News

​​​NICHD issues News Releases and Media Advisories to the news media. Spotlight and Research Feature articles explain NICHD research findings and public health issues to the general public. An Item of Interest is a short announcement of relevant information, such as a notable staff change.

Infographic: Growing Up After Zika

NICHD investigates development throughout the entire life process, including fetal development and early childhood. This infog​​​raphic describes what research so far has shown about Zika's impact on the developing brain​.

NIH to host scientific workshop on Zika virus and child development

NICHD will host a workshop on September 22-23, 2016 to identify the best approaches for treating and caring for children exposed to Zika virus in the womb. Participants from the United States, Brazil and Puerto Rico, who are experts in obstetrics, maternal and pediatric infectious diseases, child development, rehabilitation and vaccine research, will deliver lectures and lead panel discussions.​

Cholesterol drug appears beneficial for Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome

Simvastatin, commonly prescribed for reducing cholesterol, may be effective for treating Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS), according to a new study from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), part of the National Institutes of Health. The study is the first randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial of a statin drug for SLOS, a rare genetic disease that currently has no cure or approved treatment.

Zika from the Front Lines

NICHD's Nahida Chakhtoura, M.D., recently returned from Puerto Rico after visiting with NICHD-supported researchers who are studying Zika in pregnancy ​and fetal development. Read more about her trip, the research, and the women she met.​​

Adolescent birth rate drops across all racial groups, annual report shows

According to the 2016 edition of America’s Children: Key National Indicators of Well-Being, in 2014, the adolescent birth rate was 11 births per 1,000 girls ages 15 to 17 years, down from 12 per 1,000 in 2013. Racial and ethnic disparities in adolescent birth rates also have declined, although substantial differences persist.

NIH funds Zika virus study involving U.S. Olympic team

Researchers supported by the National Institutes of Health will monitor potential Zika virus exposure among a subset of athletes, coaches and other U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) staff attending the 2016 Summer Olympics and Paralympics in Brazil.

Video Series: Developing Lifelong Learners

Check out the new “Developing Lifelong Learners” animated videos, with tips for parents on how to build their child’s math, language, and reading skills. The series features advice from early learning experts at NICHD.

Breastfeeding Challenges: How to Find Support for Common Problems

Breastfeeding can help optimize your newborn’s health. But challenging circumstances can often bring breastfeeding to a halt. Achieving the recommended 6 months of exclusive breastfeeding for baby often requires a broad network of support from your partner, family, providers, community, and workplace. Read more about common challenges and resources that can help you overcome them.
top of page BACK TO TOP