From Deseret News archives:
Children's study will be far-reaching
Look at genetics, environment to include not-yet-born Utahns
Now Lillie with her bright eyes, blond pigtails and beguiling indifference to the news conference that was going on around her Friday at Primary Children's Medical Center is the human face of just such a study, although she will not be a participant.
She, her mom, Sara, and stuffed bear "Daisy Daffodil Buttercup Christensen" helped kick off the beginning to Salt Lake County's participation in The National Children's Study. The University of Utah and Salt Lake County were recently named among six "vanguard" or pilot centers for the study, set to begin recruiting within two years.
Before it's done, the study will have followed 100,000 pregnant women and the resulting infants from before birth (and in some cases before conception since women who might become pregnant are being recruited) until the child's at least 21. It will be conducted in 125 communities selected to represent America's demographics.
The study will examine genetics, environment and how the two interact to shape health and well-being, said Gov. Jon M. Huntsman Jr.
Researchers will be looking at psychological, social, biological and environmental factors that impact a child's well-being, he said. Of special interest are what happens during pregnancy, birth defects, asthma, obesity, diabetes and autism, among others.
That means researchers will be looking at air and dust in children's schools and homes, what they eat, how they are cared for, neighborhood safety, health care and much more, he said.
The researchers will also be storing a lot of biologic samples, said Dr. Cheryl M. Coffin, a professor of pathology at the U., who is spearheading local plans for collection and storage of blood, DNA, nail samples, hair, urine and possibly placenta tissue. It's a gargantuan undertaking. In just the Salt Lake County part of the study, a total of 85,000 blood samples will be collected in the first five years.
And while they're thinking in practical terms, like using liquid nitrogen to preserve some fluid samples and how new technology might keep DNA fresh at room temperature, they're also being creative. They are trying to imagine all the ways the samples might be needed in the future, when, perhaps, it can be paired with technology not yet even conceived.
Comments
- Bacall, 2 others receive early Oscars 10:16 a.m.
- '2012' has box-office bang of $225M 10:13 a.m.
- Cox ready to shriek in 'Scream 4' 10:11 a.m.
- 'Hair' opens London with B'way cast 10:10 a.m.
- 'Twilight' part of heartthrob history 10:08 a.m.
- Gershwin award going to McCartney 10:06 a.m.
- USAF expects UAE role to continue 10:00 a.m.
- Millions will have to repay tax credit 9:56 a.m.
- Atlantis set for launch 9:54 a.m.
- L.A. pushes to get repaid 9:50 a.m.
- Apostle's wife felt comfort in attack
- MWC expand? Get rid of deadweight
- TCU stays 4th in AP; Y. 19th, U. 23rd
- Bennett at center of GOP storm
- Win in New Mexico good for Y?
- BYU happy to escape with victory
- Relieved Cougs prep for Falcons
- TCU creams U.
- Jazz rookies had to grow up quickly
- Wounded Utes limp home
- BYU happy to escape with victory
231 - TCU creams U.
230 - Editorial: Mormons and gay rights
207 - Will state consider gay rights law?
151 - Can BYU root for (ick) Utah Utes?
131 - RSL heads to MLS title game
130 - Utes remain silent about BCS
120 - Celtics crush Jazz
104 - TCU stays 4th in AP; Y. 19th, U. 23rd
103 - 3A: Hurricane advances to title game
89
Sears is holding a special VIP night Sunday, Nov. 15, in stores and online.
How do you handle kids and contests? Our oldest daughter, 7, is of the...
'gays have always had equal rights under the law. (sic)...everyone is already...
Haven't I read in your posts that you are a school teacher? Have you ever...
The government just makes life better every day for people doesn't it? ...
Did your Freshman QB play defense too? I thought you weren't going to give...
We should switch back to Terrance Cain at QB since Wynn wasn't able to beat...
Utah should join the PAC 10. They are better in every way than all of the MWC...
? This is not the Lou Dobbs I know? Check your facts.
Where is FOX? All of the other polls that I view on the internet reflect FOX...
So would you being saying this if they wanted to visit many soccer arenas or...
About 40? years ago, SLC, in its infinite wisdom decided to do a "downtown...


You can be the first to comment on this story.