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Maternal blood test reveals prenatal methylation clues linked to autism risk

Researchers found that maternal plasma cell-free DNA methylation patterns in late pregnancy were associated with later autism diagnosis and maternal obesity in a high-likelihood ASD cohort. The findings suggest cfDNA may offer a minimally invasive way to study prenatal epigenetic changes linked to neurodevelopmental risk, but larger validation studies are needed.

25 Jun 2026

Primary teeth serve as biological archives of early life

Using data and biological samples from the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study (MoBa) and the world`s larges biobank of primary teeth, MoBaTooth biobank, Stokke Jensen`s doctorial research shows that primary teeth can serve as a detailed biological archive of exposures occurring during critical stages of human development.

22 Jun 2026

Double strategy of blood donation and early screening offers hope for families

Thalassemia management relies on blood donations and prevention strategies, crucial for reducing the disease's impact on families and healthcare systems.

From BGI Genomics 15 Jun 2026

Common plasticizer may trigger lifelong anxiety-related behavioral changes

Male rats that were exposed to the widely used plasticizer di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) during early development exhibited increased anxiety behavior as adults, according to a study being presented Saturday at ENDO 2026, the Endocrine Society's annual meeting in Chicago, Ill.

14 Jun 2026

Noninvasive sequencing expands prenatal genetic screening capabilities

While non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) has revolutionised prenatal diagnostics by allowing the detection of a number of genetic problems in a fetus, it is currently limited and thus misses many genetic causes of abnormalities.

12 Jun 2026

Cerebellar structural changes influence social behavior in autism

Researchers at Kanazawa University have identified a previously unrecognized mechanism by which structural changes in the cerebellum influence social behavior.

12 Jun 2026

Temple Health receives grant to launch family thriving program

Temple Health has been awarded a $700,000 three‑year grant from the William Penn Foundation to develop the Temple Family Thriving Program, a trauma‑informed initiative that integrates caregiver and early childhood support directly into prenatal and postpartum care.

11 Jun 2026

BU professor to examine the role of postpartum hypertension on recurrent HDP risk

Samantha Parker Kelleher, along with researchers at BU School of Public Health and Boston Medical Center, will examine the role of high blood pressure during the postpartum period on the risk of developing recurrent hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, such as preeclampsia and gestational hypertension.

11 Jun 2026

Women without health insurance are far less likely to take folic acid supplement

A study reveals healthcare access, particularly insurance coverage, significantly impacts folic acid supplement use among U.S. women of reproductive age.

10 Jun 2026

Healthcare and insurance access influence folic acid use among women

Access to healthcare and insurance coverage strongly influence whether women take recommended amounts of folic acid to help prevent serious birth defects, according to University of California, Irvine researchers using the National Institutes of Health's All of Us Research Program data.

8 Jun 2026

Research highlights ongoing TORCH infection risks despite rising vaccination rates

The TORCH complex is a group of pathogens that can cause infections with mild or silent symptoms in an expecting mother, but in a developing fetus can lead to serious complications that include stillbirth, lifelong disability, or birth defects.

8 Jun 2026

Fathers' health may shape children's future obesity ris

As obesity rates rise across the U.S., new research from Joe C. Wen School of Population & Public Health at the University of California, Irvine scientists draws attention to an often-overlooked factor in children's long-term health: fathers.

4 Jun 2026

Exercise during pregnancy links to lower infant BMI at one year

Supervised exercise during pregnancy may lower infant BMI and reduce obesity risk, highlighting the impact of maternal health on early growth trajectories.

4 Jun 2026

What pregnancy reveals about a woman’s future heart health

Pregnancy acts as a natural cardiovascular stress test, revealing hidden heart disease and identifying women at higher long-term risk after complications such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and preterm birth. The review highlights major evidence gaps in cardio-obstetric care and calls for stronger postpartum screening, dedicated women’s health clinics, and better inclusion of reproductive-age women in research.

3 Jun 2026

Scientists launch project to improve early autism diagnosis in preemies

An international team of researchers from Europe and Australia will contribute to MICRO-NEST, a €6 million Horizon Europe project applying innovative approaches to identify markers of autism in children born before 37 weeks of gestation.

3 Jun 2026

Scientists introduce a precise framework to study screen-saturated childhoods

Children are growing up inside screens. A new peer-reviewed Thought Leaders Invited Review in Brain Health argues that neuroscience has been missing the word for what those screens are touching.

3 Jun 2026

Eating a Mediterranean diet may lower anxiety symptoms in teens

Findings reveal that the Mediterranean diet may reduce anxiety symptoms in adolescents, with maternal dietary habits also impacting offspring mental health.

2 Jun 2026

Pediatric experts reveal the 10 research areas set to shape child health

Pediatric research leaders identified 10 high-promise areas likely to shape child health over the next 5 to 10 years, including genomics, mental health, vaccines, artificial intelligence, perinatal medicine, precision therapeutics, health equity, nutrition, environmental health, and cancer treatment. The paper argues that these opportunities will only translate into better outcomes if pediatric research receives sustained funding, public trust, workforce support, advocacy, and equitable implementation.

1 Jun 2026

Early pregnancy interventions improve healthy gestational weight gain outcomes

Both too little and too much weight gain during pregnancy are associated with serious maternal and child health outcomes, including preterm birth, low birth weight, death, preeclampsia, and unplanned cesarean delivery.

27 May 2026

Prenatal therapy for cystic fibrosis improves lifelong health outcomes

This Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month, Children's Hospital Colorado (Children's Colorado) is highlighting a growing shift in care: starting cystic fibrosis treatment before birth to improve lifelong health outcomes and reduce hospital stays.

27 May 2026