Study could help prevent brain injury during birth

A three-year Auckland study into how premature babies' brains work could save future children from brain injury during birth, a researcher has said.

The Foetal Physiology and Neuroscience group at the University of Auckland's been given a grant for a three year project.

Research has found the pre-term brain has in-built biochemical defences which help protect sick cells.

Associate Professor Laura Bennet said the study was vital.

She said it would be helping something the brain is already trying to do and could eventually help increase the number of babies which survive brain problems at an early age.

- NEWSTALK ZB