Modified Formula Aims to Prevent Death in Premature Infants

Transgenic soybeans in the last stages of tissue culture.
Eric Swedlund, University Communications

Necrotizing Entercolitis, an infection and inflammation that causes destruction of the intestine, affects about 10,000 babies a year in the country, and mortality rates are roughly 40 percent. University of Arizona plant scientists are studying a novel approach at halting this leading cause of death in premature infants, adding a particular protein to soybeans that can be used in formula as a preventative measure. The study is being led by Drs. Eliot Herman and Monica Schmidt.