Murdoch Childrens Research Institute discovers ways to prevent and treat conditions affecting babies, children and adolescents, helping them lead happy, healthy lives.
The best approach for protecting everyone’s health will require us to provide different vaccines to different people according to need and availability.
The middle years (between 8 and 14 years old) are a foundational period for development. But these years don't receive enough support from the education system.
There's no guarantee future COVID-19 vaccines will work in the elderly. So we can consider vaccinating the young first to protect them. Here's what we need to work out first.
The phase 3 trials of the University of Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine have been paused because one participant became unwell. But we don't know for sure if the illness was a reaction to the vaccine.
Lisa Mundy, Murdoch Children's Research Institute and George Patton, University of Melbourne
Children who 'passively' use screens are more likely to suffer academically, a study found. But there was no evidence of a link between video games and academic performance.
The government should used trusted spokespeople, tailor information so it can be understood by different groups, acknowledge people's concerns, be transparent, and seek public feedback along the way.
Temperature checks will miss children who are asymptomatic, which we know many kids with COVID-19 are. And the thermometers used aren't necessarily the most reliable in the first place.
The race is on to develop a vaccine for the COVID-19 coronavirus. Australian researchers are leading several major clinical trials that might help bring an end to the deadly disease.
Women who are released from prison need much better, coordinated support to help their transition back into the community without exposing themselves to violence.
Paxton Loke, Murdoch Children's Research Institute
If your child has accidentally eaten something you thought they were allergic to, but doesn't have a response, they may have grown out of their food allergy. Here's the safest way to check.
New research finds taking antibiotics in early life is associated with an increased risk of obesity at age four. But that's no reason not to give your child antibiotics if they really need them.
The game’s players are able to customise their own storyline, which can then be ‘featured’ and shared with other players. The catch is, there’s more than 12 million creators - and the content isn’t exactly well-regulated.
STEFANY LUNA DE LINZY / Shutterstock.com
The mobile game has been downloaded more than 50 million times. If you have kids, they've probably played it. But it's more problematic than most people realise.
Genetic testing costs around A$700 per embryo.
KieferPix
Women aged over 35 are sometimes offered genetic testing of their IVF embryos to rule out abnormalities. But it's expensive and doesn't increase their chance of a baby. In fact, it could reduce it.
Australians can now have their say on the issues around mitochondrial donation.
From shutterstock.com
Should Australia allow the creation of babies with DNA from more than two people? This reproductive technology could prevent babies being born with mitochondrial disease, so the simple answer is yes.
Director, Center for Community Child Health Royal Children's Hospital; Professor, Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne; Theme Director Population Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute