Biodiversity and Babies TUMI

We are looking for children aged 6 months to 3 years to  take part in a study of the microbiome

Microbiomes are all the microbes living in a particular environment, such as on our skin, in our gut or even in our homes.

The study is being carried out in the wider Wellington & Wairarapa regions to assess how exposure to the natural environment might affect the risk of developing allergies in very young children. Previous studies suggest that exposure to a greater variety of plants, animals, rural living and attending child care centres may protect against several health conditions, including allergies and asthma. We think this protective effect is because these environments add to children’s microbial diversity. This study will investigate if living close to areas with more diverse plants and vegetation, and attendance at childcare centres, is associated with differences in allergy and respiratory symptoms, and differences in residential environmental bacteria, gut bacteria, and immune responses. 

You can take part NOW! 

Taking part involves:

• parents/caregivers completing three questionnaires over 2 years
• parents/caregivers collecting three stool (poo) samples using a collection kit during the 2 year study
• a researcher collecting a vacuum sample of house dust to be taken from your floor during the 2 year study
• a voluntary skin swab and nasal swab from your child during the 2 year study
• a voluntary test for allergy for your child at the end of the study
• a voluntary blood sample from your child at the end of the study.

To take part in the research, text YES, your name and your child’s name to 021 248 6134. Or click TAKE PART NOW to send us an email.

If you have any questions about the study, or if you, or anyone you know, would like any further information please contact the research team:

                                Email: tumi.study@massey.ac.nz

                                Phone: 0800 367 935

                                Text (SMS): 021 248 6134