBD 2016 Disease and Injury Incidence and Prevalence Collaborators. Global, regional, and national incidence, prevalence, and years lived with disability for 328 diseases and injuries for 195 countries, 1990-2016: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016 [published correction] appears in Lancet. 2017;390(10100):1211-1259.13 American Headache Society. Headache. 2019; 59: 1–18.14 Buse DC, Fanning KM, Reed ML, et al. Life With Migraine: Effects on Relationships, Career, and Finances From the Chronic Migraine Epidemiology and Outcomes (CaMEO) Study. Headache. 2019;59(8):1286-1299. doi: https://doi.org/10.1111/head.13613.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250617346654/en/
Contacts
Brittany KorbDirector, Product Communications and Patient Advocacybrkr@lundbeck.com
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
17 minutes ago
- Yahoo
No gym? This 3-move bodyweight workout builds full-body strength and sculpts your core
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. I love the feeling of lifting heavy weights, but if I had to ditch them, I would — for this three-move bodyweight workout. It takes less than 20 minutes and only requires an exercise mat, or one of the best yoga mats would work just as well. During the short routine, you'll target and strengthen muscles all over the body, including building a bulletproof core you can brag about. That's if you train consistently, of course; a one-off workout isn't going to build muscle or strength, but when repeated and progressed over time, you'll get stronger and fitter. I recommend giving it a try first thing in the morning to get the blood and oxygen flowing through your muscles, or use it to expel extra energy after a hard day's work. Whichever time of day you like to exercise, one thing is for sure — your body will feel this one the next day. The focus should be on building functional strength and intensity, so try to control each movement and its tempo. Think about the three phases of each movement: concentric, eccentric and isometric. For example, the concentric phase of a push-up is the actual pushing up motion as you meet with the most resistance; the eccentric phase is the lowering phase of the push-up, which should be slow and controlled for this workout; the isometric phase will be the beat or pause at the bottom and top of the push-up. Aim for quality reps over speed, and if your form goes, don't push the reps out for the sake of it. That might mean taking extra rest or adjusting the sets or reps to suit your ability. This routine should be performed as a circuit. Complete all exercises back-to-back, then rest for 60-90 seconds. Aim for 3-5 rounds. Archer push-ups are one of the best chest day variations I can think of if your push-up game is already strong. It helps you focus on one side of the body at a time, helping to strengthen your weaker side and build better balance, control and stability during push-ups. It also requires core and shoulder stabilization to help you stay balanced when using one arm. It's considered an advanced push-up variation, so if you don't yet have this move in the bank, switch to standard push-ups. To progress further, try a one-arm push-up instead. Avoid sagging hips or rotating your body to one side. Start in a push-up position Extend your right arm out to the side with the palm flat on the floor Slowly lower your chest towards the floor for the count of 3, keeping your body in a straight line and bending your left elbow Pause at the bottom of the push-up Explosively push back up to the starting position, engaging your core and triceps while you move and drawing your extended arm back to the starting position Reps: 6 per side Pistol squats are the ultimate test of single-leg strength, balance and mobility and core strength. If you have tight ankles, consider elevating your standing heel on a barbell plate or book. If this doesn't feel accessible, hold on to something for balance, or learn the box pistol squat instead. Stand with your feet hip-width apart Extend one leg straight out in front of you, away from the ground Slowly bend your standing knee and lower into a single-leg squat for 4 seconds, keeping your chest up and your back straight Lower as far as you can without lifting your ankle (standing leg) away from the ground or allowing your knee to cave in Pause at the bottom Drive through your heel to explosively stand Reps: 6 per side If you're into your calisthenics workouts, you may be well-acquainted with this move already. The planche lean requires shoulder, arm, core and wrist strength and teaches the body to maintain tension — crucial for static holds like planks or tuck crunches. Start in a high plank position Rotate your hands slightly outwards and push through your hands to broaden through your shoulders Keep your legs straight and engage your core, then lean your body forward, shifting your weight into your shoulders past your hands. The more you lean, the harder Try to come on to your tiptoes and gently suck your belly button toward your spine Hold: 20-30 seconds Progression comes from intensity, so if you're cruising through this routine, chances are you need to increase the intensity. You could add sets or reps or increase the time spent in the planche hold, for example. If you reach the end of your reps and you could easily pump out more, then add reps. Alternatively, reduce the rest between rounds or add rounds. Another way to increase intensity is tempo or time under tension. The longer your muscles spend working, the more challenging this routine will feel. Try to slow down the eccentric phase to increase time under tension and challenge muscles even more. Lastly, consider a variation of the same exercise. As mentioned, you could try a single-arm push-up or add weight to your pistol squat. You could also try lifting one or both legs away from the ground during the planche, or drawing your knees to your chest, which is known as a tuck planche. No, not push-ups — try the 'steering wheel' exercise to strengthen your upper body instead I teach weightlifting for a living — 3 moves build full-body muscle and crush your core in just 15 minutes You don't need planks to strengthen your deep core muscles — try the 'tuck crunch' bodyweight exercise instead
Yahoo
17 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Best electric toothbrushes for kids 2025
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. With Prime Day just around the corner, now is the perfect time to consider one of the best electric toothbrushes for kids. With their various colors, designs and features, these toothbrushes can help encourage your child to develop good brushing habits. From interactive options like the Philips Sonicare for Kids to the unusually shaped AutoBrush Sonic Pro, a child-friendly electric toothbrush can transform a potential tantrum into a fun part of the evening routine. Live Science spoke to Karen Coates, a dental nurse and oral health educator, who agreed that kid-friendly toothbrushes can be vital to their oral care: 'Children's toothbrushes have lots of color and characters which can appeal to children and help get them more into looking after their teeth," she explained. Quality is important when it comes to electric toothbrushes for kids. As a parent, you want to be assured you're purchasing something that will take care of your child's oral hygiene. That's where we come in. Our expert reviewers, and their children, have tested a variety of electric toothbrushes designed for toddlers and pre-schoolers. The little ones have provided their feedback while our reviewers comment on their ability to encourage regular brushing. If you would like to know more about how we test, you can read more below about our testing protocol. If you are wondering if your child is ready for an electric toothbrush, or whether electric is even the best option, scroll down to our FAQs section below. Looking to upgrade your own device? We have also picked the best electric toothbrushes for adults. Best overall With its excellent battery life, interchangeable brush heads, colorful child-friendly design and fun-filled app that guides children in improving their brushing technique, the Oral-B Kids electric toothbrush takes our top spot. Read more below View Deal Best for monitoring progress The app that accompanies the Philips Sonicare for kids is packed with personalized brushing tips as well as animated rewards, all encouraging children to brush properly. It also allows you as parent to monitor their progress. Read more below View Deal Best looking With its striking design and colourful silicone coating the Foreo Issa Kids certainly looks great on a bathroom shelf. However, it does come with a hefty price tag, and doesn't have any connected apps to monitor progress or encourage brushing. Read more below View Deal Best for reluctant brushers It takes only 30 seconds to brush teeth, has three light modes for added sanitation and it's certainly innovative and a quirky child-friendly shape. But the drawback is that the AutoBrush Sonic Pro may not reach some of the back teeth. Read more below View Deal Best for interactive play The BriteBrush comes with fun games that can be a real game-changer when it comes to transforming your child's dental hygiene. It's also affordably priced. However, its brush heads do fray quickly, and it can be quite loud. Read more below View Deal Best for traveling Battery-powered for no fuss while away, this Colgate Kids toothbrush offers simple features and encourages independent brushing which can continue even when away from home. Read more below View Deal Image 1 of 3 Image 2 of 3 Image 3 of 3 Best overall: This is the best electric toothbrush for most kids Battery/Rechargeable: Rechargeable | Battery life: Up to 5 days | Timer?: Yes | Modes: 2 | Warranty: 2-year limited warranty | Cost of replacement heads: $15.90 for 4 Comes with a Disney-themed app Customizable design Round brush head for small mouths Handset may be too large for young children Only comes with one brush head Buy it if ✅ You want to instill good brushing habits: The app is packed with fun challenges to encourage brushing. ✅ You are looking for a toothbrush for a younger child: It includes a sensitive mode that is easy on sensitive gums. ✅ You want excellent value: This affordable toothbrush boasts great performance, and it looks good, too. Don't buy it if ❌ You need multiple spare brush heads included: Only one head is supplied. ❌ You want a feature-packed app: The app is a valuable addition, but it is fairly basic. The bottom line 🔎 Oral-B Kids: This Disney-themed toothbrush won our seal of approval, combining great brushing performance, a customizable design and an affordable price. The only caveat? No spare brush heads. ★★★★½ The Oral-B Kids electric toothbrush is suitable for kids as young as three years old, and uses an oscillating-rotating movement to clean your children's teeth. For our full Oral-B Kids Electric Toothbrush review, we tested the Frozen-themed toothbrush, but other available themes that will appeal to young children are the Star Wars, Disney Princesses and Pixar Kids options, though note that prices may vary. The first thing we noticed on unboxing the Oral-B toothbrush is that the initial package comes with just the one toothbrush, so you will need to purchase refills fairly quickly - or straight away if you are buying for more than one child. However, that really is the only drawback. The rechargeable toothbrush has an excellent battery life, lasting for around eight days between charges. That makes it holiday and sleepover friendly too. Some of the models, including the Frozen II model we tested, come with a free Disney Magic Timer app. To use this you simply download the app, scan the toothbrush and brush. Children can brush alongside some of their favourite Disney or Pixar characters, and collect stickers for good brushing technique. The app issues a reminder every 30 seconds to prompt kids to switch the position of the brush in their mouth, while a 2 minute timer tells them when it is time to stop. Younger children may prefer to choose the Sensitive mode, while the Daily Clean mode may suit older children better. We did find some negative reviews mentioning problems scanning the toothbrush in order to match kids favorite characters in the app, while some parents did report a build-up of mold and dirt on the toothbrush where the head connects with the handle. However, it's worth pointing out that these negative reviews are few and far between. Read our full Oral-B Kids Electric Toothbrush review Attributes Notes Design Small, round brush head with extra-soft bristles. Performance It is fairly noisy (65 dB), but provides a thorough clean. Functionality Easy to customize and use for toddlers. Back to the top ⤴ Image 1 of 3 Image 2 of 3 Image 3 of 3 Best for monitoring brushing progress: This toothbrush will allow you to track your child's brushing history Battery/Rechargeable: Rechargeable | Battery life: Up to 2 weeks | Timer?: Yes | Modes: 2 | Warranty: 2-year limited warranty | Cost of replacement heads: $19.95 for 2 Interactive fun app Customizable design Includes both standard and compact brush head Novelty might wear off Handset may be too large for young children Replacement brush heads are expensive Buy it if ✅ You want a customizable design: The toothbrush comes with 10 colorful stickers which can be wrapped around the handset. ✅ You want to monitor your child's brushing progress: Both the brush and the app store brushing history. ✅ You are looking for great brushing performance: It delivers a thorough clean that is easy on the gums. Don't buy it if ❌ You are on a budget: The brush and particularly spare brush heads are on the expensive side. ❌ You have a very young child: The handset may be too big for little hands. The bottom line 🔎 Philips Sonicare for Kids: This toothbrush is a great all-rounder: sturdy, reliable and packed with features that encourage good brushing habits. While not the cheapest, it offers good value for money. ★★★★★ In our full review of the Philips Sonicare for Kids we gave the brush a rare five star rating. We were impressed by its smart features, the customisable design and the interactive app which can make brushing sessions much more fun for young children. The Philips Sonicare is suitable for children aged three and older. The app is simple to use and once downloaded to a phone or tablet it connects to the Bluetooth-enabled handset, offering personalized brushing tips as well as animated rewards. These can really help kids to make sure they brush in those tricky hard-to-reach and often neglected spots. The app also keeps information on your child's brushing history, so you can double check they are staying on track even if you aren't able to supervise in person. The brush itself will store 20 brushing sessions before it runs out of space, so you don't need to synch to the app constantly if your phone isn't to hand. A handy two minute timer encourages kids to brush for the recommended time, while timers every 30 seconds prompt them to move the brush around the four quadrants of the mouth, resulting in a thorough clean. The Philips Sonicare for Kids has an appeaing, colorful and customizable design, coming with 10 stickers that wrap around the handset. That means your child can instantly update their toothbrush to the design of their choice. The toothbrush also features 2 power modes - a low mode for younger children and a more powerful mode for older kids. You can also buy smaller toothbrush heads for younger children if the toothbrush head provided is too big for your little one. Read our full Philips Sonicare For Kids review Attributes Notes Design Two brush heads: Standard for older children, Compact for toddlers. Performance It is relatively quiet (38 dB) and provides a thorough clean. Functionality Toddlers may struggle with gripping the toothbrush. Back to the top ⤴ Image 1 of 3 Image 2 of 3 Image 3 of 3 Best looking: This toothbrush is a stylish addition to the bathroom shelf Battery/Rechargeable: Rechargeable | Battery life: 1 hour charge gives 265 uses | Timer?: Yes | Modes: 1 | Warranty: 2-year limited warranty | Cost of replacement heads: From $16 for 1 Sleek and stylish design 265-day battery life Quad pacing reminder Silicone brush may feel strange to some children Kids need to manually brush Replacement heads can be hard to find Buy it if ✅ You want a stylish design: The toothbrush is soft to touch and features striking looks ✅ You are looking for soft bristles: Its shallow silicone bristles are easy on the gums. ✅ You want a long battery life: It offers up to a whopping 265 uses on a single charge. Don't buy it if ❌ You are on a budget: It is one of the most expensive toothbrushes on the market. ❌ You want a dedicated app: There's no useful content to help encourage or improve brushing technique. The bottom line 🔎 Foreo Issa Kids: This beautifully designed toothbrush boasts long battery life and an ergonomic handset. It is, however, quite expensive, and there is no app to encourage or reward good brushing technique. ★★★★ Foreo is a brand known for its beautifully designed sonic toothbrushes, and the Foreo Issa Kids model is no exception. Its design is truly distinctive and will stand out on any bathroom shelf. It also comes in four different colors. As with all Foreo brushes, this model is made from silicone. That's silicone not just for the toothbrush handle but the toothbrush heads too, which makes them all very easy to keep clean and hygienic. The shallow silicone bristles of the brush heads are particularly kind to growing gums. Foreo actually claim that their brushes remove 30% more plaque, giving your child's oral hygiene a 140% boost. During our full review of the Foreo ISSA Kids, we found that children certainly like the texture and soft silky feel of the ergonomically designed handset. Each different color of the brush comes with its own animal character, so you can choose from rose nose hippo, true blue pony, merry berry shark, or mellow yellow gator. The handset also features a light-up smiling 'Glee' or sad 'Glum' face. The former appears if the child brushes for the recommended two minutes, while Glum appears if they switch off the toothbrush early, or if they haven't used it for more than 12 hours. The Foreo Issa Kids also features a 30-second quadrant pacer, alerting your child to switch position in their mouth and make sure they cover all their teeth. The rechargable battery is particularly impressive, offering up to 265 brushing sessions from just a single hour of charge. The brush also comes with a USB charger so is very easy and flexible when it comes to charging on the go. There's no doubt you get what you pay for with the Foreo Issa Kids, but it is still one of the most expensive kids' toothbrushes on the market. Replacement toothbrush heads are near-impossible to track down in grocery stores or pharmacies, so you'll almost certainly have to find and buy them online. Read our full Foreo ISSA Kids review Attributes Notes Design Soft, flexible silicone bristles on an angled head. Performance It is quiet (35 dB) and suitable for kids with sensitive teeth. Functionality Toddler-friendly size. Back to the top ⤴ Image 1 of 5 Image 2 of 5 Image 3 of 5 Image 4 of 5 Image 5 of 5 Best for reluctant brushers: This unusual and fun-shaped brush is a game changer for fussy kids Battery/Rechargeable: Rechargeable | Timer?: 30 - 60s | Modes: 3 | Light therapy: yes Cleans in just 30 seconds Offers three cleaning modes Three light therapy modes, including whitening Struggles to reach back teeth Fairly noisy Tricky shape to get used to Buy it if ✅ Your child really struggles with regular brushing: Its unique design allows for an ultra-quick clean. ✅ You want a brush that actively improves gum health: It features a gum massaging mode and LED light therapy. Don't buy it if ❌ You are on a budget: It costs nearly $100. ❌ You are looking for a truly thorough clean: It may not be able to reach back teeth. What the users say 🔎 Autobrush Sonic Pro for Kids: With its innovative design, 30s brushing cycle and three light therapy modes, this fun-shaped toothbrush is a game-changer for truly reluctant brushers. However, its unusual shape may be tricky to get used to. ★★★★ The Autobrush Sonic Pro for Kids is a truly unusual and innovative design. Instead of the standard design of a single interchangeable brush head on a handset, it has U-shaped bristles. These are designed to reach and clean all the teeth simultaneously — hence only taking 30s to complete a full brushing cycle. If your child really struggles with brushing and hates having a brush in their mouth for the full recommended two minutes, this is a real game changer. As well as being truly time-efficient, the Sonic Pro also looks great too. The colorful designs and catchy music tunes will certainly brighten up your child's dental routine. However, during our full AutoBrush Sonic Pro for Kids review we did find that its unusual shape may be tricky to get used to. The AutoBrush Sonic Pro for Kids features three cleaning modes: Care mode for those with sensitive gums and teeth, a Deep Clean mode, and a Massage mode for gentle gum stimulation. It features BASS technology which uses up to 30,000 high-frequency vibrations per minute to remove plaque and leave the teeth squeaky clean, while its three LED light modes help to remove bacteria and boost gum health. However, we found that due to its unique design, the AutoBrush Sonic Pro for kids may struggle to reach some of the back teeth. It can also be relatively noisy. Read our full AutoBrush Sonic Pro for Kids review Attributes Notes Design Soft U-shaped bristles encased in waterproof rubber. Performance Time-efficient, but it does not provide a thorough clean.. Functionality Suitable for children aged up to 12. Back to the top ⤴ Image 1 of 2 Image 2 of 2 Best for interactive play and smart sensor technology: This toothbrush will keep your child entertained for a thorough clean Battery/Rechargeable: Battery (2 AAA batteries, included) | Timer?: Yes | Modes: 1 | Warranty: 1-year warranty | Cost of replacement heads: $9.99 for 3 Fun and interactive games Parent check light Very loud Weak technology Replacement brush heads expensive Buy it if ✅ You are on a budget: It is affordably priced, and unusually, so are the replacement brush heads. ✅ You want to instill good brushing habits: It is packed with fun features that encourage your child to brush regularly. Don't buy it if ❌ You want sensitive sensors: The brush struggles to detect pressure. ❌ You are looking for a durable brush: Its bristles fray quickly. The bottom line 🔎 BriteBrush: This colorful toothbrush is a real joy to use, but its durability and brushing performance fall short of expectations. ★★★ The BriteBrush comes with the options of three distinctive designs: Baby Shark, Sesame Elmo and Game Brush and is suitable for children as young as three. Whichever design you chose, it will come loaded with interactive, enjoyable games and music to really help encourage your child to brush thoroughly and effectively. During our full BriteBrush GameBrush review, we found that the brush did a good job of encouraging children to brush up and down. However, the sensors didn't always manage to detect when the child was doing that already. This led to the game being interrupted by reminders to do something the child was already doing, which led to some understandable frustration. The 'side recognition technology' didn't appear to work at all. The games continued on, regardless of whether the children changed the side of their mouth they were cleaning or not. This means that parents may need to continue supervising their children to make sure they do cover the whole mouth. Our verdict? It is affordably priced, and packed with fun features, so most kids will find the BriteBrush fun to use at first. However, the lack of all features working properly can lead to a frustrating experience for kids and parents alike. Read our full BriteBrush GameBrush review Attributes Notes Design Two brush heads included in the pack. Performance Loud (70 dB) and under-performing. Functionality The brush head may be too big for toddlers. Image 1 of 4 Image 2 of 4 Image 3 of 4 Image 4 of 4 Best for traveling: Battery-powered with simple features, this brush is ideal for holidays with the kids. Battery/Rechargeable: Battery (1 AA battery, included) | Timer?: No | Modes: 1 | Warranty: Not specified | Cost of replacement heads: Not available Fun designs Soft bristles AA-battery powered Lack of timer No advanced features No replacement brush heads Buy it if ✅ You are on a budget: This toothbrush doesn't cost much more than a standard toothbrush and can help remove plaque more effectively. ✅ You want to encourage independent brushing: The child-pleasing designs can help encourage your young one to brush regularly, while the flat head and ergonomic handle aid independent brushing. Don't buy it if ❌ You want a timer: This brush doesn't come with a timer and so suits younger children better. ❌ You want replacement brush heads: Once this brush is exhausted, sadly, it will have to go into landfill as replacement heads are not available. The bottom line 🔎 Colgate Kids battery-powered toothbrush: This brush makes brushing fun with its colorful designs while the ergonomic handle and soft bristles encourage independent brushing ★★★½ We think the Colgate Kids battery-powered toothbrush is the ideal toothbrush for kids while traveling due to its simplicity and battery-powered functionality. There is no fuss with this toothbrush — it does what it says on the tin. During our full Colgate Kids battery-powered toothbrush review, our little tester enjoyed the soft bristles while our reviewer noted it was lightweight and very quiet. Perfect qualities for a toothbrush to take traveling. Not only that, but being battery-powered means you won't have to worry about remembering to charge the brush while away — one less holiday stress. This toothbrush comes in various designs including Batman, Barbie and Trolls, making it attractive to your little ones. This brush is simple with no advanced features or timers so would best suit those looking to move from manual to electric brushing. The ergonomic handle and flat brush head also encourage independent brushing. And, with it being so compact and light, building these good habits can continue while traveling. Plus, this toothbrush is completely waterproof making it safe for use in the shower or bath, if this is where your child prefers to brush their teeth. Our verdict? You can't beat the Colgate Kids battery-powered toothbrush's simplicity, making it a great option for holidays and the like. The colorful designs appeal to your little ones while the battery-powered element takes the pressure off having to remember to charge it every day while away. Read our full Colgate Kids battery-powered toothbrush review Attributes Notes Design One brush head included in the pack. Performance Quiet (32 dB) and simple features. Functionality Soft bristles but the brush head is larger than some. Back to the top ⤴ Model Rating ✅Pros ❌Cons Type Battery life Oral-B Kids ★★★★½ Small brush head, app, price. Big handset, noisy. Rotating 5 days Philips Sonicare for Kids ★★★★★ Customization, performance, app. Big brush head, price. Sonic 2 weeks Foreo ISSA Kids ★★★★ Soft bristles, stylish design, battery life. Relatively expensive, no apps. Sonic 265 uses Autobrush Sonic Pro for Kids ★★★★ Time efficiency, LED light therapy, features. Relatively expensive, quite noisy. Sonic 7 days BriteBrush Game Brush ★★★ Fun features, affordable, battery-powered. Frays quickly, noisy, weak pressure sensor. Sonic 60 days Colgate Kids battery-powered toothbrush ★★★½ Fun designs, soft bristles, fuss-free battery-powered. No advanced features or timer, no replacement brush heads. Rotating Limited While both electric and manual toothbrushes can be effective tools in keeping children's teeth clean and healthy, studies suggest that electric can have an advantage. A meta-analysis published in 2023 in the Dentistry Journal found that children who use an electric toothbrush may be able to remove more plaque than those brushing purely by hand with a manual toothbrush. Yes, children's brushes are different from the best electric toothbrushes for adults, not just in design but in features too. Children's toothbrushes usually feature smaller handles for smaller hands, as well as softer bristles for young gums. The apps they come with can also really help with motivation and technique. When it comes to effectiveness of brushing, they offer the same benefits as adult brushes, according to a 2023 meta-analysis published in the Dentistry Journal. 'Most children can begin using their own electric toothbrush from age three. However, they should be supervised by an adult until they are seven years old,' Karen Coates, a registered dental nurse, told Live Science. That's because while young children may be enthusiastic brushers, they still need help in developing their technique, she explained. Meanwhile children under the age of three should have their teeth brushed by their caregiver. "They should be using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste and whatever toothbrush best fits their specific needs," Dr. Roopali Kulkarni, an assistant professor of oral medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, told Live Science. When it comes to purchasing an electric toothbrush for your child, it's important to find the best age-appropriate model. There are plenty of options on the market, with some brushes designed for the youngest children and others designed with older children in mind. It's a good idea to try and find a model that has a Seal of Acceptance from the American Dental Association (ADA). "The ADA Seal was established to help the public identify oral health products that have been independently reviewed by the ADA to ensure that they are safe and effective," Kulkarni explained. Another thing to consider is how you will power the brush. Battery-powered brushes tend to be cheaper when it comes to the intial purchase, but the cost of replacement batteries can soon add up. There is also the risk that as battery levels start to dwindle, your child's toothbrush may start to slow down and clean less effectively. Electric rechargeable models may therefore end up being a cheaper investment in the long run. However, if you're not sure, you can always start with a cheaper battery-operated model and see how your child gets on with it, before investing in a more expensive rechargeable device. Make sure the brush head is small enough to be used comfortably by your child. "Children may have difficulties with manual dexterity, so you should be looking at electric toothbrushes which have long thin necks that can easily reach the back of their mouth," Coates said. It's also important that the size of the handset fits your children's hands comfortably, as you want them to be able to use the brush for two minutes on each use. Your next step may be to look for features that you think would help your child develop and maintain good brushing habits. These may include a two-minute timer and quadrant pacing. "This is a timer which helps you to spend equal time over all the parts of your mouth. Every thirty seconds it would send out a noise telling you to move to the next section or quarter of your mouth," Coates said. An appealing design can really help. "Children may find that brushing with a powered toothbrush is fun; particularly with all of their colors, sparkles and cartoon characters," Kulkarni said. However, there is always the danger that your child may outgrow their current favorite TV character before they outgrow their brush, so you could find yourself needing a new brush sooner than you had hoped just to keep up their interest and enthusiasm for brushing. The most important thing to remember is that even if they love their new brush, they still need adult supervision. Watching your child brush their teeth, helping them out to encourage thorough cleaning and improving their brushing technique, and praising them when they do a good job is what makes the biggest difference to their oral hygiene. Back to the top ⤴ Our reviewers. We test the electric toothbrushes for kids on the people they are actually designed for — children. Supervised by a parent or guardian, our child testers will run the toothbrush on its various settings and modes to give their ultimate verdict. They have tested nearly a dozen different models over the years, so you can trust them when they say if something does the job well or falls behind expectations. However, we know that children are occasionally not the most objective or experienced reviewers, so we naturally also rely on our adult testers to provide a detailed assessment of every toothbrush they, or their children, test. Each gadget is tested for at least a week before we rank it across the following categories: Design. We thoroughly assess how well the toothbrush is made, looking at its size, appearance, durability, and ease of use. We give our verdict on its controls, brush head, handle and its general appeal to children. We also take note of any design tweaks that can help the children develop good brushing habits. We also note whether the brush comes with any accessories or spare brush heads. Features. We test every single feature of the toothbrush, including many brushing modes and intensity levels it offers. We check and test any connected apps it comes with and assess any smart features. We also check if the toothbrush helps guide your children on their brushing technique and whether it allows you to track their brushing progress. We also assess how customizable it is. Performance. We measure how loud the toothbrush is with a decibel counter app (such as the Sound Meter app). We then compare these results to similar appliances. We run and use the toothbrush on all its settings and modes, noting any differences in intensity and durations between settings. We also thoroughly test the charging process, including how long it takes to reach a full charge, and how long the toothbrush lasts before the battery depletes. Value for money. Finally, we give our verdict on the most important issue: is it worth the money? After testing, all feedback is collated to award electric toothbrushes a final star rating, with a maximum score of five. February 4, 2025: We added more specs to the 'Comparison' table and corrected a handful of broken links.
Yahoo
17 minutes ago
- Yahoo
How can the James Webb Space Telescope see so far?
Curious Kids is a series for children of all ages. If you have a question you'd like an expert to answer, send it to CuriousKidsUS@ How does the camera on the James Webb Space Telescope work and see so far out? – Kieran G., age 12, Minnesota Imagine a camera so powerful it can see light from galaxies that formed more than 13 billion years ago. That's exactly what NASA's James Webb Space Telescope is built to do. Since it launched in December 2021, Webb has been orbiting more than a million miles from Earth, capturing breathtaking images of deep space. But how does it actually work? And how can it see so far? The secret lies in its powerful cameras – especially ones that don't see light the way our eyes do. I'm an astrophysicist who studies galaxies and supermassive black holes, and the Webb telescope is an incredible tool for observing some of the earliest galaxies and black holes in the universe. When Webb takes a picture of a distant galaxy, astronomers like me are actually seeing what that galaxy looked like billions of years ago. The light from that galaxy has been traveling across space for the billions of years it takes to reach the telescope's mirror. It's like having a time machine that takes snapshots of the early universe. By using a giant mirror to collect ancient light, Webb has been discovering new secrets about the universe. Unlike regular cameras or even the Hubble Space Telescope, which take images of visible light, Webb is designed to see a kind of light that's invisible to your eyes: infrared light. Infrared light has longer wavelengths than visible light, which is why our eyes can't detect it. But with the right instruments, Webb can capture infrared light to study some of the earliest and most distant objects in the universe. Although the human eye cannot see it, people can detect infrared light as a form of heat using specialized technology, such as infrared cameras or thermal sensors. For example, night-vision goggles use infrared light to detect warm objects in the dark. Webb uses the same idea to study stars, galaxies and planets. Why infrared? When visible light from faraway galaxies travels across the universe, it stretches out. This is because the universe is expanding. That stretching turns visible light into infrared light. So, the most distant galaxies in space don't shine in visible light anymore – they glow in faint infrared. That's the light Webb is built to detect. Before the light reaches the cameras, it first has to be collected by the Webb telescope's enormous golden mirror. This mirror is over 21 feet (6.5 meters) wide and made of 18 smaller mirror pieces that fit together like a honeycomb. It's coated in a thin layer of real gold – not just to look fancy, but because gold reflects infrared light extremely well. The mirror gathers light from deep space and reflects it into the telescope's instruments. The bigger the mirror, the more light it can collect – and the farther it can see. Webb's mirror is the largest ever launched into space. The most important 'eyes' of the telescope are two science instruments that act like cameras: NIRCam and MIRI. NIRCam stands for near-infrared camera. It's the primary camera on Webb and takes stunning images of galaxies and stars. It also has a coronagraph – a device that blocks out starlight so it can photograph very faint objects near bright sources, such as planets orbiting bright stars. NIRCam works by imaging near-infrared light, the type closest to what human eyes can almost see, and splitting it into different wavelengths. This helps scientists learn not just what something looks like but what it's made of. Different materials in space absorb and emit infrared light at specific wavelengths, creating a kind of unique chemical fingerprint. By studying these fingerprints, scientists can uncover the properties of distant stars and galaxies. MIRI, or the mid-infrared instrument, detects longer infrared wavelengths, which are especially useful for spotting cooler and dustier objects, such as stars that are still forming inside clouds of gas. MIRI can even help find clues about the types of molecules in the atmospheres of planets that might support life. Both cameras are far more sensitive than the standard cameras used on Earth. NIRCam and MIRI can detect the tiniest amounts of heat from billions of light-years away. If you had Webb's NIRCam as your eyes, you could see the heat from a bumblebee on the Moon. That's how sensitive it is. Because Webb is trying to detect faint heat from faraway objects, it needs to keep itself as cold as possible. That's why it carries a giant sun shield about the size of a tennis court. This five-layer sun shield blocks heat from the Sun, Earth and even the Moon, helping Webb stay incredibly cold: around -370 degrees F (-223 degrees C). MIRI needs to be even colder. It has its own special refrigerator, called a cryocooler, to keep it chilled to nearly -447 degrees F (-266 degrees C). If Webb were even a little warm, its own heat would drown out the distant signals it's trying to detect. Once light reaches the Webb telescope's cameras, it hits sensors called detectors. These detectors don't capture regular photos like a phone camera. Instead, they convert the incoming infrared light into digital data. That data is then sent back to Earth, where scientists process it into full-color images. The colors we see in Webb's pictures aren't what the camera 'sees' directly. Because infrared light is invisible, scientists assign colors to different wavelengths to help us understand what's in the image. These processed images help show the structure, age and composition of galaxies, stars and more. By using a giant mirror to collect invisible infrared light and sending it to super-cold cameras, Webb lets us see galaxies that formed just after the universe began. Hello, curious kids! Do you have a question you'd like an expert to answer? Ask an adult to send your question to CuriousKidsUS@ Please tell us your name, age and the city where you live. And since curiosity has no age limit – adults, let us know what you're wondering, too. We won't be able to answer every question, but we will do our best. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Adi Foord, University of Maryland, Baltimore County Read more: Could a telescope ever see the beginning of time? An astronomer explains How the James Webb Space Telescope has revealed a surprisingly bright, complex and element-filled early universe – podcast James Webb Space Telescope: An astronomer explains the stunning, newly released first images Adi Foord does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
