Congenital heart defects are the leading cause of infant death from birth defects. This research develops a high-throughput method to test genetic mutations in key heart genes like TBX5, identifying which variants disrupt heart development. The approach improves diagnosis, informs gene therapy, and advances understanding of why hearts fail before birth.

This research investigates how the infant gut microbiota influences childhood asthma risk. By studying microbes from infant diapers, the project identifies protective and harmful bacteria, explores the effects of genetics and environmental exposures, and highlights opportunities for early intervention and probiotic-based prevention. Understanding gut–immune interactions may transform childhood asthma prevention.