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In this episode of At The Bench, Drs. Misty Good and Betsy Crouch speak with Dr. Stephanie Gaw, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist at UCSF, about her path to becoming a physician-scientist and her translational research on placental infections. Dr. Gaw shares how early lab experiences, time in the Peace Corps, and a pivot from infectious disease to OB-GYN shaped her focus on maternal immunity and global health.

The conversation covers Dr. Gaw’s work on sepsis in pregnancy, COVID-19 and RSV vaccine responses, and congenital infections like syphilis. She also discusses her approach to building and managing a large placental biorepository, and the importance of thoughtful sample collection for reliable research outcomes. The episode includes practical insights on balancing clinical duties with research, the benefits of peer mentorship, and how clinical observations can drive lab-based investigation.

This discussion offers a clear look into the realities and rewards of bridging bedside observations with bench research in maternal-fetal medicine. It’s a valuable listen for early-career physician-scientists and anyone interested in the complexities of immunology, placental biology, and perinatal infection.

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As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: [email protected]. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

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In this week’s episode of NeoNews, the team reflects on a quiet Mother’s Day before diving into a full slate of stories touching the emotional and political corners of neonatal care. First up: parenting in the digital age. The crew unpacks a gripping New York Times essay by Amanda Hess, whose prenatal diagnosis of Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome led her down the rabbit hole of medical Googling, Facebook support groups, and the complicated power of online communities for medically complex families.

Then, we turn to formula safety and the Biden administration’s new “Operation Stork Speed.” The team discusses the implications for NICU care, parental anxiety, and advocacy in the wake of increased scrutiny over heavy metals and contaminants in infant formula. From there, we navigate the ripple effects of tariffs on medical supplies, pharmacy deserts, and drug shortages—all of which directly impact the NICU.

Rounding out the show: U.S. birth rates now favor parents over 40 versus teens, RSV vaccines show impressive real-world results, and new research questions everything we thought we knew about preemie blood pressures.

Packed with insight, outrage, and a few Dumbo references, this episode covers the headlines shaping neonatal care and the families we serve.

Support the show

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: [email protected]. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

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In this conversation, the guests from World Pediatrics discuss their mission to improve pediatric healthcare, particularly focusing on neonatal care. They highlight the significant global issues of infant mortality and the need for advanced healthcare access in underserved communities. The discussion covers the organization's history, the shift towards neonatal care, funding challenges, and the importance of building sustainable partnerships with local governments and communities. 

They also explore innovative strategies for capacity building and the adaptability of their programs in different settings. This conversation delves into the challenges and strategies of pediatric care in the Eastern Caribbean, focusing on the OECS. The speakers discuss the importance of regional cooperation, capacity building initiatives, and the need for community-centric approaches to healthcare. They highlight the significance of data sharing, training, and sustainable practices in improving neonatal care across the islands. 

The discussion also emphasizes the role of organizations like World Pediatrics in facilitating these efforts and the importance of connecting with healthcare professionals to enhance pediatric health outcomes.

Contact: Contact - World Pediatrics

Link to episode on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7blwBYGZnUk&list=PL-94lDL-ozLa_mcSnQCwzv7qJ24V2jDtx&index=1

Support the show

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: [email protected]. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

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In this special anniversary edition of the Journal Club, Ben and Daphna celebrate four years of The Incubator Podcast while diving into a compelling lineup of neonatal studies. The episode kicks off with a review of a phase 2 multicenter trial on the safety of furosemide in preterm infants at risk for BPD. Despite widespread Lasix use in NICUs, data on dosing and safety have been lacking—this study finds no significant increase in serious adverse events but emphasizes the need for larger trials to better define its role. The team then explores a study from India comparing 7- vs. 14-day antibiotic courses in culture-proven neonatal sepsis, showing that shorter courses may be safe and effective in select populations.

Additional discussions include a randomized trial from Australia evaluating “sigh breaths” during high-frequency oscillatory ventilation and their effects on lung volume and oxygenation, a study examining how kangaroo mother care boosts breast milk intake, and a large Japanese cohort study detailing neurodevelopmental outcomes of infants born at 22–31 weeks. Finally, a meta-analysis on prenatal cannabis exposure underscores risks of low birth weight and preterm birth. With depth, humor, and clarity, Ben and Daphna guide listeners through evidence that shapes neonatal care.

Support the show

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: [email protected]. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

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Neurodevelopmental outcomes at age 3 years of preterm infants born at 22-31 weeks' gestation.

Kono Y, Kusuda S, Nishida T, Mori R, Toyoshima K, Sasaki H, Yonemoto N, Uchiyama A, Fujimura M; INTACT Study Group.J Perinatol. 2025 Mar 26. doi: 10.1038/s41372-025-02268-3. Online ahead of print.PMID: 40140596

Support the show

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: [email protected]. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

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Near-infrared spectroscopy during respiratory support at birth: a systematic review.

Monnelly V, Nakwa F, Josephsen JB, Schmölzer GM, Solevåg AL, Rabi Y, Wyckoff MH, Weiner GM, Liley HG; International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation Neonatal Life Support Task Force.Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed. 2025 Apr 29:fetalneonatal-2025-328577. doi: 10.1136/archdischild-2025-328577. Online ahead of print.PMID: 40306761

Support the show

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: [email protected]. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

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Prenatal Cannabis Use and Neonatal Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Lo JO, Ayers CK, Yeddala S, Shaw B, Robalino S, Ward R, Kansagara D.JAMA Pediatr. 2025 May 5:e250689. doi: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2025.0689. Online ahead of print.PMID: 40323610

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As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: [email protected]. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

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Interprofessional perspectives on non-invasive respiratory support practices in extremely preterm infants: a Canadian survey.

Martinez TA, Remmer E, Mardakis S, Leone M, Boyer J, Lv S, Beltempo M, Sant'Anna G, Shalish W.J Perinatol. 2025 Apr 12. doi: 10.1038/s41372-025-02291-4. Online ahead of print.PMID: 40221609

Support the show

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: [email protected]. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

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Effect of kangaroo mother care in low birth weight infants on human milk intake: a randomized controlled trial.

Sinha B, Mazumder S, Thakur A, Devi S, More D, Ashorn P, Sommerfelt H, Kurpad A, Bhandari N.Am J Clin Nutr. 2025 May;121(5):1109-1116. doi: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2025.02.006. Epub 2025 Feb 11.PMID: 39947481 Free article. Clinical Trial.

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As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: [email protected]. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

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Intermittent sigh breaths during high-frequency oscillatory ventilation in preterm infants: a randomised crossover study.

Hough JL, Jardine L, Hough MJ, Steele M, Greisen G, Heiring C.Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed. 2025 Apr 17;110(3):297-302. doi: 10.1136/archdischild-2024-327445.PMID: 39406472 Clinical Trial.

Support the show

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: [email protected]. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

Enjoy!