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fetal development

·June 5, 2024·8 min read

Autism Severity Linked to Fetal Brain Growth Patterns

Brain overgrowth in utero may explain the varying severity of autism in children. Researchers used brain organoids from toddlers to show that larger brain growth correlated with more severe autism symptoms. The findings could lead to prenatal identification and potential therapies for autism.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·May 7, 2024·3 min read

mRNA Dynamics in Embryonic Cell Identity

A new study explores mRNA regulation in embryonic development, shedding light on how pluripotent cells specialize. Using single-cell RNA sequencing and metabolic labeling on zebrafish embryos, the research team could distinguish newly synthesized mRNA from maternal contributions.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·June 23, 2023·4 min read

Alzheimer’s Origin May Be in Embryonic Development

Alzheimer's disease, a prevalent neurodegenerative condition, could have its roots in embryonic development. The team grew cortical spheres, akin to human embryonic brains, from CRISPR-edited stem cells harboring familial Alzheimer's disease (fAD) mutations.

Featured Neuroscience

·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.

Featured Neuroscience

·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

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·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.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·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.

Autism Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·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

Featured Neuroscience

·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.

Featured Neuroscience

·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.

Featured Neuroscience

·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.