Major new study to track the lives of thousands of babies

Thousands of babies from across the UK are to be tracked throughout their lives as part of an 'exciting' new study, experts have announced. Ella Pickover reports

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THE first long-term tracking study launched in a quarter of a century, the Generation New Era study will include up to 30,000 babies from across Britain.

Researchers hope that the new study will provide valuable insights into the next generation of children.

It aims to provide important information on the physical, mental and social development of children and will examine environmental and social changes.

It could also shine a light on how technology is shaping the lives of youngsters, with experts pointing out that there have been vast technological advances since the last major long-term UK-wide study was launched in 2001/02.

"The world has changed an enormous amount since that time," study co-director Professor Alissa Goodman told the PA news agency.

"Generation New Era is a landmark scientific endeavour that will improve the lives of children and benefit science and society for many years to come.

"In such a rapidly changing world, it is vital to have rich data on the lives of children and families, especially those from disadvantaged and less often heard groups."

As well as providing insight into lives shaped by modern times, it is hoped the new study will help unlock genetic links to disease, as parents and babies will be asked for saliva samples so their genetic data can be analysed.

Researchers also plan to link information provided by families to health and education records.