Thursday, February 7, 2008

Gene causes Hispanic pre-term problems

Scientists have found a gene that may contribute to pre-term births for Hispanic women.

Science Daily reports that the gene ENPP1 may cause these pre-term births and low birth weights. One in eight babies in the United States is born prematurely, and scientists think the gene composition of mother and child is a contributing factor.

Each ethnic group will have a different gene or genes to cause pre-term problems, but scientists say they have pinpointed the one causing problems for Hispanics, who made up 85 percent of the study.

Source: Science Daily

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