Listen: Dr. Hannah Kinney, SIDS Researcher, Discusses Study

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS, is the leading cause of death for babies between one month and 12 months old. But why some infants who seem totally healthy suddenly die in their sleep has mystified researchers for years.

Now, a new study out of Children’s Hospital in Boston finds a possible reason.

Dr. Hannah Kinney, a neuropathologist at Children’s Hospital, directed the SIDS research. On Wednesday, she discussed the findings on Morning Edition, saying that her study should relieve some guilt felt by parents who have lost infants to SIDS. Some parents have also relayed that they are encouraged by the research.

"I've already talked to a number of parents in the last 24, 48 hours since this story has been evolving," Dr. Kinney said to WBUR. "I think the major thing that they've told me is that it brings them hope; that some day, there will be a way to prevent this on a medical model and that nobody will suffer this like they did."

Click "Listen Now" to hear the interview with Dr. Kinney.