Uncovering Peanut Allergy
Hard
Peanut allergy is a growing concern in the UK, affecting 1 in 50 children. We are investigating the prevalence of peanut allergy and the environmental and immunological factors that influence its development. We will analyze medical histories, skin prick tests, and double blind placebo controlled food challenges to determine the prevalence of peanut allergy. We will also analyze umbilical cord blood to investigate whether evidence of sensitization to peanut was already present at birth.
Hypothesis
The hypothesis is that environmental and immunological factors influence the development of peanut allergy.
Method & Materials
You will analyze medical histories, skin prick tests, and double blind placebo controlled food challenges to determine the prevalence of peanut allergy. You will also analyze umbilical cord blood to investigate whether evidence of sensitization to peanut was already present at birth.
You will need medical histories, skin prick tests, double blind placebo controlled food challenges, and umbilical cord blood.
Results
Our research found that peanut and/or tree nut allergies affect almost 2% of UK children, and that one third of children with peanut allergy had outgrown their peanut allergy before the age of five. We also found that peanut allergy was associated with eczema and rashes in early infancy, and that the immune cells of peanut allergic children responded to peanut protein more rapidly than in non-allergic children.
Why do this project?
This project is unique because it is investigating the prevalence of peanut allergy in UK children and the factors that influence its development.
Also Consider
Experiment variations to consider include investigating the prevalence of peanut allergy in other countries, and exploring the effects of different environmental factors on the development of peanut allergy.
Full project details
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