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Want to know how to be involved with WAERP? Or how long the project is running for? View our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for answers to these questions and more.
News & Events
Researchers receive crucial near miss fundingCongratulations to three outstanding The Kids Research Institute Australia researchers who have received second chance WA health funding designed to support researchers who have narrowly missed out on highly competitive national funding.
News & Events
Study finds high rates of chronic lung disease in remote-living Aboriginal childrenAlmost one in five children across four remote Kimberley communities has some form of chronic lung disease, according to a new study co-designed and conducted in partnership with Aboriginal communities.
News & Events
WA researchers lead global centre to eliminate childhood asthmaAn ambitious project that could stop children developing asthma is the centrepiece of a new world-class respiratory research centre launched in Perth.
News & Events
Could Perth lakes hold the secret to fighting antibiotic-resistant superbugs?Perth researchers have discovered a predatory virus living in the city’s lakes and rivers that can fight antibiotic-resistant superbugs in children.
Research
The effect of moderate-to-late preterm birth on lung function over the first 5 years of life in a South African birth cohortPreterm birth is associated with increased mortality and morbidity, particularly due to lung disease. Low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) have the highest rates of preterm birth. Infants born extremely preterm rarely survive, so the largest burden is amongst moderate-to-late preterm (MLP) infants. The long-term health impact on MLP children in LMIC is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of MLP birth on lung function trajectories from birth to 5 years in the Drakenstein Child Health Study.
Research
What goes up must come down: dynamics of type 1 interferon signaling across the lifespanType 1 interferons (T1IFNs) are typically expressed in low concentrations under homeostatic conditions, but upon pathogenic insult or perturbation of the pathway, these critical immune signaling molecules can become either protectors from or drivers of pathology. While essential for initiating antiviral defense and modulating inflammation, dysregulation of T1IFN signaling can contribute to immunopathology, making it and its associated pathways prime targets for immune evasion and disruption by pathogens.
Research
Innate epithelial and functional differences in airway epithelium of children with acute wheezeEarly childhood wheeze is a major risk factor for asthma. However, not all children who wheeze will develop the disease. The airway epithelium has been shown to be involved in asthma pathogenesis. Despite this, the airway epithelium of children with acute wheeze remains poorly characterized.
Research
Exploring the Complexity of the Human Respiratory Virome through an In Silico Analysis of Shotgun Metagenomic Data Retrieved from Public RepositoriesRespiratory viruses significantly impact global morbidity and mortality, causing more disease in humans than any other infectious agent. Beyond pathogens, various viruses and bacteria colonize the respiratory tract without causing disease, potentially influencing respiratory diseases’ pathogenesis.
Research
Prematurity-associated lung disease: is it asthma?Shannon Elizabeth Simpson Smith BMedSci (hons), PhD PhD, MSc, BSc Head, Strong Beginnings Research, Co-head Foundations of Lung Disease Program