Researchers out of Stanford University have used AI to create a “digital twin” of pregnant women’s immune systems.

New research shows two common over-the-counter medications could potentially help combat premature labor, a top cause of death for children under five. 

The study, published Wednesday in the Science Advances medical journal, shows new evidence that taking the combination of low-dose aspirin and a common heartburn medication may lower the risk of a pregnant woman going into early labor. Scientists based at Stanford University conducted the study using “digital twin” immune systems via artificial intelligence models to simulate how certain drugs could affect pregnancy outcomes. 

Article continues below this ad

In the U.S., about 1 in 10 pregnant women will go into preterm labor, defined as delivering before 37 weeks gestation, with many having no warning signs prior to delivery. The problem is even more pronounced globally where, depending on the country, up to 16% of infants are born early.

Currently, there are few options to stop early labor once it starts, but one potential cause may lie in the immune system. During pregnancy, the immune system of the pregnant individual changes dramatically. First, it will weaken to allow the fetus to survive and, toward the........

© SFGate