Limited Longitudinal Data in Humans
A comprehensive understanding of human health over time is hindered by the lack of longitudinal data from cohorts that are diverse and globally representative. Such datasets are essential to track developmental, nutritional, and environmental influences on long-term health outcomes.
Foundational Capabilities (5)
Implement noninvasive, low-cost sampling methods (e.g., breath analysis and point-of-care nucleic acid sequencing) to collect repeated, high-resolution physiological data. This would augment the depth of data from initiatives such as the NIH All of Us research program.
Broaden the scope and diversity of existing biobanks (e.g., the UK BioBank) to include more global populations and additional longitudinal health measures.
Develop platforms (e.g., multi-channel data collection systems) to continuously monitor health parameters in diverse human cohorts, e.g., existing or planned clinical trials.
Conduct comprehensive “-omics” studies of breast milk to capture its molecular and microbial composition and its role in infant development.