An analysis using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) among 5,374 women of reproductive age indicates that two thirds of women within this demographic have at least one modifiable risk factor, such as low folate status or unmanaged diabetes, that can increase the chance of serious birth defects. The new study appearing in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, published by Elsevier, highlights that identifying and addressing these changeable risk factors, especially before pregnancy, are important for public health programs and healthcare providers to improve women's support and reduce the risk of birth defects.

Developmental scientists and medical social science experts at Northwestern University have spearheaded the creation of the most recent NIH Toolbox, providing the newest nationally standardized assessment of cognitive, language, motor and social-emotional skill development in infants aged 16 days to 42 months.

The original NIH Toolbox, although widely implemented in clinical and research settings, was designed to measure children from 3 years of age through adulthood. 

While scientists have long known that certain core genes help regulate circadian rhythms, a new study led by researchers at Baylor College of Medicine reveals that there is an additional layer of regulation – diet interacts with an individual’s genetic makeup, influencing daily patterns of gene activity in the liver, especially those related to fat metabolism.