Expert discusses birth defects, their causes, and preventionthe importance of pre-pregnancy counselling, folic acid, ...

Northwestern Medicine investigators have identified novel mechanisms regulating the development of the spinal column during ...

Researchers have identified novel mechanisms regulating the development of the spinal column, which could inform new ...

Spina bifida is the most common permanently disabling birth defect that is associated with life. Each year approximately 1,400 babies born in the United States have spina bifida, according to the U.S.

occurs when spinal tissue fails to fuse properly during the early stages of pregnancy. The birth defect can lead to a range of lifelong cognitive, mobility, urinary and bowel disabilities.

Scientists grew new bladders from the patients' own cells, which were then transplanted back into the patients' bodies. Dr. Anthony Atala and his colleagues described the experiment as a long-term ...

Birth defects can be caused by genetic environmental or combined factors but some can be prevented with the right measures ...

Women who are planning on becoming pregnant are already encouraged to increase their daily intake of another folate – folic acid – to help prevent birth defects, such as spina bifida and anencephaly.

Hundreds more birth defects could be prevented every ... preventing 200 cases of brain and spine defects every year. However, the experts argue that the level of folic acid should be increased ...

Spinal muscular atrophy ... future research Shortly after birth, the infant was diagnosed with three developmental abnormalities: ventricular septal defect (which resolved), optic nerve hypoplasia ...