News & Updates

The genes of male and female placentas have marked differences in how they are expressed, driven by variations in DNA methylation. Findings may explain increased risk of complication with male fetuses compared to female fetuses.

At least 20 babies in the United States are born each year with Generalized Arterial Calcification of Infancy (GACI), a progressive genetic disease. Of those who survive infancy, most develop the skeletal disease rickets. NICHD research seeks to understand the molecular mechanisms underpinning GACI and how they affect skeletal growth and metabolism.

Henry Levin, Ph.D., and Brant M. Weinstein, Ph.D., and David Clark, Ph.D., senior investigators at NICHD, have been elected as fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Dr. Levin was honored for his contributions to molecular genetics and microbiology, and Dr. Weinstein for his contributions to vascular biology, and Dr. Clark was honored for his contributions to molecular genetics.

A new and improved version of NIH’s online Down syndrome registry promises to enhance the relationship between families and researchers and better address the health issues of people with Down syndrome.

Breastfeeding mothers taking a type of antidepressant or corticosteroids had lower levels of protein in their milk and those taking anti-inflammatory medications had milk with lower fat levels.

The NIH Baby Toolbox, previously called the NIH Infant and Toddler Toolbox, is now available for researchers and clinicians as an iPad app.

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

NIH has selected four finalists with innovative, non-invasive technologies that seek to improve diagnosis of endometriosis—a common and often debilitating gynecological disease.

A receptor on liver cells may play a key role in fat accumulation in the liver and obesity-related disorders.

Compared to pregnant women with higher vitamin D levels, pregnant women with low vitamin D levels had greater risk of preterm birth. Their infants were also of shorter length.

Even a partial course of steroids for pregnant women at risk of early labor can help a preterm infant’s lungs mature and raise the odds of survival.

Lowering body temperature for preterm infants who experienced oxygen loss to the brain during birth does not benefit preterm infants. Numerous studies had found that the treatment may benefit term infants.

Using a new gene editing technique, researchers corrected a rare hereditary disorder in a mouse model.

Released in January, the NICHD Strategic Plan 2025 lays out updated priorities to guide the institute’s research over the next five years. While our five major research goals are unchanged, we made substantial updates to reflect shifts in public health priorities and the evolution of new technologies.

Certain patterns of metabolites in the blood could one day prove useful for identifying infants at high risk for sudden infant death syndrome.

Weight gain in first trimester linked with fetal fat gain. Findings may have implications for preventing early life forerunner of later life obesity.

The NICHD strategic plan outlined updated strategies for achieving its research goals and objectives.

NICHD announced winners of the first phase of its Community Champions for Disability Health Challenge, a prize competition that encourages community-based organizations to develop and implement strategies to reduce health disparities experienced by people with disabilities.

Healthy eating during pregnancy may be uncommon in the United States. Pregnant women may not be making healthy food choices, swapping greens, legumes, and whole grains for fat and sugar. Overall, study participants scored a D on a scale ranging from A to F.

Each year, NICHD reflects on selected highlights from the past 12 months that demonstrate how public investment in research drives scientific progress and benefits human health. In 2024, NICHD research expanded knowledge of and enhanced care in women’s health, fetal and pediatric health, disabilities, rehabilitation, and more.