Top » Science & Technology

Protect and Survive

It is believed that approximately 15% of pregnancies end in miscarriages. One theory is that free radicals, which damage cells, are responsible. Doctors think they have a solution which could greatly reduce the amount of miscarriages and birth defects that happen each day. They believe they have found an enzyme in mice which is directly related to the overall health of offspring. If scientists can adapt this technology for humans, the rate of healthy births could increase while decreasing the number of lost pregnancies and birth defects. Doctors estimate that worldwide, 400 million people (7% of the world's population) have a deficiency in this enzyme they have identified in mice.

Thu, 16 Mar 2000 07:36:16 -0800