He also had identified the gene responsible for phosphate exit from the cell. Learning more about this process may lead to the development of methods to block retroviruses, such as AIDS, from entering human cells. Breast-feeding gives babies the very best nutrition possible. Researchers at the Children's Research Center and elsewhere have discovered a growth factor in breast milk that may improve growth and development. A grant from the National Institutes of Health has funded research to determine if adding this growth factor would cause a premature baby's intestines to develop faster and improve overall growth.
Researchers hope to be able to conduct clinical trials in a few years.
Thse children are at high risk for behavior and learning disorders later in life. In its most severe form, Failure to Thrive can cause mental retardation and even death. A child's brain is still under construction. When brain cells are deprived of nutrients, they die. And brain damage may be irreversible.