Epidemiological evidence links an individual's susceptibility to chronic disease in adult life to
events during their intrauterine phase of development. Biologically this should not be …

The placenta sits at the interface between the maternal and fetal vascular beds where it
mediates nutrient and waste exchange to enable in utero existence. Placental cells …

Appropriate fetal growth relies upon adequate placental nutrient transfer. Birthweight:
placental weight ratio (BW: PW ratio) is often used as a proxy for placental efficiency, defined …

During human pregnancy, the fetal circulation is separated from maternal blood in the
placenta by two cell layers–the fetal capillary endothelium and placental trophoblast. This …

Placentation is a reproductive adaptation that permits fetal growth and development within
the protected confines of the female reproductive tract. Through this important role, the …

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is the failure of a fetus to reach its full genetic growth potential.
It occurs in up to 8% of pregnancies, and after premature birth is the second leading cause …

Background Epidemiological and animal studies provide compelling indications that
environmental and engineered nanomaterials (NMs) pose a risk for pregnancy, fetal …

Pregnancy may be the most nutritionally sensitive stage in the life cycle, and improved
metabolic health during gestation and early postnatal life can reduce the risk of chronic …

Studying placental functions is crucial for understanding pregnancy complications. However,
imaging placenta is challenging due to its depth, volume, and motion distortions. In this …

Microvilli are cellular membrane protrusions present on differentiated epithelial cells, which
can sense and interact with the surrounding fluid environment. Biochemical and genetic …