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Find out how The Kids Research Institute Australia works with Government to influence policy and practice.

Ten-year-old Xander has been through more than most kids of his age – specifically, three-and-a-half years of gruelling chemotherapy to treat leukaemia.

Our job is to find the answers. It's helping us change kids' lives. See the "why?"s we're asking and answering.
Research
Streptococcus pyogenes pharyngitis elicits diverse antibody responses to key vaccine antigens influenced by the imprint of past infectionsKnowledge gaps regarding human immunity to Streptococcus pyogenes have impeded vaccine development. To address these gaps and evaluate vaccine candidates, we established a human challenge model of S. pyogenes pharyngitis. Here, we analyse antibody responses in serum and saliva against 19 antigens to identify characteristics distinguishing 19 participants who developed pharyngitis and 6 who did not.
Research
Effects of dog ownership on children’s social-emotional development: findings from the PLAYCE cohort studyDog ownership is common in families with children and could play a role in children's social-emotional development. This study used longitudinal data on dog ownership and changing dog ownership to investigate their effects on young children's social-emotional development.
Research
A pilot evaluation of school-based LEGO robotics therapy for autistic studentsThere is emerging evidence that LEGO® therapy is an effective way of supporting younger autistic children develop their communication and social skills. LEGO® robotics therapy - which uses the principles of LEGO® therapy applied to LEGO® robotics - may be an age-appropriate intervention to reduce anxiety and increase social skills in autistic adolescents.
Research
Impact of integrating traditional care with the modern healthcare system in reducing tuberculosis diagnosis delays in Ethiopia: a clustered randomized controlled studyDiagnosis and treatment initiation delays for tuberculosis (TB) are significant challenges in resource-limited settings. These delays can result in poor treatment outcomes, disease transmission, and increased costs. This study aimed to assess the effect of integrating traditional care with modern healthcare systems on reducing TB diagnosis delay.
Research
A matter of timing: Biting by malaria-infected Anopheles mosquitoes and the use of interventions during the night in rural southeastern TanzaniaKnowing when and where infected mosquitoes bite is required for estimating accurate measures of malaria risk, assessing outdoor exposure, and designing intervention strategies. This study combines secondary analyses of a human behaviour survey and an entomological survey carried out in the same area to estimate human exposure to malaria-infected Anopheles mosquitoes throughout the night in rural villages in south-eastern Tanzania.
Research
Machine learning techniques to predict diabetic ketoacidosis and HbA1c above 7% among individuals with type 1 diabetes — A large multi-centre study in Australia and New ZealandType 1 diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) have a significant impact on individuals and society across a wide spectrum. Our objective was to utilize machine learning techniques to predict DKA and HbA1c>7 %.
Research
Developmental Mismatch Across Brain Modalities in Young ChildrenBrain development during the preschool period is complex and extensive and underlies ongoing behavioral and cognitive maturation. Increasing understanding of typical brain maturation during this time is critical to early identification of atypical development and could inform treatments and interventions.