News

NICHD issues News Releases and Media Advisories to the news media. Spotlight and Research Feature articles explain NICHD research findings and public health issues to the general public. An Item of Interest is a short announcement of relevant information, such as a notable staff change.

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Science Update: Potential screening method for autism spectrum disorder analyzes movements, NICHD study suggests

Two children seated at table. One inserts a piece to a puzzle while the other watches.

NICHD scientists have harnessed artificial intelligence to develop a prototype test to screen children for autism spectrum disorders on the basis of their arm movements.

Science Update: Placental gene therapy corrects fetal growth complication in guinea pig model, according to NICHD-supported study

A black and white rendering of a placenta and cord against a black background.

Researchers tested gene therapy in a guinea pig model of fetal growth restriction caused by placental insufficiency, which occurs when the placenta fails to provide enough oxygen and nutrients to the developing fetus. Currently, there is no treatment for this complication.

Spotlight: Selected NICHD Research Advances of 2024

A young woman with Down syndrome smiles with her grandmother. Both are standing outside in front of a tree.

Read about select research advances supported by NICHD in 2024, including work on women’s health, child and adolescent health, medical rehabilitation, health disparities, and more.

Media Advisory: Abnormal prenatal blood test results could indicate hidden maternal cancers

Health care professional with a stethoscope examing a pregnant person.

NIH researchers found previously undetected cancers in nearly half of pregnant people who had abnormal results for prenatal cell-free DNA testing used to screen for chromosomal disorders in the fetus.

Director's Corner: Expanding Knowledge of Pediatric Long COVID and MIS-C

Child laying on couch with hand on forehead.

Like many infectious diseases, COVID-19 can affect children differently than adults. To optimize treatment of pediatric COVID-19 and its long-term complications, we must first understand the unique needs of children.

Science Update: Certain feeding practices associated with rapid infant weight gain

Infants who were formula fed, introduced to solid food early, and fed by caregivers who watched television while feeding them were at risk for rapid weight gain in early life.

Science Update: Low-diversity gut microbiome precedes life-threatening intestinal condition affecting preterm infants, NICHD-funded study suggests

Artist’s rendering of microorganisms in the human intestinal tract.

Failure of the microbiome to fully establish itself in a preterm infant’s digestive system precedes the development of a a life-threatening intestinal condition.

Science Update: Childhood adversity linked with higher risk of premature death by suicide and substance use in adulthood, NIH study suggests

Child sitting on bench, hunched, holding knees.

Adults who experienced adversity as children were more likely than those who didn’t to die by suicide or substance use by middle adulthood.

Director's Corner: Enhancing Maternal and Women’s Health

Understanding and addressing a wide range of women’s gynecological and reproductive health issues are priorities for NICHD. Through research, the institute seeks to support and optimize the health of women throughout their lives.

Media Advisory: Adopting pediatric readiness standards in emergency departments could save more than 2,000 lives each year

Child seated on gurney while providers adjust cast on her lower leg.

Adoption of standards for pediatric care in emergency rooms could save 2,000 lives each year, ranging from no cost to $11.84 per child.

Release: NIH announces prize winners in year-long challenge to develop fetal diagnostic and monitoring technologies

NIH has announced winners of its competition to accelerate the development of diagnostic and monitoring technologies to improve fetal health outcomes.

Item of Interest: NIH establishes $20 million program to study Down syndrome from birth to adulthood

The NIH INCLUDE Project launched a new long-term study, called the Down Syndrome Cohort Development Program, to observe and track health data of people with Down syndrome from birth to adulthood.

Spotlight: Scientific Advances from the Division of Intramural Research

Tiny pink dots clustered against a blue background. A fish fin is visible in the lower right corner.

The Division of Intramural Research provides fundamental knowledge about the nature and behavior of living systems through basic, clinical, and population-based research.

Science Update: Evaluating androgen levels in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome helps inform infertility treatments

Patient, seated, listening to medical professional.

High androgen levels were linked with low pregnancy rates in polycystic ovary syndrome. The findings may provide information to improve infertility treatment in patients with the condition.

Science Update: NIH researchers upgrade wearable device for monitoring placental oxygen levels

A health care worker listens to a pregnant person’s abdomen with a stethoscope.

NIH researchers have upgraded a sensor that monitors placental oxygen levels, pairing it with sensors that monitor a pregnant person’s breathing, heart rate, and uterine contractions, along with fetal movements.

Release: NIH announces winners of prize competition to improve postpartum maternal health and health equity through innovative diagnostics

A mother holding an infant and looking at a smartphone.

Eight winning teams developed home-based and point-of-care diagnostics, wearables and other accessible technologies to improve postpartum health outcomes in regions that have limited access to maternity care.

Science Update: Children and their dogs have high oxytocin levels when interacting with each other

When playing together, children and their dogs have higher levels of oxytocin, a hormone involved in social bonding.

Science Update: High levels of certain forever chemicals during pregnancy linked to mid-life obesity, NIH-funded study suggests

Pregnant person behind a shopping cart reading a package label.

High levels of some forever chemicals in pregnancy could lead to midlife obesity, a study suggests.

Science Update: Newborns with opioid withdrawal more likely to be readmitted after hospital discharge

Hand holding infant foot. Hospital paper band is visible on infant’s ankle.

Newborns experiencing withdrawal symptoms after opioid exposure in the womb are more likely to be readmitted to the hospital 90 days after being discharged.

Director's Corner: Optimizing Infant Health

Person putting a baby on their back to sleep.

Our experiences during infancy and childhood affect our health across the lifespan. Through its infant health research, NICHD continues to promote healthy and optimal lives for all children and adolescents, including the tiniest babies.

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