Tiny blood samples, big clues: new study tracks brain health in preemies

This study looks at levels of a brain protein called neurofilament in the blood of healthy late preterm babies (born at 34-37 weeks). Researchers want to know what normal levels are and how they change in the first weeks of life. Up to 15 newborns will provide extra blood during routine tests. The goal is to create a reference range that can help doctors better diagnose and treat nerve diseases like spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) in the future.