A new study reported that environmental exposures in neonatal intensive care units are associated with changes in neurodevelopmental trajectories for both preterm and term infants. Researchers performed observational analyses correlating NICU environmental factors — including noise, light, handling and pharmacologic exposures — with early brain imaging and developmental markers. Authors described associations between specific exposures and delays or alterations in neurodevelopmental measures, and recommended targeted mitigation strategies within NICUs to reduce inadvertent harm. The paper emphasized routine monitoring of the NICU environment alongside clinical care. Clinicians, device makers and hospital administrators should consider environmental monitoring tools and NICU design changes to minimize modifiable risks to vulnerable neonates.