Day 11: 26 Dayf of March of Dimes

Birth Defects Research

• The processes of development still hold many mysteries.
• We're working to prevent birth defects and find treatments.
• Sought: genetic and environmental causes of birth defects.

Preventing and treating birth defects

Each year in the United States, more than 120,000 babies are born with a birth defect. They are the leading cause of infant deaths. There are thousands of different birth defects, affecting the structure or function of every part of the human body. The March of Dimes provides grants to researchers, with the goal of understanding the causes of birth defects and developing new ways to prevent and treat them. Currently, about 70 percent of the causes of birth defects are unknown.

The processes of development

Some March of Dimes grantees are studying basic biological processes of development. This important research should improve our understanding of how genes and other factors direct the transformation from a single cell into a complete being. A more advanced look at the process of development will help reveal what can go wrong along the way. Others are conducting clinical studies aimed at finding ways to prevent or treat specific birth defects.

Genetic causes

Genetics has long been a main theme of March of Dimes research. Grantees have discovered genes that cause or contribute to a number of common birth defects, including fragile X syndrome, cleft lip and palate, and heart defects. These discoveries pave the way for treatments and preventions for these birth defects.

Research breakthroughs

From the PKU test to surfactant and nitric oxide therapies, March of Dimes funded research is saving the lives of thousands of babies.

Source:  http://www.marchofdimes.com/research/birth-defects-research.aspx

We are 16 days from the Stillwater March for Babies!  CLICK HERE to donate to Team Finn's Fans!