Amniotic fluid (AF) is necessary for normal human fetal growth and development. The fluid volume cushions the fetus, protecting it from mechanical trauma, and its bacteriostatic properties may help to maintain a sterile intrauterine environment. The space created by the…
Miscarriage, fetal growth restriction, and preeclampsia are pathologies generally arising from events that go awry in the early developmental period. Most fetal malformations arise in early embryogenesis. Thus to accurately diagnose and design effective treatments for these conditions, an understanding…
Detecting the Genetic Basis of Disease Genetic Variation Each human being’s complete genetic sequence reveals a significant amount of genetic variation. The collection of single nucleotide variations and copy number variations within an individual forms a genetic backdrop that influences…
The Human Genome Project was completed on October 21, 2004, and provided the primary structure (nucleotide sequence) of all chromosomes. However, in the nearly 150 years preceding this breakthrough, there were major discoveries that were equally relevant. Gregor Mendel, known…