Birth Defects Center at the University of Louisville The University of Louisville Birth Defects Center is a collaborative effort of more than 30 researchers and practitioners from departments throughout the university. Established in 2000, the center is a part of the research program of the University of Louisville School of Dentistry. The goal for the Birth Defects Center is to improve the diagnosis and treatment of birth defects as well as developing a means of prevention. To do this, investigators in the center are engaged in fundamental research on molecular and molecular-genetic aspects of embryonic development and congenital malformations. Birth Defects Research and the School of Dentistry Modern dentistry encompasses much more than healthy teeth and gums. To ensure total oral health, dental professionals and researchers are concerned with the head and neck as well. The University of Louisville Birth Defects Center core researchers focus on craniofacial birth defects—those that affect the head and neck, such as cleft lip, cleft palate and craniosynostos. They are among the most common in the United States today. In addition to craniofacial birth defects, the center now has members from throughout the university investigating all forms of birth defects, from heart conditions to preterm babies. Research activities also include: • Genetic mapping of genetic disorders • Obstructive sleep apnea • Learning disabilities • Susceptibility to drug toxicity • Cognitive and language development • Genetic and environmental influences on early behavior