CGS-authored
If attendees at the Minnesota State Fair aren't too busy revelling in the performances of Kiss or "Weird Al" Yankovic, or enjoying a celebrity cow-milking contest, they might just try spitting for science.
This week, researchers from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis are collecting DNA from young fair-goers and their parents as part of an effort to uncover genetic influences on normal child health and development.
Logan Spector, a paediatrics researcher who is leading the project, dubbed the Gopher Kids Study, feels the fair provides an innovative opportunity to attract participants. His team hopes to recruit 500 children aged 1–11.
Along with DNA from cheek cells, Spector's team is measuring volunteers' height, weight, waist size and blood pressure. Participating children also have the option of donating blood-spot samples and nail clippings, which can be used to measure hormones and micronutrients.
In return for their DNA, participants receive ride tickets and other small gifts, as well as passes to attend the fair next year, where Spector hopes they will continue their participation in the study.
"Right now it's a pilot...