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Research

Expression of CYP24A1 and other multiple sclerosis risk genes in peripheral blood indicates response to vitamin D in homeostatic and inflammatory conditions

Although genetic and epidemiological evidence indicates vitamin D insufficiency contributes to multiple sclerosis (MS), and serum levels of vitamin D increase on treatment with cholecalciferol, recent metanalyses indicate that this vitamin D form does not ameliorate disease. Genetic variation in genes regulating vitamin D, and regulated by vitamin D, affect MS risk.

Research

Pre-and Postnatal Vitamin D Status and Allergy Outcomes in Early Childhood

The dramatic increase in the prevalence of allergic disease in recent decades reflects environmental and behavioural changes that have altered patterns of early immune development. The very early onset of allergic diseases points to the specific vulnerability of the developing immune system to environmental changes and the development of primary intervention strategies is crucial to address this unparalleled burden.

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.

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

Let the sun shine in

For decades Aussies have been told to minimise sun exposure to prevent skin cancer - now researchers at Telethon Kids are challenging that message.

News & Events

Sunny outlook for allergy-prone bub

Felix was one of 195 children to take part in Dr Debbie Palmer’s research into sunlight exposure, vitamin D and eczema.

News & Events

Research symposium to hear how sunscreens proved no threat to vitamin D production in recent European study

Leading international and national experts will gather at The Kids Research Institute Australia on Friday for a D-Light Research Symposium.

News & Events

Vitamin D linked to healthy Fetal development

The important role of vitamin D in early development is the focus of research that has uncovered links between vitamin D levels and healthy growth of the baby d

News & Events

Sunlight link to obesity and diabetes

Researchers from The Kids Research Institute Australia and Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research have found that small regular doses of sunlight suppress the develo

News & Events

Vitamin D link to depression in mothers

Research by The Kids Research Institute Australia shows a link between low vitamin D during pregnancy and post-natal depression.