US National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

NIH scientists identify maternal and fetal genes that increase preterm birth risk

Researchers at the National Institutes of Health have identified DNA variants in mothers and fetuses that appear to increase the risk for preterm labor and delivery. The DNA variants were in genes involved in the regulation of inflammation and of the extracellular matrix, the mesh-like mate ... more

New technique could eliminate inherited mitochondrial disease

Researchers funded by the National Institutes of Health have developed an experimental technique with the potential to prevent a class of hereditary disorders passed on from mother to child. The technique, as yet conducted only in nonhuman primates, involves transferring the hereditary mate ... more

US National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

The NICHD, established by congress in 1962, conducts and supports research on topics related to the health of children, adults, families, and populations. Some of these topics include: Reducing infant deaths; Improving the health of women, men, and families; Understanding reproductive heal ... more