News / Children of the 90s
Groundbreaking Children of the 90s study calls for more participants
A major study which began 30 years ago at the University of Bristol, and has seen thousands of participants take part, is looking for new people to get involved.
The groundbreaking Children of the 90s study has led to a huge amount of data which has informed much of what we now know about health, from how babies can safely sleep on their backs to genes that may cause obesity or deteriorating liver health in young people.
The study’s latest @30 Clinic is the largest yet, with over 7,500 people having taken part so far. But researchers hope a further 2,000 participants will book to attend the clinic before it finishes this summer.
Adding to the health data collected throughout their lives, the clinic captures measurements from the original Children of the 90s as they enter their 30s, as well as their parents and children.
This can include height, weight, blood pressure, as well as full body scans, blood tests and hearing/eye tests, depending on the participant’s age.
The research, funded by the Wellcome Trust, Medical Research Council and the University of Bristol, is all added to the study’s resource of detailed health, lifestyle and genetic data.
Danielle Smith and her husband are both participants and recently attended their @30 visit.
Danielle said: “Not only is the clinic visit a great health check, checking areas of my body and development that wouldn’t usually be checked, it’s also great to be taking part in a research project that will help towards the future.
“It is a really interesting few hours, from liver scans to full body scans, breathing tests and samples. You also get your transport costs covered and a £40 voucher for coming along, which is a nice touch.”
Professor Nic Timpson, the principal investigator at Children of the 90s, said: “The health data collected at this clinic will enable life-changing research and have a huge impact across many areas of science.
“Recently our data has been used to improve how childhood obesity is measured – potentially replacing BMI with a newer, easier waist-height measure.
Anyone born in the Bristol, Weston or South Gloucestershire area in 1991-92 might be eligible to take part.
Participants interested in the clinic can get in contact via text at 07772 909090 or email [email protected]. Those who are eligible and attend the clinic receive £40 as a thank you.
Main photo: University of Bristol
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