Scientists in Cork have identified new blood biomarkers in the umbilical cord that may detect brain injury in newborn babies. The breakthrough research was undertaken by Ireland’s foetal and neonatal research centre, the Infant Centre, at Cork University Maternity Hospital and University College Cork. Early intervention in neonatal brain injury is critical, so that the successful brain-cooling therapy can be initiated immediately to reduce brain injury and improve outcomes. We have now been funded by the Irish Research Council to examine whether manipulating these microRNA could reduce or prevent brain injury. Umbilical cord blood samples from 170 newborn babies from Ireland and Sweden were collected and analysed over a number of years.

Source: Irish Examiner January 07, 2019 03:45 UTC