Generation r
The Generation R Study is a prospective cohort study from foetal life until young adulthood in a multi-ethnic urban population. The study is designed to identify early environmental and genetic causes of normal and abnormal growth, development and health from foetal life until young adulthood. Eventually, results forthcoming from the Generation R Study have to contribute to the development of strategies for optimizing health and healthcare for pregnant women and children.
On the spring 2017 Generation R launched a new cohort study: Generation R Next. An important aim of Generation R Next is to study the health and lifestyle of a mother-to-be before pregnancy and the effects on the growth and development of her child.
Both studies focus on five primary areas of research:
- Growth and physical development
- Behavioral and cognitive development
- Asthma and atopy
- Diseases in childhood
- Health and healthcare
Our contribution to the Generation R study
Within the Generation R Study, our group has actively work on the generation of the genetic data and a periodical update of the algorithms to exploit the complex nature of this multhiethnic cohort. Besides multi-ethnic research, approaches as admixture mapping, trio-design, genetic nurture and exploration of evolutive pressures.
In addition, our group is leading the research in musculoskeletal traits in children. Musculoskeletal homeostasis during childhood has a complex and dynamic etiology influenced by environmental and genetic factors. The Generation R Study has a broad range of musculoskeletal phenotypes acquired from participants from a mean age of 6 years to 17 years old. These include, DXA, pQCT, mecanograph and handgrip measurements.