Research
Research
Clinical Trials & Studies
Biomarkers of Atopy Beginning Early (BABE) Study
This is a two-year study to understand why allergies are common in so many places. We are comparing Old Order Mennonite families, who rarely develop allergies, to Rochester families with a history of allergies. This will help us learn how different lifestyles affect the development of the immune system and allergic diseases.
We are looking for pregnant women over 18 years old with a family history of allergies (hay fever, food allergies, asthma, or eczema).
If interested, please complete the BABE Screening Survey.
Expecting Mother's Study of Consumption or Avoidance of Peanut and Egg (ESCAPE)
The goal of this study is to understand how a mother’s diet, specifically eating peanut and egg in pregnancy and breastfeeding, affects the development of allergies in her child. We will learn how mother’s diet affects the development of the immune system and allergic diseases.
We are looking for pregnant women over 18 years old prior to 27 weeks of pregnancy that intend to breastfeed for more than 3 months. The mother must be able to consume peanuts/peanut products and eggs/foods containing eggs and is willing to be randomly assigned to eat or completely avoid these foods.
If interested, please complete the ESCAPE Screening Survey.
COMFORT Toddlers Study
Does Your Toddler Have a Peanut Allergy?
Peanut allergy is one of the most common food allergies in children. There are limited treatment options for peanut allergies in toddlers, and unfortunately, most children do not outgrow their allergy. Although avoiding peanuts and using an epinephrine device in case of an accidental exposure are helpful, toddlers are still at risk of having a dangerous reaction. This is why we are asking you to consider the COMFORT Toddlers Study of a skin patch for toddlers who have a peanut allergy.
If interested, please complete the COMFORT Toddlers Study Pre-Screening Survey.
Learn More About COMFORT Toddlers
Järvinen-Seppo Laboratory
The current focus of the Järvinen-Seppo Laboratory is to characterize the differences in the systemic and mucosal immune function and the microbiome in infants born in farming and urban lifestyle environments, as well as to explore the components present in human milk that may modify the infant's developing immune system and oral tolerance to foods. Utilizing samples from infant cohorts, tissue culture models and state-of-the-art immunologic assays and microbiome analyses, our translational research program aims at better understanding of the mechanisms of allergic sensitization and designing novel strategies for the primary and secondary prevention of atopic diseases in childhood.
Faculty Studies
All of our faculty are involved in research in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of allergic diseases, asthma, and immunology.
Types of research include:
- Disparities in Health Equity in Allergic Diseases and Asthma – Jessica Stern, M.D.
- Food Protein-induced Enterocolitis Syndrome – Jennifer Pier, M.D.
- Role of Human Milk in Allergic Sensitization in Infancy – Amy D. Burris, M.D.
- Quality of Life in Food Allergy and Physician Wellness – Theresa A. Bingemann, M.D.