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Atopy-related immune profiles are subject to genetic influence as evaluated using school-aged twin pairsThe interaction of genetic and environmental contributions to immunological traits and their association with atopic disease remain unclear. Flow cytometry and in vitro cytokine responses were used to characterize immune profiles from 93 school-aged twin pairs. Using an established twin pair analytical strategy, the genetic and environmental influences on immunological traits were evaluated, along with their association with atopy. Our findings suggest strong genetic influence on several traits, particularly B cell abundance. In contrast, cytokine responses from in vitro stimulations appeared mainly shaped by environmental exposures.
Research
Beneficial health effects of ultraviolet radiation: expert review and conference reportCarcinogenic effects of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) with reference to skin cancer are the basis of widely implemented recommendations to avoid sun exposure. Whether the benefits of "restrictive sun policies" outweigh their potential harms due to diminished beneficial effects of sunlight exposure remain a matter of controversy.
Research
Involving young people with lived experience in advancing mental health science: an exploratory qualitative study from Pakistan and IndiaMeaningful involvement of young People with Lived Experience (PWLE) in co-designing youth mental health interventions has been much emphasized globally. However, there is a scarcity of evidence on involving PWLE of mental health problems in designing, implementing and evaluating mental health interventions, especially in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.
Research
Twenty-five is not a neurobiologically determined age of maturity for gender-affirming medical decision-makingAmong the increasing threats to the healthcare of transgender and gender-diverse people globally, are efforts to deny gender-affirming medical care to people under age 25 typically justified by stating that the human brain is not developed until the mid-to-late 20's. Thus, this line of reasoning states young adults are not sufficiently mature to be responsible for autonomous healthcare decision-making— at least in regard to gender-affirming care.

Discover more about Telethon Kids Institute research.
Research
Ear InfectionsMiddle ear infections are one of the main reasons that children visit a GP, are prescribed antibiotics and need surgery. Aboriginal children are particularly susceptible and commonly suffer from hearing loss which can affect speech and learning.

A global network of researchers and clinicians, co-led by The Kids’ Professor Graham Hall, has transformed international best practice in identifying low lung function and diagnosing and treating lung disease.

Australia’s first national guideline for supporting the learning, participation and wellbeing of autistic children and their families.
Research
CybersafetyEven in the safety of their home, there are many risky places a child or teenager can visit online. This can be due to the content they see, who they come into contact with, and personal information they share.

Thanks to 30 years of support from the WA community, The Kids Research Institute Australia is home to some of the world’s best researchers.