http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/birth_defects/ Read the latest medical research on birth defects including risk factors, detection and treatment options. en-us Sat, 26 May 2012 13:05:01 EDT Sat, 26 May 2012 13:05:01 EDT 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/birth_defects/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120524123023.htm Scientists found that loss of the ADA gene directly contributes to B cell tolerance problems and that these defects are mostly corrected after gene therapy. Thu, 24 May 2012 12:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120524123023.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523161941.htm Mothers who had fevers during their pregnancies were more than twice as likely to have a child with autism or developmental delay than were mothers of typically developing children, and that taking medication to treat fever countered its effect. Wed, 23 May 2012 16:19:19 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523161941.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523102146.htm Researchers have gained new insights into the mechanisms of heart disease. Wed, 23 May 2012 10:21:21 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523102146.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522135032.htm Excess weight in pregnant women, both before pregnancy and gained during pregnancy, is the main predictor of whether mothers will have larger than average babies, which can result in increased risk of cesarean section or trauma during delivery, states a new study. Tue, 22 May 2012 13:50:50 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522135032.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522115034.htm Researchers have found folic acid fortification of grain products in the United States may have an impact on lowering some childhood cancers. The new research shows fortification does not appear to be causing childhood cancer rates to increase, and also finds a notable decrease in two types of childhood cancer. Tue, 22 May 2012 11:50:50 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522115034.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522084524.htm Researchers have achieved, for the first time, the generation of neuronal cells from stem cells of Fragile X patients. The discovery paves the way for research that will examine restoration of normal gene expression in Fragile X patients. Tue, 22 May 2012 08:45:45 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522084524.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120521164058.htm Researchers have uncovered new knowledge related to host-parasite interaction in severe malaria, concerning how malaria parasites are able to bind to cells in the brain and cause cerebral malaria -- the most lethal form of the disease. Mon, 21 May 2012 16:40:40 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120521164058.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120521104253.htm Folic acid fortification of foods may reduce the incidence of the most common type of kidney cancer and a type of brain tumors in children, finds a new study. Incidence reductions were found for Wilms' tumor, a type of kidney cancer, and primitive neuroectodermal tumors, a type of brain cancer. Mon, 21 May 2012 10:42:42 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120521104253.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120519213236.htm Preliminary results from an ongoing, large-scale study shows that oxytocin -- a naturally occurring substance produced in the brain and throughout the body -- increased brain function in regions that are known to process social information in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Sat, 19 May 2012 21:32:32 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120519213236.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120516152444.htm Taiwanese doctors have restored some movement in four children bedridden with a rare, life-threatening neurological disease using gene transfer. The first-in-humans achievement may also be helpful for more common diseases such as Parkinson's. Wed, 16 May 2012 15:24:24 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120516152444.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120516140012.htm Researchers have transplanted a set of human genes into a zebrafish and then used it to identify genes responsible for head size at birth. This finding also is related to some cases of autism and possibly schizophrenia and childhood obesity. Wed, 16 May 2012 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120516140012.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515131317.htm Researchers have found new clues in the pathogenesis of skull and skin birth defects associated with a rare genetic disorder, Beare-Stevenson cutis gyrata syndrome (BSS). Tue, 15 May 2012 13:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515131317.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515094132.htm Scientists have discovered that mice that lack a gene called Snf2l have brains that are 35 percent larger than normal. The research could lead to new approaches to stimulate brain regeneration and may provide important insight into developmental disorders such as autism and Rett syndrome. Tue, 15 May 2012 09:41:41 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515094132.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514104856.htm Scientists have identified the genetic cause of a birth defect known as Hamamy syndrome. Their findings lend new insights into common ailments such as heart disease, osteoporosis, blood disorders and possibly sterility. Mon, 14 May 2012 10:48:48 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514104856.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120511175011.htm Researchers have uncovered a new way to stimulate activity of immune cell opiate receptors, leading to efficient tumor cell clearance. The researchers have been able to take a new pharmacological approach to activate the immune cells to prevent cancer growth through stimulation of the opiate receptors found on immune cells. Fri, 11 May 2012 17:50:50 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120511175011.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120511101240.htm Neuroscientists have succeeded in undoing the effect of one of the genetic defects that leads to Parkinson's using vitamin K2. The discovery gives hope to Parkinson's patients. Fri, 11 May 2012 10:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120511101240.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510122806.htm A recently evolved pattern of gene activity in the language and decision-making centers of the human brain is missing in a disorder associated with autism and learning disabilities, a new study shows. Thu, 10 May 2012 12:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510122806.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510122711.htm A citywide ban on public smoking in Colorado led to significant decreases in maternal smoking and preterm births, providing the first evidence in the U.S. that such interventions can impact maternal and fetal health. Thu, 10 May 2012 12:27:27 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510122711.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510113717.htm Joubert Syndrome is a condition that affects brain development and manifests itself through delayed psychomotor development, abnormal coordination of eye movements and respiratory abnormalities. Since Dr. Marie Joubert and her colleagues described it for the first time in 1969, a number of related genes have been identified in various populations, but the causal gene of the Quebec form of the syndrome has remained until now unknown. Thu, 10 May 2012 11:37:37 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510113717.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510113526.htm A new report shows that 21.8 percent of pregnant white women aged 15 to 44 currently (within the past 30 days) smoked cigarettes. The study also showed that cigarette smoking levels among pregnant white women were significantly higher than the levels among pregnant black women (14.2 percent) and pregnant Hispanic women (6.5 percent) in the same 15 to 44 age range. Thu, 10 May 2012 11:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510113526.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120508142544.htm Women who are obese before they become pregnant are at higher risk of having children with lower cognitive function - as measured by math and reading tests taken between ages 5 to 7 years - than are mothers with a healthy prepregnancy weight, new research suggests. Tue, 08 May 2012 14:25:25 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120508142544.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120508124455.htm Sildenafil, also known as the erectile dysfunction drug Viagra, may give a boost to underdeveloped hearts in children and young adults with congenital heart defects. Tue, 08 May 2012 12:44:44 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120508124455.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120508112748.htm New research has shown physical changes to exist in specific brain areas implicated in schizophrenia following the use of cannabis during adolescence. The research has shown how cannabis use during adolescence can interact with a gene, called the COMT gene, to cause physical changes in the brain. Tue, 08 May 2012 11:27:27 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120508112748.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120507141148.htm Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is hard to diagnose as well as treat, but researchers have now discovered a way of confirming the disorder using stool samples. Mon, 07 May 2012 14:11:11 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120507141148.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120505130923.htm A new study has identified the risk of major birth defects associated with different types of assisted reproductive technology. In the most comprehensive study of its kind in the world, researchers compared the risk of major birth defects for each of the reproductive therapies commonly available internationally, such as: IVF (in vitro fertilization), ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) and ovulation induction. They also compared the risk of birth defects after fresh and frozen embryo transfer. Sat, 05 May 2012 13:09:09 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120505130923.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120503142643.htm Researchers have discovered a pair of defective genes that cause a rare congenital malformation syndrome that can make it impossible for the child to breathe or eat properly without reparative surgery. Thu, 03 May 2012 14:26:26 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120503142643.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120503142426.htm New discovery of a genetic mutation in congenital asplenia may lead to genetic prenatal screening in patients with the rare, but deadly, disorder. Thu, 03 May 2012 14:24:24 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120503142426.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120503125806.htm Under some conditions, the brains of embryonic chicks appear to be awake well before those chicks are ready to hatch out of their eggs. That's according to an imaging study in which researchers woke chick embryos inside their eggs by playing loud, meaningful sounds to them. Playing meaningless sounds to the embryos wasn't enough to rouse their brains. Thu, 03 May 2012 12:58:58 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120503125806.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120503125804.htm A partial, duplicate copy of a gene appears to be responsible for the critical features of the human brain that distinguish us from our closest primate kin. The momentous gene duplication event occurred about two or three million years ago, at a critical transition in the evolution of the human lineage, according to a pair of new studies. Thu, 03 May 2012 12:58:58 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120503125804.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120503125718.htm A team led by scientists at The Scripps Research Institute and the University of California (UC) San Diego has discovered a new type of dynamic change in human stem cells. Thu, 03 May 2012 12:57:57 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120503125718.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120503115826.htm For the first time, scientists have found what could be a causative link between the concentration of circulating Y-chromosome fetal cells in women who gave birth to children of either sex and their risk of later developing breast cancer and colon cancer. The findings show that the presence of fetal cells is a double-edged sword: Women with the lowest concentration of fetal cells were 70 percent less likely to have breast cancer, while women with the highest concentration of fetal cells had a four-fold increased risk for colon cancer when compared with healthy controls. Thu, 03 May 2012 11:58:58 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120503115826.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502184853.htm The first-ever national, regional, and global estimates of preterm birth reveals that 15 million babies are born too soon every year. Wed, 02 May 2012 18:48:48 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502184853.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502162523.htm A new animal model study has found that in low–birth-weight babies whose growth was restricted in the womb, the level of appetite-producing neuropeptides in the brain's hypothalamus — the central control of the appetite — is higher, resulting in a natural tendency among these children to consume more calories. Wed, 02 May 2012 16:25:25 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502162523.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502091824.htm During inflammation, controlled gene expression is necessary in order to allow the organism to mount an effective defense response. For this process, the protein ARTD1 is removed from the DNA. Veterinary biochemists and molecular biologists have now elucidated this previously unclear mechanism: ARTD1 is cut into two pieces by molecular scissors, which enhances gene expression. The results are groundbreaking for our understanding of inflammatory responses and the development of new anti-inflammatory drugs. Wed, 02 May 2012 09:18:18 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502091824.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120501183021.htm New research shows that hearing and touch have a common genetic basis. In patients with Usher syndrome, a hereditary form of deafness accompanied by impaired vision, researchers have discovered a gene mutation that is also causative for the patients' impaired touch sensitivity. Tue, 01 May 2012 18:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120501183021.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120501085504.htm Autism has a strong genetic basis, but so far efforts to identify the responsible genes have had mixed results. The reason for this is that autism is influenced by many different genes, and different genes are involved in different individuals, making it hard to find the common genetic ground between patients. Tue, 01 May 2012 08:55:55 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120501085504.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120430190537.htm About one baby is born every hour addicted to opiate drugs in the United States, according to new research. Physicians found that diagnosis of neonatal abstinence syndrome, a drug withdrawal syndrome among newborns, almost tripled between 2000 and 2009. Mon, 30 Apr 2012 19:05:05 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120430190537.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120430164227.htm Occupational exposure to formaldehyde in Chinese men may be linked to reduced fertility, reports a new article. Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:42:42 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120430164227.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120430124713.htm Biologists have advanced the knowledge of human neurodevelopmental disorders by finding that a lack of a particular group of cell adhesion molecules in the cerebral cortex -- the outermost layer of the brain where language, thought and other higher functions take place -- disrupts the formation of neural circuitry. Mon, 30 Apr 2012 12:47:47 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120430124713.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120429085413.htm When children behave badly, it's easy to blame their parents. Sometimes, however, such behavior may be due to a mental disorder. Mental illnesses are the No. 1 cause of medical disability in youths ages 15 and older in the United States and Canada, according to the World Health Organization. Sun, 29 Apr 2012 08:54:54 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120429085413.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120429085406.htm Newborns whose mothers are under stress during the first trimester of pregnancy may be at risk for low iron status, which could lead to physical and mental delays down the road, according to a new study. Sun, 29 Apr 2012 08:54:54 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120429085406.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120427142139.htm A new study found that the incidence of fetal growth restriction, or the poor growth of a baby while in the mother's womb, was lower in obese women when compared to non-obese women. Researchers conducted the study because a wealth of data shows that obese women are at greater risk of fetal death or stillbirth. They wanted to determine if fetal growth restriction – which increases the likelihood of stillbirth – might play a role. Fri, 27 Apr 2012 14:21:21 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120427142139.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120426143808.htm Transplanting tissue from newborn fetal membranes prevents blindness in patients with a devastating disease called Stevens-Johnson syndrome, a new study has found. Thu, 26 Apr 2012 14:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120426143808.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120426134924.htm Women who smoke in pregnancy may be more likely to have a child with high-functioning autism, such as Asperger’s Disorder, according to preliminary findings. Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:49:49 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120426134924.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120425155420.htm A "self-repair" mechanism has been found by which developing organisms recognize and correct facial defects. A tadpole model showed organisms aren't genetically hard-wired with cell movements that result in normal facial features. Cell groups instead measure shape and position and move and remodel to fix abnormalities. Wed, 25 Apr 2012 15:54:54 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120425155420.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120425143634.htm Researchers have reversed behaviors in mice resembling two of the three core symptoms of autism spectrum disorders. An experimental agent increased social interactions and lessened repetitive self-grooming behavior in a strain of mice that normally display such autism-like behaviors. Since the same class of agents is being tested in patients with a related syndrome, the findings suggest a strategy for developing a single treatment that could target multiple diagnostic symptoms of ASDs. Wed, 25 Apr 2012 14:36:36 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120425143634.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120425140359.htm Scientists have discovered a striking association between genes found disrupted in children with autism and genes that are targets of FMRP, the protein generated by the gene FMR1, whose dysfunction causes Fragile-X syndrome. Wed, 25 Apr 2012 14:03:03 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120425140359.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120425140355.htm Stem cell researchers at UCLA have identified new components of the genetic pathway that controls the adhesive properties and proliferation of neural stem cells and the formation of neurons. Wed, 25 Apr 2012 14:03:03 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120425140355.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120424154314.htm In an important test of one of the first drugs to target core symptoms of autism, researchers are undertaking a pilot clinical trial to evaluate insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) in children who have SHANK3 deficiency (also known as 22q13 Deletion Syndrome or Phelan-McDermid Syndrome), a known cause of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:43:43 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120424154314.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120424120450.htm Commonly prescribed anti-depressants appear to be doing patients more harm than good, say researchers who have published a paper examining the impact of the medications on the entire body. Tue, 24 Apr 2012 12:04:04 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120424120450.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120423131514.htm Scientists have rewritten the job description of the protein TopBP1 after demonstrating that it guards early brain cells from DNA damage. Such damage might foreshadow later problems, including cancer. Mon, 23 Apr 2012 13:15:15 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120423131514.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120423104015.htm Scientists have developed nano-devices that successfully cross the brain-blood barrier and deliver a drug that tames brain-damaging inflammation in rabbits with cerebral palsy. Mon, 23 Apr 2012 10:40:40 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120423104015.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120419090719.htm Obese women run the risk of problems during pregnancy, labor and complications for the baby's health. A new study of more than 3000 expectant mothers confirms this, and also reveals that being underweight also has specific complications. Researchers have identified the risks in pregnancy related specifically to obesity and have compared them to underweight women to confirm that extreme slimness also carries a risk. Thu, 19 Apr 2012 09:07:07 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120419090719.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120418203532.htm A new type of anti-epilepsy medication that selectively targets proteins in the brain that control excitability may significantly reduce seizure frequency in people whose recurrent seizures have been resistant to even the latest medications, new research suggests. Wed, 18 Apr 2012 20:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120418203532.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120418143755.htm Researchers have demonstrated that a nanotechnology-based drug treatment in newborn rabbits with cerebral palsy enabled dramatic improvement of movement disorders and the inflammatory process of the brain that causes many cases of CP. The findings strongly suggest that there may be an opportunity immediately after birth for drug treatment that could minimize CP. Wed, 18 Apr 2012 14:37:37 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120418143755.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120417143812.htm Children with Rett Syndrome, who cannot speak or use their hands to communicate and therefore were thought to be unable to understand and process information, do in fact exhibit meaningful visual search whereby they can process and prioritize information, new research shows. This leads researchers to believe that conventional testing is not robust enough and underestimates the patients' cognitive abilities. Tue, 17 Apr 2012 14:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120417143812.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120417101948.htm One out of every two women of reproductive age is overweight or obese. Overweight or obese women are more likely to give birth to above average weight babies, new research shows. Tue, 17 Apr 2012 10:19:19 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120417101948.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120416130408.htm Researchers have found that lack of a specific gene can interrupt neural tube closure. Mon, 16 Apr 2012 13:04:04 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120416130408.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120412182334.htm Scientists have identified which strains of the Toxoplasma gondii parasite, the cause of toxoplasmosis, are most strongly associated with premature births and severe birth defects in the United States. The researchers used a new blood test to pinpoint T. gondii strains that children acquire from their acutely infected mothers while in the womb. Thu, 12 Apr 2012 18:23:23 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120412182334.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120411132055.htm Scientists have discovered a mutation limited to brain tissue that causes hemimegalencephaly, a condition where one half of the brain is enlarged and dysfunctional, leading to intellectual disability and severe epilepsy. The research has broad significance as a potential model for other complex neuropsychiatric diseases that may also be caused by "brain-only" mutations. Wed, 11 Apr 2012 13:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120411132055.htm