The future
The information provided by ALSPAC families over the years has created a fantastic resource for health research. Scientists all over the world are using this data for research into numerous issues including:
Medical problems:
- Asthma
- Heart disease
- Cancer
Psychological problems:
- Depression
- Self-harm
- Eating disorders
Lifestyle choices:
- Drugs
- Smoking
- Alcohol
Education:
- Attainment
- Aspirations
- Learning difficulties
How much?
So Far Children of the 90s has collected: well over half a million questionnaires, the answers to 400 million questions, a million biological samples - such as blood, urine, hair, teeth. A billion items of information altogether!
How long?
The longer Children of the 90s continues, the more valuable it becomes. The aim is to study the Children of the 90s during years they have children of their own - and beyond.
The role of genes
The science of genetics is developing at an amazing rate, and the Children of the 90s project is at the cutting edge of this revolution. Our unique resource means that we not only have the DNA for thousands of young people and their parents, we also know a huge amount about their lives - everything from what they eat to what they think. So our scientists are in an excellent position to study how lifestyle and genes work together. In this way, we hope to pinpoint ways in which people can avoid health problems.
