Skip to content
The Kids Research Institute Australia logo
Donate

Search

Research

Koorlangka Dreaming Becomes a Reality: A Moombaki Virtual Reality with Connections to Noongar Moort, Boodja, and Karnarn

In this paper, we describe the developmental process of a culturally grounded Moombaki virtual reality (VR) game. We share how Aboriginal children’s drawings have informed the creation of an interactive learning platform for primary school-aged children attending schools in Wadjuk Boodja. The project focused on connecting students to cultural knowledge through immersive storytelling, creative exploration, and collaborative design by using small group yarning circles and game development activities.

Research

Plasma Cortisol Levels in Infants With Respiratory Distress During Different Phases of Neonatal Transport: A Pilot Prospective Observational Before-After Study

The transport of sick newborn infants with respiratory distress leads to unwanted stress at time of physiological instability. There is dearth of studies to evaluate these stress levels. This pilot prospective observational before-after study aimed to evaluate the plasma cortisol levels (as surrogate marker of stress) in infants with respiratory distress during different phases of neonatal transport.

Research

In utero and early-life nitrate in drinking water impacts lung function of weanling rats

Consumption of nitrate in drinking water has previously been associated with a range of adverse health effects, including methemoglobinemia and potentially cancer. In animal models, it has been shown to impact respiratory structure and function, however, there is a paucity of data of the effects of in utero exposure on the respiratory health of offspring.

Research

Change in Dental Visits Among Eligible Children Under the Impact of the Child Dental Benefits Schedule in Australia

In Australia, although there have been some improvements, child oral health continues to be a major public health issue. The Australian Government introduced the means-tested Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) in 2014 to support access to dental services for children and adolescents aged 0-17 years from low-income families. 

Research

Delayed airway epithelial repair is correlated with airway obstruction in young adults born very preterm

Nasal epithelial cells from young adults with a history of very preterm birth show delayed closure following scratch-wounding. Repair correlated with lung function, suggesting epithelial barrier integrity may play a role in preterm-associated lung disease.

Research

Living closer to the beach is associated with better socioemotional development in young boys

Natural outdoor environments such as green and blue spaces have increasingly been seen as key health and wellbeing determinants for adults. However, it is unclear if these effects are seen in young children. We examined the associations between access to natural green and blue space and young children's socioemotional development. 

Research

Short-Term Diabetic Retinopathy Status in People with Type 1 Diabetes Commencing Automated Insulin Delivery

Rapid improvements in glucose control may lead to early worsening of diabetic retinopathy (EWDR). There is a need to demonstrate safety in people commencing automated insulin delivery (AID) due to the known efficacy in rapid glycemic improvement. We aimed to investigate short-term DR outcomes in people (aged ≥13 years) with type 1 diabetes after initiation of AID (use ≥6 months).

Research

An anti-junk food ad from a sports commercial break reduced junk food consumption inclinations, yet junk food ads had minimal to no impact

In Australia, there are concerns that unrestricted junk food advertising during sports broadcasts increases short-term junk food consumption among viewers. Therefore, the present study aimed to estimate the impact of junk food and anti-junk food advertising on consumption inclinations.

Research

Siblings of Individuals With Neurodevelopmental Conditions: Perspectives on Risk, Resiliency and Future Research Directions

Siblings of individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions (NDCs) are at increased genetic and environmental risk for poorer psychosocial and neurocognitive outcomes compared to control groups of siblings of individuals without NDCs. 

Research

“That's not fair on my kid”: Carers' perspectives on sport participation and experiences for children in out-of-home care

Children in out-of-home care participate in less organised sport than children from other household structures, potentially reducing opportunities for improvements in social, developmental, and health outcomes. Despite this, little is known about barriers and facilitators of sport participation for children in care. We aimed to explore carers' perspectives on the influences on children in care's participation and experiences in organised sport.