Valuable progress has been made in our ability to care for premature babies but a significant proportion of those who arrive very early suffer brain injuries that can result in cerebral palsy, behavioural difficulties and learning problems. This team has found that preterm infants given additional oxygen experience fluctuations in their blood oxygen levels. Although oxygen is essential for survival, preliminary studies have suggested that fluctuations in the level of oxygen might be harmful to the developing brain. This project will investigate the effects of oxygen fluctuations on the brain using a model developed in the laboratory. The aim of the work is to further improve intensive care for premature babies.