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As well as ORIGINS long-term core research, there are a number of clinical trials, early interventions and shorter-term research studies that sit within ORIGINS. Known as sub-projects, these studies look at multiple aspects of child and family health and development.

Participating families receive real benefits through ORIGINS

By participating in ORIGINS, you are contributing to one of the largest and most comprehensive birth cohort studies ever.

News & Events
ORIGINS is pleased to announce the 2024 recipient of its inaugural PhD Student AwardMiss Braddon will be awarded with $15,000 to go towards her research project, DreamStart

News & Events
Tackling allergy prevention in early lifeThe Childhood Allergy and Immunology Research Team at The Kids Research Institute Australia are currently conducting four studies, through ORIGINS, investigating nutritional strategies in the diets of mothers and babies and how these may reduce the development of allergies.

News & Events
Child health and obesity the focus of international built environment studyResearch data from more than one million Australian and Welsh children will be examined to help better understand how the built environment affects child health and obesity, as part of an international research project to be co-led by The Kids Research Institute Australia.
Research
Urinary Ferritin as a Noninvasive Means of Assessing Iron Status in Young ChildrenIron deficiency (ID) is the most common nutritional deficiency affecting young children. Serum ferritin concentration is the preferred biomarker for measuring iron status because it reflects iron stores; however, blood collection can be distressing for young children and can be logistically difficult. A noninvasive means to measure iron status would be attractive to either diagnose or screen for ID in young children.
Research
Beyond Plants: The Ultra-Processing of Global Diets Is Harming the Health of People, Places, and PlanetGlobal food systems are a central issue for personal and planetary health in the Anthropocene. One aspect of major concern is the dramatic global spread of ultra-processed convenience foods in the last 75 years, which is linked with the rising human burden of disease and growing sustainability and environmental health challenges.
Research
PKC activation promotes maturation of cord blood T cells towards a Th1 IFN-γ propensityA significant number of babies present transiently with low protein kinase C zeta (PKCζ) levels in cord blood T cells, associated with reduced ability to transition from a neonatal Th2 to a mature Th1 cytokine bias, leading to a higher risk of developing allergic sensitisation, compared to neonates whose T cells have 'normal' PKCζ levels. However, the importance of PKCζ signalling in regulating their differentiation from a Th2 to a Th1 cytokine phenotype propensity remains undefined.