Spina bifida and anencephaly are neural tube defects caused by failure of embryonic neural tube closure. Successful closure requires apicobasal elongation and apical constriction of neuroepithelial ...

The first organized stem cell culture model that resembles all three sections of the embryonic brain and spinal cord, and produces a full model of the early stages of the human central nervous system, ...

Taking folic acid supplements before conception and in the first trimester of pregnancy continues to be a major line of defense against neural tube defects. The recommendation also aligns with ...

Neural tube formation was compromised in frog embryos treated with the widely-used antiepileptic drug valproic acid and led to defects. Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the ...

Getting ready for pregnancy? Don’t forget this essential check: your folic acid levels. It’s a small step that plays a big ...

The first step in shaping the brain is that the neural plate, a sheet-like cell layer, curves to form the neural tube. Assistant Professor Makoto Suzuki of the National Institute for Basic Biology, ...