Articles tagged with Human Reproduction
Researchers at UCL found that some small-bodied primates experience a tight cephalopelvic fit during childbirth due to their large newborn heads. These species, such as American monkeys and bushbabies, have developed adaptations to make the process less difficult, including pelvic expansion or delayed pelvic bone fusion.
A genome editing technique called base editing has been used to study the role of a master gene in human embryonic cells, revealing its crucial function in early development. The technique allows scientists to alter a single gene in human embryos, enabling them to better understand how human embryos develop.
Researchers developed a new methodology to identify biomarkers for male infertility, enabling comprehensive analysis of lipids and metabolites. They found 955 potential metabolites and 473 lipids that could be present in sperm.
A study of 336 mother-infant pairs found that breast milk and infant urine contained over 50 different chemicals, including BPA and phthalates, which can interfere with hormones during baby's development. These chemicals were detected in breast milk and urine up to 6 months after birth.
A new study investigated the effects of ornidazole, an antimicrobial drug, on male fertility. Ornidazole was found to reduce sperm count and motility, as well as disrupt seminiferous tubule structure, in both mouse and human models.
A new $2.9 million NIH grant will help researchers understand the impact of a father's drinking before conception on his child's risk for developmental disorders, chronic disease, and accelerated aging. The study aims to identify warning signs earlier and guide interventions for people affected by fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD).
A WVU study found that pregnant women who spend more time sitting are at a greater risk of developing gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. Sitting for over 10 hours a day was associated with twice as many adverse pregnancy outcomes as shorter periods of sitting.
Research from the University of Colorado Anschutz suggests that stress experienced by a father before conception may alter small molecular signals in sperm, shaping early development and later physical growth. The study found that increased levels of let 7f 5p in fertilized eggs mimic the biological effects of paternal stress.
A new Cochrane review finds planned early birth for pregnant women with high blood pressure cuts maternal complications by nearly half and reduces the risk of stillbirth. The practice is found to be safe across both high- and low-income settings, without increasing the likelihood of caesarean section.
A recent study by University of California - Davis researchers has identified a protein called DAXX that guides the packing and folding of DNA in sperm cells. This discovery could improve treatments for couples struggling with male infertility, as well as help understand how environmental factors impact offspring health.
A recent study found that failing the glucose challenge test was associated with babies having higher birth weights, a risk factor for future obesity and diabetes. Women diagnosed with gestational diabetes were also more likely to give birth to large babies.
A human study found that prenatal and childhood exposure to persistent environmental chemicals may influence sperm chromosomal integrity decades later. Higher levels of PCBs and PFASs were associated with extra chromosomes in adulthood, increasing the risk of miscarriages and congenital birth defects.
A single-center study demonstrates uterus transplant feasibility in multidisciplinary centers, supporting its use for women with absolute uterine factor infertility. Ongoing reporting and data sharing will refine risk estimates and optimize patient counseling.
Researchers found that melatonin increased vascularization and reduced apoptosis in ovarian grafts, improving their viability. The study used an absorbable sponge to apply melatonin to autologous ovarian tissue transplants in rats, revealing its potential as a treatment option for fertility preservation in young cancer patients.
Researchers found placental contractions in 60% of healthy pregnancies, changing the shape of the placenta and lasting longer than uterine contractions. These findings lay groundwork for future studies on placental function and may lead to improved ways to identify potential pregnancy problems.
A cohort study of 6,802 pregnant women found an inverse association between grip strength and the risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. The study suggests that relative grip strength may be a useful tool for risk stratification of HDP.
The European Society of Endocrinology organizes World Hormone Day to educate the public about hormone-related health issues. Global endocrine disorders affect millions worldwide, emphasizing the need for proper hormone balance.
A new EU project study found that combined exposures to man-made chemicals can lead to measurable biological effects not explained by individual substances, underestimating overall risk. The research identified a continuous exposure pathway from environment to people, including breast milk and umbilical cord blood.
A new model predicts that the selection of a single follicle for maturation during human pregnancy is entirely random, contrary to prior theories. The model suggests that once one follicle is selected, estradiol levels start rising, causing FSH levels to fall below the threshold, and unselected follicles die off.
Researchers at University of Michigan created a stem cell model that produces a yolk-sac-like structure in a human embryo, mimicking early pregnancy loss. The model uses mechanical signals to guide development and does not require genetic manipulation.
Primary care-based discussions on reproductive goals, immunizations, and risk-reducing interventions optimize pregnancy outcomes. Prepregnancy counseling reduces maternal morbidity and mortality, while also promoting healthy fetal development.
A massive genetic study has uncovered six new genes linked to pregnancy sickness, hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), in over 10,000 women. The findings point to biological mechanisms behind HG and potential new treatment pathways, with several medications identified as potential targets.
Researchers mapped the maternal-fetal interface in unprecedented detail, identifying new cell types and insights into conditions such as preeclampsia and preterm birth. The study found a previously unknown cell type that responds to cannabis, which may explain its association with poorer pregnancy outcomes.
Researchers at Cornell University have made a breakthrough in developing a safe and reversible male contraceptive. By targeting meiosis with the small molecule inhibitor JQ1, they successfully stopped sperm production without affecting fertility or offspring health. The study shows promise for a non-hormonal, long-acting, and 100% effe...
A study published in BMC Medicine found that extreme heat exposure is associated with low birth weight, affecting 18% of babies. Climate change is projected to increase this burden by 8-10% by the 2060s.
The University of Cincinnati has opened a zebrafish research facility to investigate the effects of environmental contaminants on human fertility. The lab will use zebrafish as a model organism to understand molecular mechanisms behind reproductive biology and infertility.
Researchers found that early pregnancy probiotics containing Clostridium butyricum significantly reduced the recurrence rate of spontaneous preterm delivery, a major cause of neonatal illness and death. The study suggests that probiotic therapy may offer a simple strategy to prevent premature births in women at high risk.
Countries are taking different approaches to regulating polygenic embryo testing, which raises new ethical and legal concerns. The technology has expanded from screening for monogenic diseases to assessing complex traits like intelligence and disease risk, but its clinical value is uncertain due to environmental influences.
The study found that women with pregnancy-associated spontaneous coronary artery dissection (P-SCAD) have a higher risk of cardiovascular events, including dissections and aneurysms. Women with P-SCAD also experienced less recovery in left ventricular ejection fraction compared to those without P-SCAD.
Researchers found that simulated microgravity reduces the number of human sperm able to navigate through channels like the reproductive tract. Progesterone helps overcome this effect.
A Cochrane review found that chlorhexidine application to umbilical cord stumps likely reduces infections by 29% and may lower mortality rates, particularly in LMICs. Umbilical cord care is crucial for preventing infection and promoting healthy healing.
Two studies led by Boston University School of Public Health researchers found that people living in redlined neighborhoods were less likely to conceive than those in favorable areas. The findings suggest that historical practices like redlining continue to influence reproductive health disparities in present-day communities of color.
A study led by Oxford University researchers reveals that sperm stored for extended periods deteriorates quickly, regardless of male age. Regular ejaculation has been shown to improve sperm quality in humans and animals alike.
Researchers identified key health indicators for a new global system to monitor people's health before pregnancy. The study found that mental health, physical health, supportive relationships, and finances are prioritized by both healthcare professionals and the general public.
A large Australian study of over 417,000 women found that fertility treatments were not linked to higher overall cancer rates, but some cancers were slightly more common, while others were less common. Women who received fertility treatment were more likely to develop uterine and ovarian cancer, as well as melanoma, but the overall ris...
Research analyzes news articles on childlessness, identifying themes that perpetuate stigma and structural imbalances, highlighting the need for media literacy initiatives and equitable health communication
Researchers at Goethe University are developing non-hormonal contraceptives to address declining pill use and side effects. The PREVENT project aims to create safe and effective alternatives, focusing on small molecules that block proteins in sperm or egg cells.
Researchers found that an approved antifibrotic drug, finerenone, can reduce ovarian fibrosis and promote follicle growth in women with premature ovarian insufficiency. Clinical trials showed that finerenone improved follicle development and mature oocyte quality in women with POI.
The article summarizes updated recommendations on fertility preservation in people with cancer, considering potential health risks to offspring and treatment side effects. Clinicians should inform patients about available options before treatment initiation.
A study published in PLOS One found that fetuses who yawned more frequently during pregnancy had a lower birth weight, suggesting mild fetal distress. The research observed healthy fetuses between 23-31 weeks and recorded their yawning behavior using ultrasound.
Research published in the journal Gut found that pre-pregnancy parental overweight and obesity are independently associated with increased odds of developing metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in children by age 24. Cumulative excess weight in childhood significantly influences this risk, with children who...
New research shows that Rytvela, an anti-inflammatory drug candidate, decreases premature birth and infant mortality when administered after the onset of preterm labor in a preclinical mouse model. The treatment prolongs gestation and fetal growth while allowing newborn organs to develop in utero.
Researchers at Amsterdam UMC found that a second pregnancy changes the female brain in unique ways, altering brain networks involved in attention and sensory cues. The study also linked structural brain changes to maternal mental health, providing new insights into postpartum depression.
Researchers used advanced chemical detection to estimate a newborn's total PFAS exposure, detecting 42 confirmed or putatively identified PFAS chemicals in umbilical cord blood. The study found that infants are exposed to a wide range of PFAS before birth, including perfluorinated chemicals and fluorotelomers.
A study reveals that senescence plays a paradoxical role in postpartum breast cancer, promoting tumor formation while also aiding tissue repair. Targeting senescent cells during mammary gland involution could potentially reduce the risk of this form of cancer.
Historian Erin Maglaque examines early modern Europe's reproductive unfreedom, including single motherhood, foundling hospitals, and wet nursing. She finds that these systems perpetuated structural violence against poor women and their children.
Researchers have developed a new hydrogel dish that sharpens embryo imaging, allowing for more accurate embryo selection in IVF. This breakthrough addresses a major challenge in the field, enabling embryologists to promote healthier growth without sacrificing visibility.
A new study from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine emphasizes the need for updated treatment guidelines on reproductive health among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The survey of 104 nephrologists found that sexual and menstrual health were rarely discussed, highlighting barriers to counseling.
The lack of widely accepted standards for managing reproductive health risks in space is a pressing concern. Limited reliable data from human studies shows that space can be hostile to human biology, with conditions like altered gravity, cosmic radiation, and circadian disruption affecting reproductive processes.
A new American Heart Association scientific statement highlights the importance of aggressive blood pressure control, early recognition of stroke symptoms, and prompt treatment for pregnant and postpartum women. Controlling blood pressure before and after delivery can help save lives and improve outcomes for mothers and their babies.
A study by UC Riverside scientists reveals that the cysts of Toxoplasma gondii contain multiple distinct subtypes of parasites, each with different biological roles. This discovery offers new insights into how the parasite causes disease and why it has been difficult to treat.
A new review of over 100 clinical trials found that 13 common labor induction methods are similarly effective, with low-dose vaginal misoprostol being the most commonly used and safest. However, some methods showed better success rates for specific outcomes, such as oxytocin with amniotomy for achieving vaginal birth within 24 hours.
Alcohol screening increased from 61% to 81%, and intervention among positive screens rose from 22% to 67%. Practices improved documentation of pregnancy intention, using the AUDIT-C tool more frequently. This approach empowers local staff to lead care improvement efforts.
A Johns Hopkins University-led team analyzed genetic data from nearly 140,000 IVF embryos and found robust connections between specific variations in a mother's DNA and her risk of miscarriage. The study identified key genes that govern chromosome pairing and cohesion, shedding new light on human reproduction.
A new study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that exposure to wildfire smoke during the third trimester may raise the risk of autism diagnoses in children. Mothers who were exposed to more than 10 days of wildfire smoke had a 23% higher risk of their child being diagnosed with autism by age 5.
A new study found pregnant individuals with IBD have higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in their vaginal mucosa than healthy controls. However, a higher intake of vegetables and lower added sugars was associated with lower inflammation and increased beneficial microbe Lactobacillus crispatus.
A study by Oregon Health & Science University found that states with abortion restrictions have worse maternal health outcomes for patients using fertility treatment. The research analyzed over 400,000 births conceived through fertility treatments and found a statistically significant increase in serious maternal health complications.