Search
Research
Optimization of blood handling and peripheral blood mononuclear cell cryopreservation of low cell number samplesRural/remote blood collection can cause delays in processing, reducing PBMC number, viability, cell composition and function. To mitigate these impacts, blood was stored at 4◦ C prior to processing. Viable cell number, viability, immune phenotype, and Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) release were measured.
Research
A Meta-analysis on the Role of Children in Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 in Household Transmission ClustersThe role of children in the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) remains highly controversial. To address this issue, we performed a meta-analysis of the published literature on household SARS-CoV-2 transmission clusters (n = 213 from 12 countries). Only 8 (3.8%) transmission clusters were identified as having a pediatric index case.
Research
Targeting host-microbial interactions to develop otitis media therapiesOtitis media (OM; middle ear infection) is the most common reason for pre-school children to visit a doctor, be prescribed antimicrobials, or undergo surgery. Recent Cochrane reviews of clinical trials have identified that antibiotics and grommet surgery are only moderately effective in treating OM, with recurrent or persistent infection observed in one-third of children. Research efforts are focusing on developing improved therapies to treat OM and prevent disease recurrence.
Research
Gestational age and child development at school entryStudies have reported a dose-dependent relationship between gestational age and poorer school readiness. The study objective was to quantify the risk of developmental vulnerability for children at school entry, associated with gestational age at birth and to understand the impact of sociodemographic and other modifiable risk factors on these relationships. Linkage of population-level birth registration, hospital, and perinatal datasets to the Australian Early Development Census (AEDC), enabled follow-up of a cohort of 64,810 singleton children, from birth to school entry in either 2009, 2012, or 2015.
Research
Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of selected zoonotic viral hemorrhagic fevers in TanzaniaTo determine the seroprevalence of selected zoonotic viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHFs) and their associated risk factors in Tanzania.
News & Events
Homes crucial for healthy earsThe Kids researchers discovered that overcrowding is the strongest predictor of carriage of bacteria that cause otitis media
Research
Self-Compassion, Wellbeing, and Distress in Adolescents and Young Adults with Chronic Medical Conditions: the Mediating Role of Emotion Regulation DifficultiesAdolescents and young adults with chronic medical conditions report higher distress and lower wellbeing than their physically healthy peers. Previous research suggests that self-compassion is negatively correlated with distress and positively correlated with wellbeing among healthy young people, as well as adults with chronic medical conditions.
Research
Prebiotic Supplementation During Pregnancy Modifies the Gut Microbiota and Increases Metabolites in Amniotic Fluid, Driving a Tolerogenic Environment In UteroThe gut microbiota is influenced by environmental factors such as food. Maternal diet during pregnancy modifies the gut microbiota composition and function, leading to the production of specific compounds that are transferred to the fetus and enhance the ontogeny and maturation of the immune system. Prebiotics are fermented by gut bacteria, leading to the release of short-chain fatty acids that can specifically interact with the immune system, inducing a switch toward tolerogenic populations and therefore conferring health benefits.
Research
Review of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peopleFetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a preventable, lifelong disability that disproportionately affects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of the available information on FASD among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, with reference to the limitations on population-based data and evaluated programs.
Research
Immunological mechanisms of vaccine-induced protection against COVID-19 in humansMost COVID-19 vaccines are designed to elicit immune responses, ideally neutralizing antibodies (NAbs), against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Several vaccines, including mRNA, adenoviral-vectored, protein subunit and whole-cell inactivated virus vaccines, have now reported efficacy in phase III trials and have received emergency approval in many countries.
News & Events
Why tiny dust mites are a big problemThe molecular studies of Professor Wayne Thomas, particularly on house dust mites, have provided new understandings of allergy and new diagnostics.
Research
Small nucleolar RNA networks are up-regulated during human anaphylaxisAnaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction driven primarily by the activation of mast cells. We still fail to understand factors underlying reaction severity. Furthermore, there is currently no reliable diagnostic test to confirm anaphylaxis in the emergency department.
News & Events
Vaccine trial aims to curb ‘superbug’Sarah Le Roi knows well how debilitating Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) can be. She was struck down with the 'superbug' while on holiday in the US.
News & Events
Child and Family Centres providing important support for parentsTasmania's Child and Family Centres are having a positive impact on parent's use and experiences of services and supports for young children
News & Events
Thanks for coming to our Open DayThank you to everyone who visited The Kids Research Institute Australia's Open Day on October 8. We welcomed more than 700 guests to the Institute to discover our research.
News & Events
The goal of Project Childrens' Cancer is to discover new, less toxic therapiesThe goal of Project Children's Cancer is to discover new therapies that are more effective and less toxic to fight aggressive cancers in babies and children.
News & Events
Tumour treatment needs targeted approachAdvances in gene and molecular technology finally explain why brain tumour cells that look the same, behave and respond differently to treatment.
News & Events
Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Research Seminar Series 2014Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Research Seminar Series 2014.Genetic and functional studies of leishmaniasis: understanding the role of HLA
News & Events
Key study unveils significant link between hospital admissions and kids with ADHDNew research from The Kids Research Institute Australia has revealed a significant link between kids with severe ADHD and higher rates of early childhood hospital admissions.
News & Events
Australia's medical research community unites to champion the Medical Research Future FundWestern Australia's three largest medical research institutes have joined other institutes across the nation in support of enhanced public investment in health