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Research

Egg allergy affects almost 1 in 10 Australian infants. Early egg introduction has been associated with a reduced risk in developing egg allergy; however, the immune mechanisms underlying this protection remain unclear.

Research

Energy drinks (ED) are popular among young people despite evidence of associated health risks. Research into the prevalence and pattern of ED intake among young people is sparse. The present study investigates the prevalence and pattern of ED intake among a large sample of adolescents, including how many consume them, how often, for what reasons and in what contexts.

We wanted to assess bone mineral content and bone mass density in girls and women in our Australian study, and whether specific factors had any influence.

Using information from the Australian Rett Syndrome study, we examined the frequency of a range of sleep issues and variation by agegroup or gene abnormalities.

We investigated the factors that may affect the age at diagnosis for girls and woman with Rett syndrome.

We used multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification to examine the MECP2 gene sequences in 149 girls and 1 boy.

Novel findings in relation to genotype

Using information provided by the Rett study, we looked at relationships of early development, genetic characteristics and the development of scoliosis.

Research

There remains a general misconception that the immune status of the fetus and neonate is immature or insufficient. However, emerging research in immune ontogeny prompts reconsideration of this orthodoxy, reframing this period instead as one of unique opportunity. Vaccine responses (qualitative and quantitative) vary between individuals, and across demographic cohorts. Elements of baseline immune status and function predict vaccine response - some of these factors are well described, others remain a subject of ongoing research, especially with the rapidly expanding field of 'omics' research, enabled by development of highly granular immune profiling techniques and increasing computational capacity.

Research

Providing a safe and effective coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) vaccination program is required to mitigate against the current and future negative impacts on the health and wellbeing of all Australians from COVID‐19. An effective vaccination program is a key element required to facilitate economic recovery, safe movement throughout and beyond Australia and a return to the quality of life previously experienced.