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Research
Seasonal variation of relapse rate in multiple sclerosis is latitude dependentWe demonstrate a latitude-dependent relationship between seasonal UVR trough and relapse onset probability peak independent of location-specific UVR levels
Research
UVR-induced immunosupressionDespite considerable advances, the exact mechanism whereby UVR can lead to changes in immune responses is not entirely clear at present, and no...
News & Events
Research symposium to hear how sunscreens proved no threat to vitamin D production in recent European studyLeading 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 developmentThe 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
Research
Relationship between group B Streptococcal rectovaginal colonization and Vitamin D deficiency in pregnant womenVitamin D has been recognized to have a significant impact on modulating immune response in the host body. The relationship between deficiency of Vitamin D and rectovaginal colonization with Group B Streptococcus (GBS) in pregnant women is still not well understood.
Research
Developmental vitamin D deficiency increases foetal exposure to testosteroneAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of neurodevelopmental disorders which are more common in males. The 'prenatal sex steroid' hypothesis links excessive sex-steroid exposure during foetal life with the behavioural differences observed in ASD. However, the reason why sex steroid exposure may be excessive remains unclear. Epidemiological studies have identified several environmental risk factors associated with ASD, including developmental vitamin D (DVD) deficiency.
Research
Time spent outdoors through childhood and adolescence - assessed by 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration - and risk of myopia at 20 yearsTo investigate the relationship between time spent outdoors, at particular ages in childhood and adolescence, and myopia status in young adulthood using serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration as a biomarker of time spent outdoors. Participants of the Raine Study Generation 2 cohort had 25(OH)D concentrations measured at the 6-, 14-, 17- and 20-year follow-ups. Participants underwent cycloplegic autorefraction at age 20 years, and myopia was defined as a mean spherical equivalent -0.50 dioptres or more myopic. Logistic regression was used to analyse the association between risk of myopia at age 20 years and age-specific 25(OH)D concentrations. Linear mixed-effects models were used to analyse trajectory of 25(OH)D concentrations from 6 to 20 years.
Research
A Gender Lens on User Quality Ratings From Young Teenagers Assessing the Sun Safe App: Comparing Responses From Co-researchers and Participants of Pilot Intervention StudiesWe developed the iOS smartphone app Sun Safe to support healthy sun practices in young teenagers (aged 12-13 years). The production involved co-design with young co-researchers (ie, aged 12-13 years) with a health message of using sun protection when the UV index is ≥3. Important features include real-time and location-specific weather data on the UV index and gamified educational content.
Research
A longitudinal examination of perinatal testosterone, estradiol and vitamin D as predictors of handedness outcomes in childhood and adolescenceThe developmental origins of handedness remain elusive, though very early emergence suggests individual differences manifesting in utero could play an important role. Prenatal testosterone and Vitamin D exposure are considered, yet findings and interpretations remain equivocal.
Research
Risks and Benefits of UV RadiationWhile UV radiation is a skin carcinogen, this should not obscure the growing evidence that sunlight has significant health benefits, including impacts on cardiovascular and metabolic health.