Robert Cabrera, PhD
Dr. Cabrera has studied and conducted birth defect research for more than 20 years. His primary research is focused on understanding early brain development. His career goal is to further enable the prevention of preventable birth defects. This includes contributing to a better understanding of how nutrition and environment can modify birth defect risks. Folate is the best current public health example of how a relatively inexpensive vitamin can have enormous benefits in reducing the incidence of birth defects. In addition to mechanisms for reducing the incidence of birth defects, Robert has also dedicated his research to understanding the etiologies of environmental and pharmaceutical teratogens. He conducts clinical research and works with cellular and animal models for testing the toxicity and teratogenicity of industrial chemicals and pharmaceuticals. These research models have allowed a better understanding of the developmental cascades that underlie the ability of environmental chemicals to modify early development and the incidence of birth defects. Dr Cabrera has also focused on studying genetic and immunological factors that contribute to birth defect risk in humans. He has developed and has ongoing research studies utilizing immuno-detection assays and competitive binding assays in human clinical samples. He has previously demonstrated the utility of these assays for birth defect risk, and current research directions include ongoing clinical studies for monitoring and adjusting treatment of autism, dementia, and depression.
