A section of the cervixOVERSEAS/COLLECTION CNRI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY Scientists have coaxed human cells to form a miniature replica of the cervix during pregnancy. This so-called cervix-on-a-chip reveals how inflammation and the vaginal microbiome can contribute to premature birth – and identifies a possible treatment to prevent it. Premature birth – when a baby is born before 37 weeks of pregnancy – affects more than 13 million infants each year and is the second leading cause of childhood mortality and disability. Yet there are no effective… #cervixonachip #inspires #potential #new #treatment

Nature, Published online: 15 May 2025; doi:10.1038/d41586-025-01498-xThe sacs grew to roughly 2 centimeters wide and could be used to study early pregnancy. #stem #cells #coaxed #into #most