Chinese Academy of Sciences Aug 11 2025 Spina bifida is among the most common and debilitating neural tube defects, affecting approximately 1 in every 2,875 newborns in the United States. This congenital malformation disrupts the normal closure of the neural tube, potentially leading to lifelong complications such as paralysis and hydrocephalus. Although the protective role of folic acid is well documented, many cases arise in mothers who receive adequate supplementation, suggesting a more