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Research

The effects of in utero vitamin D deficiency on airway smooth muscle mass and lung function

In this study, we aimed to uncover the molecular mechanisms contributing to altered lung structure and function.

News & Events

Getting through to young people on sun safety and vaping

Researchers from The Kids Research Institute Australia and Cancer Council WA will team up on two projects aimed at identifying the most effective public health messaging for young people around SunSmart behaviours and how to stop vaping.

Research

Associations between sun exposure, skin pH, and epidermal permeability in pregnancy: A longitudinal observational study

Little is known about how sun exposure may affect the maternal skin barrier during pregnancy when many hormonal and physiological changes occur. In this longitudinal observational study, 50 pregnant women were recruited at 18-24 weeks' gestation, 25 in summer-autumn, and 25 in winter-spring. At three time points in pregnancy at 18-24, 28-30, and 36-38 weeks' gestation, participants completed a validated sun exposure questionnaire and had skin permeability and surface pH measured on the volar forearm.

News & Events

Chronic lung disease link targeted in new research study

A link between chronic lung disease and low Vitamin D levels is the focus of a new study just started by the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research.

News & Events

The value of Vitamin D

Research has shown that vitamin D levels can have an impact on many aspects of a child's health, including lung growth, language development and eating patterns

News & Events

Government funding for innovative sun safety online tool for teens

The Kids researcher Dr Shelley Gorman has received a Healthway grant to develop an online tool to promote safe sun behaviours to teenagers.

News & Events

Sun safe: balancing the risks and benefits

The D-Light program, set up in 2014, aims to shed light on the amount of sun exposure that will promote good health in children and adolescents.

Research

Developing an Online Tool to Promote Safe Sun Behaviors With Young Teenagers as Co-researchers

Despite education about the risks of excessive sun exposure, teenagers in Australia are sun-seeking, with sunburn common in summer. Conversely, some regular (time-limited) exposure to sunlight (that avoids sunburn) is necessary for vitamin D and healthy bones and other molecules important for immune and metabolic health. New interventions are thus required to better support teenagers to make healthy and balanced decisions about their sun behaviors.