Woolcock researchers are tackling upper‑respiratory diseases by:
* Investigating when people are exposed to house‑dust‑mite allergens. Their studies show that most exposure happens during the day—driven by social crowding and physical activity—and that clothing, rather than beds, is likely the main source.
* Creating wearable sensors to monitor real‑time allergen exposure and hand‑held devices for targeted drug delivery.
* Building novel cell‑based models and three‑dimensional casts of the nasal cavity, enabling laboratory studies of allergen and infection interactions and the testing of new delivery systems.
* Developing advanced drug‑delivery technologies aimed at chronic sinus infection, focusing on targeting both the infection and the mucus.
* Using high‑resolution imaging to map the internal structure of the nasal passages, helping to understand how persistent infection leads to airway remodeling and to inform new treatment strategies.