Washington, April 2 -- Scientists have pinpointed the first known gene mutation that often kills newborn babies, after an endeavour spanning more than 10 years.
The disorder is known as short-rib polydactyly syndrome (SRPS). The foetus develops extra fingers and toes and its skeleton does not grow, resulting in stunted ribs that prevent the lungs from maturing in the womb.
Unable to breathe, the child dies shortly after birth.
Parents currently must wait until the second trimester of pregnancy for a diagnosis - a long time to wait for potentially agonising news about one's unborn child.
