A light-based scan could detect deadly bowel disease in preterm babies

Researchers hope new technology could catch necrotizing enterocolitis in its early stages

A peacefully sleeping baby lies on a NICU bed with protective clear barriers

A new light-based technology relies on the near-translucent skin of preterm babies to scan their intestines for early signs of a life-threatening disease.

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Necrotizing enterocolitis, a life-threatening inflammation of the intestine that mostly affects premature babies, can strike with almost no warning.