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Study Protocol for a Stepped-Wedge Cluster (Nested) Randomized Controlled Trial of Antenatal Colostrum Expression (ACE) Instruction in First-Time Mothers: The ACE StudyAlthough many mothers initiate breastfeeding, supplementation with human-milk substitutes (formula) during the birth hospitalization is common and has been associated with early breastfeeding cessation. Colostrum hand expressed in the last few weeks before birth, known as antenatal colostrum expression (ACE), can be used instead of human-milk substitutes. However, evidence is lacking on the efficacy of ACE on breastfeeding outcomes and in non-diabetic mothers.
Research
The ORIGINS Project: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the Nutrition Profile of Pregnant Women in a Longitudinal Birth CohortPregnancy is an opportunistic time for dietary intake to influence future disease susceptibility in offspring later in life. The ORIGINS Project was established to identify the factors that contribute to 'a healthy start to life' through a focus supporting childhood health and preventing disease (including non-communicable diseases).
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Feasibility of home-based urine collection in children under 5 years in the ORIGINS birth cohort study: mixed method protocol and sample completion resultsUrine is an attractive biospecimen for nutritional status and population health surveys. It is an excellent non-invasive alternative to blood for appropriate biomarkers in young children and is suitable for home-based collection, enabling representative collections across a population. However, the bulk of literature in this population is restricted to collection in primary care settings.
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Experience of primary caregivers in utilising an mHealth application for remote dental screening in preschool childrenThis study aimed to address the acceptance of mHealth applications for a dental screening app that facilitates patient information entry and captures dental photos remotely to assist in caries diagnosis in preschool children in Australia.
Research
Associations between the human immune system and gut microbiome with neurodevelopment in the first 5 years of life: A systematic scoping reviewThe aim of this review was to map the literature assessing associations between maternal or infant immune or gut microbiome biomarkers and child neurodevelopmental outcomes within the first 5 years of life. We conducted a PRISMA-ScR compliant review of peer-reviewed, English-language journal articles.

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Empowering parents: ORIGINS secures MRFF grant to develop early childhood flourishing toolORIGINS sub-project, The Flourishing Child, has received a $746,051 grant from the Medical Research Future Fund to develop a Flourishing Assessment and Pathway Tool to address gaps in early intervention for children's mental health.

News & Events
Celebrating Women in Science: A Conversation with Dr. Jackie Davis - Co-Director, ORIGINSIn honour of International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we celebrate women in STEM and their incredible contributions to the field, aiming to inspire the next generation of female scientists.

News & Events
International Day of Education: AI and Education at The Kids Research InstituteToday, 24 January 2025, is International Day of Education, a global celebration of the power of learning to transform lives. This year’s theme, “AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in an Automated World”, underscores the critical role of education in preparing kids for a future increasingly shaped by AI.

The ultimate goal of ORIGINS is to reduce the rising epidemic of non-communicable diseases through 'a healthy start to life'.

News & Events
Major milestone for Early Moves; a key sub-project of ORIGINS investigating early signs of learning difficulties in babiesGround-breaking WA-led study, Early Moves has hit a major milestone, with 3,000 participants successfully recruited over a four-year period.