Birth Defects News and Research

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Experimental Model Sheds Light on Key Cellular Processes Involved in Embryogenesis

Many birth defects and spontaneous abortions occur during the embryonic development stage known as neurulation, yet we have very little insight into how this critical developmental process unfolds in humans.

9 May 2023

New software helps identify genes that play vital roles in the development

Computer software developed at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis can predict what happens to complex gene networks when individual genes are missing or dialed up more than usual.

14 Feb 2023

The detrimental effects of alcohol consumption during pregnancy

For the first time, researchers at the University of Helsinki in Finland examined the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on the epigenome and gene function of the placenta. The epigenome is a molecular coating on a DNA strand that controls how genes are expressed.

4 Jan 2023

Atypical antibody shows extremely potent zika-resistant activity

A group of researchers led by Weill Cornell Medicine, New York-Presbyterian, and National Institutes of Health (NIH) investigators has discovered an unusual type of antibody that, even at extremely low concentrations, neutralizes the Zika virus and renders the virus infection undetectable in preclinical models.

22 Nov 2022

Experts build artificial Hox genes using new synthetic DNA technology

Using cutting-edge synthetic DNA technology and genomic engineering in stem cells, scientists at New York University have created artificial Hox genes, which regulate and direct where cells go to develop tissues or organs.

From New York University (NYU) 4 Jul 2022

Researchers may have identified a key intermediate in the transition from prokaryotes to eukaryotes

All modern organisms fall into two classes, eukaryotes and prokaryotes. Eukaryotes (from the Greek meaning "true kernel") have a cell nucleus that harbors most of the cell's genetic information and includes organisms such as humans, plants and fungi.

20 Apr 2022

A single mutation can enhance the virulence of Zika virus

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) have found that Zika virus can mutate to become more infective-;and potentially break through pre-existing immunity.

13 Apr 2022

Experts identify the master regulator of Nodal signaling in human embryonic stem cells

A new study has led to the discovery that the Hippo signaling effector YAP1 is a master controller of Nodal signaling in hESCs for a process crucial to human development.

14 Feb 2022

Study unravels novel gene vital for establishing proper left-right asymmetry

A group of scientists headed by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research’s (A*STAR) recently identified a new gene.

17 Dec 2021

Study identifies how embryonic cells detect stiffness in their environment

According to recent research by UCL scientists, cells in the developing embryo sense the stiffness of other cells surrounding them, a vital factor that makes them move together to form the skull and face.

From University College London 9 Dec 2021

Study offers genetic clues on the fundamental development of anatomical appearance

Which genes control the defining features that make us look as we do? And how do they make it happen?

11 Nov 2021

CHOP-led network aims to unlock the genetic mysteries behind pediatric brain tumors

Unlocking the genetic mysteries behind pediatric brain tumors is at the heart of the mission of the Center for Data Driven Discovery in Biomedicine (D3b) at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

3 Nov 2021

Experts explain left–right asymmetry development in the embryo

Research on the development of symmetry in mice embryos is anticipated to provide a deeper understanding of the causes of disease.

21 Oct 2021

Study sheds light on the genetic toolkit used during evolution to create different extremities

A sophisticated system guides the development of our limbs. Researchers at University of Basel have shed new light on the genetic toolkit used during evolution to create a range of different extremities such as fins, wings, hooves, toes and fingers.

30 Sep 2021

Study describes a new method for identifying sperm mutations that can cause disease in children

Throughout development, life and the processes of aging, all human cells accumulate mutations, resulting in what is called mosaicism, a condition in which different cells in the same person have different DNA sequences or genetic makeup.

16 Aug 2021

New way to study uterine fluid in the lab could avoid invasive procedures during pregnancy

The quest to create safer, more successful pregnancies is one of the top goals of modern science. While pregnancy is better understood today than ever before, with improvements in technology helping to lower the risk of negative outcomes, there is much researchers still don't know about a vital part of the pregnancy process: uterine fluid.

13 May 2021

Commuters are inhaling chemicals at levels that increase cancer risk

A new study finds that California's commuters are likely inhaling chemicals at levels that increase the risk for cancer and birth defects.

16 Feb 2021

Study addresses mystery of how chromosomes are inherited during cell division

Starting as a single cell, organisms undergo millions of generations of divisions to ultimately generate the bones, heart, brain and other components that make up a living being. The mainspring within this intricate process is the transfer of DNA through each subsequent cell split within discrete packets called chromosomes.

7 Jan 2021

Imperfect egg cells more common than originally thought

AZoLifeSciences speaks to Dr. Terry Hasssold about his latest research into oocytes and how imperfect egg cells are more common than scientists initially thought.

16 Dec 2020

Researchers provide a list of genes implicated in congenital heart disease

Over two million babies, children, and adults in the United States are living with congenital heart disease--a range of birth defects affecting the heart's structure or function.

15 Dec 2020