Birth Defects News and Research

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ASU Biodesign researchers develop more potent, safer plant-based Zika vaccine

The worldwide Zika threat first emerged in 2015, infecting millions as it swept across the Americas. It struck great fear in pregnant women, as babies born with severe brain birth defects quickly overburdened hospitals and public health care systems.

9 Aug 2017

Mouse model developed to allow study of Zika virus transmission

Scientists at the National Institutes of Health have developed a mouse model to study the sexual and fetal transmission of Zika virus. This will enable studies to further understanding of how the Zika virus spreads, thereby allowing treatments to be developed.

4 Aug 2017

Stowers researchers solve 3D structure of critical protein complex using microscopy techniques

Researchers at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research have solved the three-dimensional structure of a complex that is essential for the correct sorting of chromosomes into eggs and sperm during reproductive cell division or meiosis.

2 Aug 2017

Sexual transmission of Zika virus reported in Florida

Yesterday, Florida Department of Health reported the first case of sexually transmitted Zika virus this year.

2 Aug 2017

Kidenga app tracks mosquito activity and disease symptoms for summer travelers

Just because Zika isn't in the news as much lately, doesn't mean the mosquito-borne infection no longer is a health threat.

26 Jul 2017

New study finds link between certain antibiotics during pregnancy and risk for birth defects

A new study has found links between certain antibiotics during pregnancy and major congenital malformations in newborns.

19 Jul 2017

New antibody-based assay differentiates Zika from similar viral infections

A new test is the best-to-date in differentiating Zika virus infections from infections caused by similar viruses.

18 Jul 2017

Zika virus affecting teenage mothers in Brazil

Zika virus transmitted by mosquitoes is affecting scores of teenage girls in the latest Brazilian Zika outbreak. The consequences of this could be serious say experts

14 Jul 2017

Potential vaccines could protect developing fetus from Zika virus, UTMB study shows

Immunizing female mice with a Zika vaccine can protect their developing fetus from infection and birth defects during pregnancy, according to new research from The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.

13 Jul 2017

Novel approach to leukemia therapy can safely improve treatment success, reduce side effects

New University of Liverpool research, presented at an international conference, confirms that a novel approach to the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) can safely increase treatment success and reduce negative side effects.

12 Jul 2017

New DNA-based vaccine protects testes, sperm from Zika-related damage in mouse models

While the Zika virus is primarily transmitted by mosquitoes, research has shown that the disease can affect semen and sperm and can therefore be spread through sexual intercourse.

11 Jul 2017

Neuroscientists discover how prenatal alcohol exposure increases risk for drug addiction later in life

One of the many negative consequences, when fetuses are exposed to alcohol in the womb, is an increased risk for drug addiction later in life.

10 Jul 2017

Medical City Frisco pediatric urologists break down barriers regarding penile birth defects

One of the most common birth defects in newborn baby boys is never discussed, never seen in the media and rarely mentioned in medical educational material.

23 Jun 2017

ISU entomologist urges summertime precautions against mosquitoes and ticks

Ryan Smith, an assistant professor of entomology at Iowa State University is encouraging Iowans to take precautions this summer when spending time outdoors in areas commonly populated by mosquitoes and ticks, which can transmit West Nile virus and other diseases that can have serious or potentially fatal outcomes.

22 Jun 2017

A clinic mix-up leaves pregnant woman in dark about Zika risk

Hospital officials in Washington state have apologized after failing for months to inform a pregnant woman she was likely infected with the Zika virus that can cause devastating birth defects.

21 Jun 2017

Study finds link between common household chemicals and birth defects in mice

A new study at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine and the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech has found a connection between common household chemicals and birth defects.

16 Jun 2017

Being overweight or obese during pregnancy increases risk of birth defects, study finds

The risk of babies being born with major birth defects increases, the more overweight or obese a mother is, according to a Swedish study. The authors of the research say their findings “underline the importance of having a maternal BMI in the normal range before pregnancy” and that efforts should be made to encourage women of reproductive age to adopt a healthy lifestyle and obtain a normal body weight before conception.

15 Jun 2017

Researchers identify key Lassa virus structure using powerful Argonne X-rays

Before Ebola virus ever struck West Africa, locals were already on the lookout for a deadly pathogen: Lassa virus.

13 Jun 2017

Zika viral load not necessarily linked to pregnancy problems, fetal abnormalities

UCLA-led researchers have found that Zika viral load and the degree of Zika symptoms during pregnancy were not necessarily associated with problems during pregnancy or fetal abnormalities at birth.