Lab-grown mini-placentas reveal clue to why pregnancy complications happen

Microscope image with a black background. On the left-hand side of the image is a tube-like, green structure with around six blue blobs on it. One of the blue blobs has a couple of red rosette-looking blobs attached to it. .

For the first time, scientists have created detailed maps of immune cells in the placenta, showing how the cells defend the fetus from invaders during early pregnancy.

Such infections can lead to serious complications, such as pregnancy loss and preterm birth, so this knowledge could someday be used to develop treatments that stop these problems from arising, the researchers said.