Probing the Placenta

The placenta is attached to the wall of the womb in pregnant women and is responsible for the blood supply and delivery of nutrients to the unborn baby. Once the placenta is born along with the child, it is no longer functional and is generally disposed of. Currently the techniques available to study the placenta over the course of a pregnancy are very limited – for example, ultrasound, which only shows a restricted view of the placenta. As a result, little is known about this vital organ and problems with the placenta can be difficult to identify. Researchers now propose using new imaging techniques to monitor the placenta in real time. Fluorescent molecules injected into the bloodstream of the mother, would cross over pass into the placenta, highlighting it on a scan – part of a placenta is (pictured). This could be used as a way to monitor foetal health in the future.

Written by Helen Thomas

Helen Thomas

Writer

Currently at Warwick University, Helen is working towards a chemistry doctorate in nanomaterials. However her scientific interests remain broad, and she enjoys exploring these different areas as a writer for the University paper.

• Image by R. Bick and B. Poindexter
• The University of Texas Medical School, USA
• Any re-use of this image must be authorised by Science Photo Library
• Research published in Nature, February 2015