DENVER/July 6, 2023 – Morris Animal Foundation’s Golden Retriever Lifetime Study was launched in 2012 to help experts better understand the risk factors for cancer and other diseases in dogs. Now, access to big data – more than 51 million data points – from the Study is available through the Foundation’s Data Commons, a comprehensive, free resource for researchers interested in receiving and using longitudinal data from the Study to advance veterinary research.
Longitudinal studies follow individuals over prolonged periods of time. The Golden Retriever Lifetime Study specifically, has followed a cohort of 3,044 golden retrievers since 2012, capturing quantitative and qualitative data on lifestyle, environment, nutrition and genetics from owner and veterinary visit surveys, as well as building a biological sample repository.
The growing data repository will help both veterinary and biomedical researchers discover and understand potential risk factors for cancer and other diseases in dogs and provides a model for these risk factors in people. Data Commons relaunched this month with updates to improve users' experience accessing data from the Study in 11 key subject areas including disease diagnosis, lab results, behavior, environment and more. Currently, seven years of data is included in the database.
The new Data Commons offers features and improvements, including:
- Prepopulated datasets available in common file formats
- Seven years of data with more to come
- Additional subsets of data
- A listing of available samples to pair with data requests
- An option to comment on and designate favorite datasets
Anyone affiliated with a research institution can request access to Data Commons and be automatically approved in about two business days. Data also is available to animal health industry professionals upon application/use approval. Custom datasets can be requested via the Data Commons online application form.
About Morris Animal Foundation
Morris Animal Foundation’s mission is to bridge science and resources to advance the health of animals. Founded in 1948 and headquartered in Denver, it is one of the largest nonprofit animal health research organizations in the world, funding nearly $160 million in more than 3,000 critical studies across a broad range of species. Learn more at morrisanimalfoundation.org.
Media Contact: Annie Mehl
