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Association of prenatal alcohol exposure with offspring DNA methylation in mammals: a systematic review of the evidencePrenatal alcohol exposure is associated with a range of adverse offspring neurodevelopmental outcomes. Several studies suggest that PAE modifies DNA methylation in offspring cells and tissues, providing evidence for a potential mechanistic link to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.
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Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS IIIA) mice have increased lung compliance and airway resistance, decreased diaphragm strength, and no change in alveolar structureMucopolysaccharidosis type IIIA (MPS IIIA) is characterized by neurological and skeletal pathologies caused by reduced activity of the lysosomal hydrolase, sulfamidase, and the subsequent primary accumulation of undegraded heparan sulfate (HS). Respiratory pathology is considered secondary in MPS IIIA and the mechanisms are not well understood.
Research
Inclusion of genital, sexual, and gender diversity in human reproductive teaching: impact on student experience and recommendations for tertiary educatorsWestern societal norms have long been constrained by binary and exclusionary perspectives on matters such as infertility, contraception, sexual health, sexuality, and gender. These viewpoints have shaped research and knowledge frameworks for decades and led to an inaccurate and incomplete reproductive biology curriculum. To combat these deficiencies in reproductive systems-related education, our teaching team undertook a gradual transformation of unit content from 2018 to 2023, aiming to better reflect real diversity in human reproductive biology.
Research
Prenatal Origins of Obstructive Airway Disease: Starting on the Wrong Trajectory?From the results of well-performed population health studies, we now have excellent data demonstrating that deficits in adult lung function may be present early in life, possibly as a result of developmental disorders, incurring a lifelong risk of obstructive airway diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Research
Switching from tobacco cigarettes in very early pregnancy: The effects of in utero e-cigarette exposure on mouse offspring neurodevelopment and behaviourElectronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are often perceived to be safer than smoking, which has led to some women switching to e-cigarettes during pregnancy. However, the effects of switching from smoking to e-cigarettes on both pregnancy outcomes and the foetus are largely unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effects of switching from tobacco smoking to e-cigarette use in very early pregnancy on birth outcomes, neurodevelopment and behaviour of the offspring.

News & Events
Annual Community Lecture: You Are What You BreatheJoin us for our Annual Community Lecture entitled "You Are What You Breathe" with Professor Stephen Holgate.
Research
Development of a screening tool to identify safer biodieselsAlexander Anthony Larcombe Kicic BScEnv (Hons) PhD BSc (Hons) PhD Honorary Research Fellow Rothwell Family Fellow; Head, Airway Epithelial Research
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Computational fluid-particle dynamic and pharmacokinetic assessment of electronic cigarette aerosols for improved understanding of their potential to impact healthThis project will use computational methods to assess the deposition of e-cigarette aerosols in the lungs, and the distribution of chemicals within e-cigarette aerosols throughout the body.
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Rhinovirus exacerbates house-dust-mite induced lung disease in adult miceIn this study, we combined human-rhinovirus infection with a clinically relevant mouse model of aero-allergen exposure using house-dust-mite in an attempt to...
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The concentration of iron in real-world geogenic PM10 is associated with increased inflammation and deficits in lung function in miceMineral dusts in the occupational setting are associated with poor lung health, however very little is known about the impact of heterogeneous community...