A comprehensive study revealed that one in ten premature births in the United States is linked to pregnant women's exposure to phthalates, commonly found in plastic products. Phthalates, used&nbsp;to soften plastic, permeate thousands of consumer goods including containers, beauty products, and toys.

Phthalates, known as hormone disruptors, interfere with the endocrine system, posing risks of obesity, heart disease, cancers, and fertility issues. Lead author Leonardo Trasande of New York University's Langone Health told AFP about&nbsp;their capacity to induce early labour and birth due to hormonal influence.

Analysing phthalate levels in over 5,000 pregnant women's urine, researchers linked higher exposure to a 50 per cent&nbsp;increased risk of preterm birth before week 37. Extrapolating nationwide, approximately 56,600 preterm births in 2018 were potentially associated with phthalate exposure, accounting for 10 per cent&nbsp;of US premature births.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/frequently-nose-picking-leading-cause-of-progressive-dementia-study-687765">Also read |&nbsp;Frequent nose-picking leading cause of progressive dementia: Study</a>

<h2>Healthcare costs and long-term consequences</h2>

Premature and underweight babies face heightened health risks, translating to significant medical and social costs ranging from $1.6 to $8.1 billion in the United States alone.

While the study focused on the US, Trasande warned of phthalates' pervasive presence, estimating their role in 5-10 per cent&nbsp;of premature births globally. Urging a balance between plastic's societal benefits and health risks, he advocated for a global treaty to curtail plastic production.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/research-outlines-significant-changes-that-happen-to-body-during-pregnancy-687587">Also read | Research outlines significant changes that happen to body during pregnancy</a>

Trasande highlighted plastic as the primary source of phthalate exposure, stressing the need for collective action. He called for regulating phthalates as a group, considering the alarming potency of replacement compounds.

Trasande also warned against microwaving or dishwashing plastic containers, which can leach phthalates into food.

(With inputs from agencies)

A comprehensive study revealed that one in ten premature births in the United States is linked to pregnant women's exposure to phthalates, commonly found in plastic products.

A comprehensive study revealed that one in ten premature births in the United States is linked to pregnant women's exposure to phthalates, commonly found in plastic products. Phthalates, used to soften plastic, permeate thousands of consumer goods including containers, beauty products, and toys. Phthalates, known as hormone disruptors, interfere with the endocrine system, posing risks of obesity, heart disease, cancers, and fertility issues. Lead author Leonardo Trasande of New York University's Langone Health told AFP about their capacity to induce early labour and birth due to hormonal influence. Analysing phthalate levels in over 5,000 pregnant women's urine, researchers linked higher exposure to a 50 per cent increased risk of preterm birth before week 37. Extrapolating nationwide, approximately 56,600 preterm births in 2018 were potentially associated with phthalate exposure, accounting for 10 per cent of US premature births. Also read | Frequent nose-picking leading cause of progressive dementia: Study Healthcare costs and long-term consequences Premature and underweight babies face heightened health risks, translating to significant medical and social costs ranging from $1.6 to $8.1 billion in the United States alone. While the study focused on the US, Trasande warned of phthalates' pervasive presence, estimating their role in 5-10 per cent of premature births globally. Urging a balance between plastic's societal benefits and health risks, he advocated for a global treaty to curtail plastic production. Also read | Research outlines significant changes that happen to body during pregnancy Trasande highlighted plastic as the primary source of phthalate exposure, stressing the need for collective action. He called for regulating phthalates as a group, considering the alarming potency of replacement compounds. Trasande also warned against microwaving or dishwashing plastic containers, which can leach phthalates into food. (With inputs from agencies)

Major study links common plastic chemicals to 10% of US premature births

Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised.&nbsp;

Premature babies born in the Gaza Strip amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas war are dying in the absence of adequate health equipment and other facilities as the escalating conflict has made it difficult for hospitals to run optimally.&nbsp;

The toll released on Monday (Nov 13) by the Palestinian authorities stated that a premature baby and two patients have died in Gaza's Al-Shifa hospital.&nbsp;

The Hamas-run health ministry said that the facility suffered fuel shortages amid intense fighting between Israeli troops and Hamas militants.&nbsp;

Youssef Abu Rish, who is the deputy health minister in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip, told the news agency AFP that the new deaths brought the toll to six premature babies and nine patients since electric shortages started to impact the hospital.&nbsp;

But Israel claims that Hamas, a Palestine-based militant group which has been designated as a terrorist organisation by many Western nations, has set up camps beneath hospitals and they are using civilians as human shields.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/palestinian-claims-israeli-airstrikes-on-jabalia-refugee-camp-killed-at-least-31-658261">Palestinians claim Israeli airstrikes on Jabalia refugee camp killed at least 31</a>&nbsp;

<h2>The dark side of the war&nbsp;</h2>

The war that has killed several thousand people is not sparing the most innocent of humans as well - babies.&nbsp;Newborn babies at the Al-Shifa Hospital are witnessing the horrors of war due to a&nbsp;lack of medical equipment to take care of premature births, such as incubators.&nbsp;

A report by news agency Reuters mentioned that the babies are kept side by side, some wrapped in green fabric roughly taped around them, for warmth.&nbsp;

Images released by the news agency showed some babies wearing only nappies, a picture of vulnerability, their lives in grave danger with every minute that passes.&nbsp;

Some social media posts, citing Medhat Abbas, a spokesperson for the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, claimed that some babies were born via C-section from dead mothers. WION couldn't independently confirm these reports.

Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media.

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This picture from inside Al Shifa hospital in Gaza, premature babies wrapped in aluminium foil to control temperature since there’s no electricity! 
 
As per Gaza health ministry: Four babies lost their mothers before birth, doctors saved them by C-section on their dead mothers. <a href="https://t.co/Nyn7wvgzVX">pic.twitter.com/Nyn7wvgzVX</a>
— Zeba Warsi (@Zebaism) <a href="https://twitter.com/Zebaism/status/1724054546308030802?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The premature babies in Al Shifa hospital who have been taken out of incubators since electricity cut on Sat, are huddled on one bed to try and keep them warm. Three have already died. Four were born via c-section from dead mothers, MoH spox Medhat Abbas said. <a href="https://t.co/zz30Rx2LMR">pic.twitter.com/zz30Rx2LMR</a>
— Abbie Cheeseman (@cheesemanab) <a href="https://twitter.com/cheesemanab/status/1724073669931028728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elizabeth-tsurkov-israeli-russian-academic-kidnapped-in-iraq-seen-alive-for-the-first-time-in-months-658241">Israeli-Russian academic, kidnapped in Iraq, seen alive for the first time in months</a>&nbsp;

The situation is extremely dire, with Dr Mohamed Tabasha, head of the paediatric department at Al-Shifa, in a telephone interview on Monday, saying: "Yesterday I had 39 babies and today they have become 36."&nbsp;

"I cannot say how long they can last. I can lose another two babies today, or in an hour," Tabasha told Reuters.&nbsp;

The report claimed that premature babies weigh less than 1.5kg each and in some cases only 700 or 800 grams.&nbsp;

Health experts say that these babies should be in incubators where the temperature and humidity can be regulated according to their individual needs.&nbsp;

However, Tabasha claimed that they had to be moved to ordinary beds over the weekend because of a shortage of electricity and because&nbsp;the infants were too cold.&nbsp;

They were placed side by side, surrounded by packets of nappies, cardboard boxes of sterile gauze and plastic bags.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Israel says it raised $7.8 billion of debt since start of war with Hamas&nbsp;

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Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-9-month-old-now-the-youngest-hostage-among-240-held-by-hamas-658233">&nbsp;A 9-month-old now the youngest hostage among 240 held by Hamas</a>&nbsp;

"I never expected in my life that I would put 39 babies side by side on a bed, each with a different disease, and in this acute shortage of medical staff, of milk," said Tabasha.

He also said that the babies are transmitting viruses to each other and they have no immunity in the absence of infection control measures.&nbsp;

He said there was no longer any way of sterilising their milk and bottle teats to the required standard.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised. Premature babies born in the Gaza Strip amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas war are dying in the absence of adequate health equipment and other facilities as the escalating conflict has made it difficult for hospitals to run optimally.

Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised. Premature babies born in the Gaza Strip amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas war are dying in the absence of adequate health equipment and other facilities as the escalating conflict has made it difficult for hospitals to run optimally. The toll released on Monday (Nov 13) by the Palestinian authorities stated that a premature baby and two patients have died in Gaza's Al-Shifa hospital. The Hamas-run health ministry said that the facility suffered fuel shortages amid intense fighting between Israeli troops and Hamas militants. Youssef Abu Rish, who is the deputy health minister in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip, told the news agency AFP that the new deaths brought the toll to six premature babies and nine patients since electric shortages started to impact the hospital. But Israel claims that Hamas, a Palestine-based militant group which has been designated as a terrorist organisation by many Western nations, has set up camps beneath hospitals and they are using civilians as human shields. Also read: Palestinians claim Israeli airstrikes on Jabalia refugee camp killed at least 31 The dark side of the war The war that has killed several thousand people is not sparing the most innocent of humans as well - babies. Newborn babies at the Al-Shifa Hospital are witnessing the horrors of war due to a lack of medical equipment to take care of premature births, such as incubators. A report by news agency Reuters mentioned that the babies are kept side by side, some wrapped in green fabric roughly taped around them, for warmth. Images released by the news agency showed some babies wearing only nappies, a picture of vulnerability, their lives in grave danger with every minute that passes. Some social media posts, citing Medhat Abbas, a spokesperson for the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, claimed that some babies were born via C-section from dead mothers. WION couldn't independently confirm these reports. Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media. This picture from inside Al Shifa hospital in Gaza, premature babies wrapped in aluminium foil to control temperature since there’s no electricity! As per Gaza health ministry: Four babies lost their mothers before birth, doctors saved them by C-section on their dead mothers. pic.twitter.com/Nyn7wvgzVX — Zeba Warsi (@Zebaism) November 13, 2023 × The premature babies in Al Shifa hospital who have been taken out of incubators since electricity cut on Sat, are huddled on one bed to try and keep them warm. Three have already died. Four were born via c-section from dead mothers, MoH spox Medhat Abbas said. pic.twitter.com/zz30Rx2LMR — Abbie Cheeseman (@cheesemanab) November 13, 2023 × Also read: Israeli-Russian academic, kidnapped in Iraq, seen alive for the first time in months The situation is extremely dire, with Dr Mohamed Tabasha, head of the paediatric department at Al-Shifa, in a telephone interview on Monday, saying: "Yesterday I had 39 babies and today they have become 36." "I cannot say how long they can last. I can lose another two babies today, or in an hour," Tabasha told Reuters. The report claimed that premature babies weigh less than 1.5kg each and in some cases only 700 or 800 grams. Health experts say that these babies should be in incubators where the temperature and humidity can be regulated according to their individual needs. However, Tabasha claimed that they had to be moved to ordinary beds over the weekend because of a shortage of electricity and because the infants were too cold. They were placed side by side, surrounded by packets of nappies, cardboard boxes of sterile gauze and plastic bags. Watch: Israel says it raised $7.8 billion of debt since start of war with Hamas × Also read: A 9-month-old now the youngest hostage among 240 held by Hamas "I never expected in my life that I would put 39 babies side by side on a bed, each with a different disease, and in this acute shortage of medical staff, of milk," said Tabasha. He also said that the babies are transmitting viruses to each other and they have no immunity in the absence of infection control measures. He said there was no longer any way of sterilising their milk and bottle teats to the required standard. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

TRIGGER WARNING: Babies born via C-section from dead mothers in Gaza? An even darker side of war emerges

Researchers in Spain are aiming to trick nature by developing an artificial womb for premature babies after the experiments on animals were successful in keeping the foetuses alive for 12 days.&nbsp;

The tests showed that the artificial placenta prototype of the womb recreated a protective environment using a translucent container made of biocompatible material inside which the foetus' lungs, intestines and brain can continue to develop.

The placenta prototype is further connected to an amniotic fluid circulation system that keeps the foetus isolated from exterior stimuli but available for ultrasound controls and monitoring.

As per the latest figures released by the World Health Organization, nearly 900,000 premature babies died worldwide in the year 2019.&nbsp;

The babies that are born after six months of pregnancy or less are considered extremely premature and are also at high risk of death or disability.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-find-why-there-is-giant-hole-in-indian-ocean-where-earths-gravity-is-at-weakest-610337">Scientists find why there is giant ‘hole' in Indian Ocean, where Earth’s gravity is at weakest</a>

"We try to develop a system that allows us to keep a foetus outside its mother but still in the foetal conditions: that it continues to breathe through the umbilical cord ... that we can feed it through the umbilical cord, that it lives surrounded by fluid at a constant temperature," project head Eduard Gratacos said in a conversation with news agency Reuters.&nbsp;

<h2>Human trial expected in a few years</h2>

The team has previously conducted its pre-clinical studies with lambs, where they were successful in achieving a 12-day foetus survival.

The team now plans to test the artificial womb with pigs before proposing its human trial in a few years.

"The highly-complex project spans many different specialities of medicine and requires engineers of different types. It's a challenge, it's extremely delicate to achieve this, to trick nature to make this possible," Gratacos said.

Another group of scientists at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia managed to keep animal foetuses alive for 28 days.

Kelly Werner, assistant professor of paediatrics at Columbia University, told the Science Media Centre that the Spanish team's positive results must be rigorously tested in clinical trials on humans to check for safety and side effects.

"Although it is an exciting development, the artificial placenta is not intended to replace a natural placenta," Werner said. "That is, despite these advancements, we still should make every effort to support maternal health and decrease risk factors that lead to preterm birth."

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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Researchers in Spain are aiming to trick nature by developing an artificial womb for premature babies after the experiments on animals were successful in keeping the foetuses alive for 12 days.

Researchers in Spain are aiming to trick nature by developing an artificial womb for premature babies after the experiments on animals were successful in keeping the foetuses alive for 12 days. The tests showed that the artificial placenta prototype of the womb recreated a protective environment using a translucent container made of biocompatible material inside which the foetus' lungs, intestines and brain can continue to develop. The placenta prototype is further connected to an amniotic fluid circulation system that keeps the foetus isolated from exterior stimuli but available for ultrasound controls and monitoring. As per the latest figures released by the World Health Organization, nearly 900,000 premature babies died worldwide in the year 2019. The babies that are born after six months of pregnancy or less are considered extremely premature and are also at high risk of death or disability. Also read: Scientists find why there is giant ‘hole' in Indian Ocean, where Earth’s gravity is at weakest "We try to develop a system that allows us to keep a foetus outside its mother but still in the foetal conditions: that it continues to breathe through the umbilical cord ... that we can feed it through the umbilical cord, that it lives surrounded by fluid at a constant temperature," project head Eduard Gratacos said in a conversation with news agency Reuters. Human trial expected in a few years The team has previously conducted its pre-clinical studies with lambs, where they were successful in achieving a 12-day foetus survival. The team now plans to test the artificial womb with pigs before proposing its human trial in a few years. "The highly-complex project spans many different specialities of medicine and requires engineers of different types. It's a challenge, it's extremely delicate to achieve this, to trick nature to make this possible," Gratacos said. Another group of scientists at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia managed to keep animal foetuses alive for 28 days. Kelly Werner, assistant professor of paediatrics at Columbia University, told the Science Media Centre that the Spanish team's positive results must be rigorously tested in clinical trials on humans to check for safety and side effects. "Although it is an exciting development, the artificial placenta is not intended to replace a natural placenta," Werner said. "That is, despite these advancements, we still should make every effort to support maternal health and decrease risk factors that lead to preterm birth." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Spanish researchers aim to trick nature by creating artificial womb for premature babies

The world’s most premature baby has survived a year after braving difficulties. The baby was born five months prematurely at Children’s Minnesota hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

According to the Guinness World Records, this makes Richard Scott William Hutchinson the world’s most premature baby to survive after birth. Upon birth, the baby weighed less than half a kilogramme and the doctors were expecting things to get worse from there. Medical complications had forced the baby’s mother Beth Hutchinson into labour way earlier than expected.

But beating all odds, the baby just celebrated its first birthday. According to Guinness, the baby was so small that the parents were able to hold it in a single palm of their hands after birth.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/out-of-nowhere-woman-delivers-baby-on-flight-without-realising-she-was-pregnant-383206" hreflang="en">'Out of nowhere': Woman delivers baby on flight without realising she was pregnant</a>

Richard’s neonatologist at the hospital, Dr Stacy Kern told Guinness that when the baby was born, the parents were given a 0 per cent chance of survival by their experts.

After a complicated birth like this one, the first few weeks decide the fate of the baby. And Richard pulled through for an entire year and hopefully more. The journey to get here wasn’t easy though. Coronavirus restrictions prevented&nbsp;Richard’s parents from staying with him at the hospital and they had to travel daily from their home in St Croix County in Wisconsin to Minneapolis.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/baby-born-in-iraq-with-three-penises-makes-medical-history-375273" hreflang="en">Baby born in Iraq with three penises makes medical history</a>

In December 2020, baby Richard was allowed to go home only after spending six months in the hospital. June 5 marked the first birthday of the baby, which the family celebrated with fervour.&nbsp;

Richard’s mother Beth told Guinness - “It doesn’t feel real”. Adding, she said that they were still surprised by the baby’s perseverance. “But we’re happy”, she added.

The world’s most premature baby has survived a year after braving difficulties. The baby was born five months prematurely at Children’s Minnesota hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The world’s most premature baby has survived a year after braving difficulties. The baby was born five months prematurely at Children’s Minnesota hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota. According to the Guinness World Records, this makes Richard Scott William Hutchinson the world’s most premature baby to survive after birth. Upon birth, the baby weighed less than half a kilogramme and the doctors were expecting things to get worse from there. Medical complications had forced the baby’s mother Beth Hutchinson into labour way earlier than expected. But beating all odds, the baby just celebrated its first birthday. According to Guinness, the baby was so small that the parents were able to hold it in a single palm of their hands after birth. Also read: 'Out of nowhere': Woman delivers baby on flight without realising she was pregnant Richard’s neonatologist at the hospital, Dr Stacy Kern told Guinness that when the baby was born, the parents were given a 0 per cent chance of survival by their experts. After a complicated birth like this one, the first few weeks decide the fate of the baby. And Richard pulled through for an entire year and hopefully more. The journey to get here wasn’t easy though. Coronavirus restrictions prevented Richard’s parents from staying with him at the hospital and they had to travel daily from their home in St Croix County in Wisconsin to Minneapolis. Also read: Baby born in Iraq with three penises makes medical history In December 2020, baby Richard was allowed to go home only after spending six months in the hospital. June 5 marked the first birthday of the baby, which the family celebrated with fervour. Richard’s mother Beth told Guinness - “It doesn’t feel real”. Adding, she said that they were still surprised by the baby’s perseverance. “But we’re happy”, she added.

World's most premature baby fights all odds to celebrate first birthday

At least 11 premature babies were killed today in a fire that tore through one of Baghdad&#39;s largest maternity hospitals, medical and security sources said. 
 
Health ministry spokesman Ahmed al-Rudeini told AFP the blaze at the Yarmouk hospital in west Baghdad was started by an electrical fault.&nbsp;He added that 29 other infants in Yarmouk &quot;were evacuated to other hospitals in the capital&quot;. 
 
An official at Iraq&#39;s interior ministry confirmed the death toll from the fire, adding that three other babies were being treated for smoke inhalation.&nbsp;Many of Baghdad&#39;s public hospitals are considered of poor quality, pushing a number of Iraqis to seek private healthcare. 
 
(AFP)

Officials say three other babies are being treated for smoke inhalation, while 29 have been evacuated to other hospitals in the capital

At least 11 premature babies were killed today in a fire that tore through one of Baghdad's largest maternity hospitals, medical and security sources said. Health ministry spokesman Ahmed al-Rudeini told AFP the blaze at the Yarmouk hospital in west Baghdad was started by an electrical fault. He added that 29 other infants in Yarmouk "were evacuated to other hospitals in the capital". An official at Iraq's interior ministry confirmed the death toll from the fire, adding that three other babies were being treated for smoke inhalation. Many of Baghdad's public hospitals are considered of poor quality, pushing a number of Iraqis to seek private healthcare. (AFP)

Baghdad hospital blaze kills 11 newborns

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