Babies' brain scans might help researchers discover early markers for cognitive diseases, according to a new study. Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis (WU) have found that studying the ways premature babies' brains grow might give way to new diagnostic practices. Scientists looked at the differences in brain growth among 30 premature babies, examining the babies' brain folds, which are as unique as fingerprints. Researchers from Washington University in St. Louis (WU) have found that tracking premature babies' brain growth during weeks 28 to 30 might teach scientists about the roots of cognitive diseases A baby's brain develops rapidly during weeks 29 through 40 of their mother's pregnancy. During this time the organ's cerebral cortex expands and starts to fold, but this process looks different for each baby.