A second chance for millions of children: scientists reveal new methods for saving premature infants.

Researchers worldwide are developing innovative technologies, such as artificial wombs, to address the issue of premature births, which claim the lives of countless children under the age of five each year. According to the World Health Organization, in 2020 alone, 13.4 million preterm infants were born, with those born before 27 weeks often requiring months of intensive care. Such technology could save millions of future members of society, writes ITVX.

Complications like breathing difficulties, thermoregulation issues, and vulnerability to infections in preterm infants highlight the urgent need for advancements in neonatal medicine. A team from Eindhoven University of Technology (Netherlands) is working on creating a liquid-based incubator that mimics the natural environment of the mother's womb.

This device is designed to house preterm infants in a fluid-filled bag, preventing the onset of breathing, which allows them to continue developing. Professor Frans van de Vosse, who leads this work, emphasized the importance of the task, stating that the first use of this device by a human is likely to occur in a critical, life-threatening situation. The team has utilized dolls to simulate such scenarios, considering not only the technical aspects of the transfer process but also how doctors can be trained to effectively use such devices.

Concurrently, scientists are researching embryonic stem cells. Professor Jacob Hanna from the Weizmann Institute of Science has made strides in growing mouse embryos outside the womb, offering insights into the application of stem cells in medicine. His work is not limited to creating a fully functional artificial womb but focuses on how stem cells can be transformed into any type of cell. Such advancements could revolutionize the treatment of diseases, tissue regeneration, and aging.

Berlin researcher Elizabeth Krenkler has proposed a design for a wearable artificial womb aimed at enhancing the bond between mother and child. This approach envisions creating a device that allows mothers to physically be close to their children after birth, which is significantly better than traditional incubators that separate them. Krenkler acknowledges that such technology is still far from practical use in hospitals.

Ethical and regulatory issues continue to loom over the development of artificial wombs. Dr. Chloe Romanis from Durham University warns against presenting these innovations as guaranteed solutions, emphasizing the importance of balanced communication with families regarding the risks and benefits of the technology. Furthermore, equitable access and potential misuse of artificial wombs in non-emergency situations complicate their implementation in medical practice.

Although the term "artificial womb" often conjures dystopian images, researchers like Professor Hanna clarify their goals, focusing on deepening medical understanding rather than replacing natural pregnancy. Despite the long journey ahead, these technologies offer hope not only for the survival of preterm infants but also for progress in the field of regenerative medicine.

Important! This article is based on the latest scientific and medical research and does not contradict it. The text is for informational purposes only and does not contain medical advice. For a diagnosis, please consult a physician.