Avon Longditudinal Study of Parents and Children

This is such a great idea, it’s a wonder there aren’t more of these projects around the world. Basically about 18 years ago a bunch of social scientists from Bristol University decided to follow thousands of mums to be through their pregnancies and beyond and keep regular data on the children. These children are now on the verge of becoming adults and they are part of one of the biggest studies of its kind to monitor links between almost anything and anything. The info is kept in a giant bank in Bristol and doesn’t just include written accounts of the children’s experiences but actual samples of their blood, hair and other bits and bobs. Researchers can go to the project, which is also known as the Avon Longditudinal Study of Parents and Children/​ALSPAC, ask for data which they can then analyse. A truly excellent idea. Revelations the study has helped to unveil include debunking myths about cot death and looking at links with asthma and foodstuffs.