fetal development

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fetal development

·September 22, 2022·5 min read

First Direct Evidence That Babies React to Taste and Smell in the Womb

Using ultrasound, researchers captured the facial expressions of developing fetuses in response to the taste of foods their mothers were eating. When exposed to carrots, the fetuses displayed "laughter-face" expressions, and "crying-face" expressions when exposed to kale. The findings shed new light on the development of human taste and olfactory receptors.

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·July 21, 2022·4 min read

Study Explores Infection Effect on Fetal Brain Development

Study explores how maternal infection can affect fetal brain development, leading to sensory processing disruptions associated with ASD and schizophrenia.

This is a drawing of a woman having an ultrasound

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·July 17, 2022·4 min read

Using AI to Diagnose Birth Defect in Fetal Ultrasound Images

Using datasets of fetal ultrasounds, a new AI algorithm is able to detect cystic hygroma, a rare embryonic developmental disorder, within the first trimester of pregnancy.

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·July 10, 2022·4 min read

Stress Affects Fetus’ Ability to Absorb Iron

Chronic stress experienced by a woman in the later stages of pregnancy can affect her fetus' ability to absorb iron by up to 15%. Researchers say the effects of iron deficiency are more noticeable in male fetuses.

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·June 14, 2022·3 min read

How Epilepsy and Migraine Drug Causes Birth Defects

Valproic acid (VPA), an anti-convulsant medication, can cause birth defects when taken during pregnancy. Researchers identified a molecule called p19Arf that appears to be responsible for VPA's induced senescence in neuroepithelial cells. When exposed to VPA, mice lacking p19Arf did not experience gene expression alterations associated with ASD.

This shows a cartoon of a pregnant woman

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·June 11, 2022·2 min read

Endocrine-Disrupting Chemical Exposure in Womb Impact Fear, Anxiety Behavior

A new rat study exposed to everyday endocrine-altering chemicals, such as BPA during pregnancy, interfered with fetal brain development.

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·June 11, 2022·6 min read

Pregnant Women Produce Super Antibodies to Protect Newborns, Now Scientists Know How

Study reveals how the early days of mother-provided immunity work, and what this could mean for preventing death and disability for a wide range of infectious diseases. The findings could allow for the development of new therapies and improved vaccines that mimic the elevated maternal antibodies.

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·June 6, 2022·5 min read

Babies Exposed to COVID in the Womb Show Neurodevelopmental Changes

Babies whose mothers contracted COVID-19 while pregnant had greater difficulties relaxing and adapting their bodies while being held than those whose mothers did not contract covid. Additionally, babies born to infected mothers had greater difficulty in controlling their head and shoulder movements. Findings suggest prenatal COVID-19 infection may impact motor function development in babies.

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·May 3, 2022·4 min read

Brain Folds Formed During Fetal Stage Could Affect Onset of Dementia

Brain folds that form during fetal development may have an impact on the age at which symptoms of frontotemporal dementia occur.

This shows a pregnant woman's body and a pair of blue baby booties

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·April 26, 2022·7 min read

Boys Are More Demanding Than Girls Before They Are Born

Women expecting male babies often face more complications during pregnancy. Researchers found the sex of a baby affects how well the placenta functions, along with other factors including maternal stress and diet-induced maternal obesity. Designing individual plans and encouraging women to make lifestyle choices based on their child's sex could provide long-term health benefits and reduce complications during pregnancy.

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·April 22, 2022·4 min read

For Neurons, Where They Begin Isn’t Necessarily Where They End

A new study sheds light on the movement of neurons throughout the brain during fetal development. Researchers also found the two hemispheres of the human cortex separated earlier in development than previously thought.

This shows perinatal brain scans with the ASD related areas highlighted

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·April 5, 2022·3 min read

Autism-Associated Brain Differences Can Be Observed in the Womb

A neuroimaging study of perinatal brains at 25 weeks of gestation reveals significant differences in brain structures in children who were later diagnosed with autism and those who were not. The findings add to the mounting evidence that ASD begins in early development.

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