Diseases of the 21st century are complex with environmental and genetic causes. At the interface of these is Epigenetics - factors not specified by DNA sequence that control genes. Recent data show much of the risk associated with disease is set early in life, even during the time in the womb. The MCRI CDDE laboratory has assembled teams of researchers of diverse expertise investigating epigenetics of human development and complex disease to hopefully prevent or reverse them early in life.
Early Nutrition, Epigenetics And Developmental Outcomes In Children.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$550,093.00
Summary
Increasing evidence demonstrates that early nutrition, including in pregnancy, has long lasting programming effects on later health of children. Evidence implicates epigenetics (literally ‘above DNA’) in mediating these effects. The most convincing data exists for obesity and related disorders such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and heart disease. The focus of this project is on understanding how ‘epigenetic’ mechanisms are influencing the way our genes function to cause these disorders.
The Kids in Communities Study: national investigation of community level effects on children's developmental outcomes. This project (a cross-disciplinary collaboration) will investigate community level factors influencing early childhood developmental outcomes using a mixed methods approach in up to 10 communities across Australia. This will result in a potential set of measures or indicators that reflect communities that are good for children.
ARACY/ARC/NHMRC Research Network: Future Generation. Research across a range of disciplines is urgently needed to understand the complexity of pathways contributing to the healthy development of children and young people in modern societies like Australia and to develop effective strategies to improve them. Given our economic prosperity and the level of knowledge about human development, it is profoundly disappointing that many child and youth problems are increasing, creating a crisis in servi ....ARACY/ARC/NHMRC Research Network: Future Generation. Research across a range of disciplines is urgently needed to understand the complexity of pathways contributing to the healthy development of children and young people in modern societies like Australia and to develop effective strategies to improve them. Given our economic prosperity and the level of knowledge about human development, it is profoundly disappointing that many child and youth problems are increasing, creating a crisis in services. This application brings together a highly talented network of researchers to work collaboratively and innovatively with policy makers and those providing services, to enable both new knowledge and implementation of what we already know, to enhance children's futures.Read moreRead less
Mental Health Of Young People With Developmental Disabilities
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$5,622,916.00
Summary
Mental health problems of people with developmental disabilities are a substantial public health problem. A large Australian study shows that the problem begins early and persists without intervention. We will evaluate the Stepping Stones Triple P model of parenting early intervention after adding newly developed modules for specific causes of ID. The effectiveness of the program across three states will be evaluated.
Working while breastfeeding: best practice strategies for workplaces and childcare centres. By generating new knowledge on how to strengthen community and policy support for breastfeeding, the proposed research will contribute to National Research Priority goals regarding promoting and maintaining good health. Assisting employed mothers to continue breastfeeding will reduce adverse impacts of genetic, social and environmental factors predisposing infants and children to ill health and reducing t ....Working while breastfeeding: best practice strategies for workplaces and childcare centres. By generating new knowledge on how to strengthen community and policy support for breastfeeding, the proposed research will contribute to National Research Priority goals regarding promoting and maintaining good health. Assisting employed mothers to continue breastfeeding will reduce adverse impacts of genetic, social and environmental factors predisposing infants and children to ill health and reducing their life potential. It will also help prevent disease, and help mothers reconcile labour force participation with protecting their own and their children's health. Read moreRead less
Behaviour and emotional problems in young children with developmental delay. This research will provide health professionals, researchers and service providers with a reliable and valid measure to assess behaviour in young children with developmental delay. This will be the first instrument of its kind worldwide. The study will provide the largest and most comprehensive survey of behaviour and emotional problems in young children with developmental delay internationally to date. It will provide ....Behaviour and emotional problems in young children with developmental delay. This research will provide health professionals, researchers and service providers with a reliable and valid measure to assess behaviour in young children with developmental delay. This will be the first instrument of its kind worldwide. The study will provide the largest and most comprehensive survey of behaviour and emotional problems in young children with developmental delay internationally to date. It will provide information on the types of treatment that are needed for these children and what support is needed for their families. The outcomes of this study have the potential to promote the best possible start in life and long term mental health of this group of at risk and disadvantaged young Australians.Read moreRead less
Effectiveness of social skills training for children with autism. Our industry partner, Aspect Australia, is one of the world's largest providers of educational and other services for people with autism. The demonstration of effectiveness of the program in Aspect classes will likely lead to widespread use and benefit of the program in the education sector nationally and internationally. This in turn would lead to potential lessening of disability in children with autism with improvements in thei ....Effectiveness of social skills training for children with autism. Our industry partner, Aspect Australia, is one of the world's largest providers of educational and other services for people with autism. The demonstration of effectiveness of the program in Aspect classes will likely lead to widespread use and benefit of the program in the education sector nationally and internationally. This in turn would lead to potential lessening of disability in children with autism with improvements in their mental health and significant cost savings to the community.Read moreRead less
Supporting families: Horizontal and vertical equity in the Australian tax-benefit system in historical and comparative perspectives. Tax benefit reform and equity between different groups are key policy concerns currently and for the foreseeable future. The tax-benefit system is under review, and the Global Financial Crisis has prompted debate on how tax-benefit policy can stimulate the economy while maintaining equity and promoting social inclusion. This project will put debate about tax-benef ....Supporting families: Horizontal and vertical equity in the Australian tax-benefit system in historical and comparative perspectives. Tax benefit reform and equity between different groups are key policy concerns currently and for the foreseeable future. The tax-benefit system is under review, and the Global Financial Crisis has prompted debate on how tax-benefit policy can stimulate the economy while maintaining equity and promoting social inclusion. This project will put debate about tax-benefit reforms and deficit reduction strategies in historical and an international comparative context. Results generated will provide a rich and comprehensive framework for assessing current and future policy options in areas that are closely aligned with the designated national research priority goals of a healthy start to life and strengthening Australia's economic and social fabric.Read moreRead less
'Digital Natives': Growing up with new and old media in Australia. Developing a sophisticated digital literacy is important for both the future of children, the cultural, social and economic well-being of the nation. Digital literacy requires not only communications infrastructure but targeted investment in human skills. Investing in the development of a digitally literate Australian population has become an explicit means for promoting the future economic and social well-being of the nation. Th ....'Digital Natives': Growing up with new and old media in Australia. Developing a sophisticated digital literacy is important for both the future of children, the cultural, social and economic well-being of the nation. Digital literacy requires not only communications infrastructure but targeted investment in human skills. Investing in the development of a digitally literate Australian population has become an explicit means for promoting the future economic and social well-being of the nation. The information provided by this project has the potential to contribute significantly to giving children 'a healthy start to life' in their early years. Read moreRead less