Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious condition that affects premature neonates and is marked by heightened intestinal inflammation, elevated levels of cytokines including interleukin 1α (IL‐1α), IL‐1β, IL‐6 and tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), and rapid necrosis of the intestinal tissue, leading to mortality in more than one‐third of cases.1, 2. The gene discussed is IL1B; the disease is necrotizing enterocolitis.