How alcohol leads to birth defects - clues from embryo heart images

07/01/2014 09:55

Scientists have found a way to image the very early development of the embryonic heart in research that may help them to explain how drinking alcohol in pregnancy can lead to heart defects at the baby's birth.

The researchers, based in Cleveland, OH, knew that "even one episode of heavy drinking" could lead to fetal alcohol syndrome, which is a collection of congenital (present at birth) defects, including problems with the heart.

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