Articles tagged with Human Reproduction
A recent study published in Heredity investigated whether female odour-based mating preferences can predict gamete-level compatibility in humans. Women preferred the body odours of MHC-similar men, but sperm from MHC-dissimilar men exhibited higher motility when exposed to female follicular fluid.
A study found that between 11.6% and 20.2% of women with a history of pregnancy or testing for pregnancy visited crisis pregnancy centers across four US states, including Arizona and New Jersey. The attendance rates were not correlated with age, race, or socioeconomic status.
A new study found that climate change is driving sexual and reproductive health risks among young adolescents in Kenya, with food, water, and sanitation insecurities linked to school dropout, gender-based violence, and early pregnancy.
A new study reveals that BCAA supplements popular with male bodybuilders may impact their fertility, causing changes in sperm concentration and decline in fertility. Valine, a key BCAA, has a powerful effect on male reproductive function.
Scientists at the University of Michigan have developed an improved model system to study embryo development, revealing insights into critical periods of formation. The new system allows for the prolonged culture of gastruloids, enabling researchers to visualize key processes such as mesoderm migration and gene expression.
Researchers found that inflammation in the female reproductive tract can hinder fertility, but replenishing progesterone levels can help. This discovery could improve women's chances of becoming pregnant and save more pregnancies.
Research shows that low phosphate levels in blood are associated with reduced sperm motility and poor semen quality. The findings suggest a potential link between phosphate and male fertility, highlighting the importance of understanding biological factors involved in reproductive health.
A meta-analysis of 21 studies involving over 178,000 women found that those with infertility history have a 14% increased risk of heart or blood vessel conditions, as well as higher risks of heart disease and stroke. Younger women and those undergoing fertility treatments are at greater risk.
A systematic review found a moderate risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and infant death associated with cannabis use during pregnancy. Researchers recommend reducing cannabis use as a harm-reduction approach to mitigate risks.
Scientists at the University of Copenhagen have created 'super stem cells' that outperform regular stem cells by developing into multiple cell types. These 'super stem cells' show promise in improving fertility treatment, particularly IVF success rates, by producing essential tissue for early embryonic development.
Three UTA faculty members, Kyrah Brown, Ben Jones, and J. Ping Liu, received top honors for their groundbreaking research contributions. Brown's interdisciplinary work focuses on reproductive and cardiac health among women, while Jones' research explores neutrinos to understand the universe's mysteries.
A research team of over 60,000 OB-GYNs in the US found that doctors are not systematically leaving states where abortions are banned or threatened. The study suggests that concerns about reproductive health care may be offset by ties to patients and local communities, as well as significant relocation efforts.
A new study from Queen Mary University of London reveals substantial financial burdens on patients and concerns over the reliability of information in the fertility sector. The research highlights a need for regulatory action to ensure clinics provide accurate cost information and treatment options.
The Dobbs decision has been linked to moderate but significant decreases in obstetrics and gynecology practitioners in the most restrictive states compared to control states. Clinician migration is likely affecting reproductive care access, quality, and equity as abortion rights are increasingly decided at the state level
Two landmark studies show that the 3D genome structure coordinates thousands of genes to form a sperm cell. The work identifies two proteins that establish cellular memory and set up a new structure that cements the cell's future fate as a sperm cell.
A study of 242 couples undergoing assisted reproductive treatment found that men experienced higher levels of work-family conflict, while women were more affected by stress. The researchers used online questionnaires to assess the couples' emotional well-being and job performance.
According to UTHealth Houston research, adolescent and young adult men with cancer have a slightly elevated risk of having preterm birth and children with low birth weight. However, the likelihood of live birth was highest for fathers who had thyroid cancer and lowest for those with gastrointestinal cancer.
A survey found that nearly a third of patients considered sociopolitical factors when making their decision to undergo a vasectomy after the Dobbs decision. This trend is consistent with recent research indicating an increase in vasectomy procedures following the ruling.
Researchers found a 1.5% decrease in low-birthweight babies across 271 school districts, with each $1,000 increase in income tied to improved infant health outcomes. Income gains also led to increased prenatal care rates, but not changes in pregnancy-related behaviors.
A large multisite study found that two common antiseizure medications, lamotrigine and levetiracetam, are safe to use during pregnancy, with no statistically significant differences in cognitive and psychosocial outcomes at age 6. The study confirms these drugs offer a safe alternative to older antiseizure medications like valproate.
A team of scientists has pinpointed a critical neural circuit for female sexual rejection, revealing how the brain integrates signals to shape behavior. The ventromedial hypothalamus, specifically progesterone-sensitive neurons in the anterior VMH, play a crucial role in determining whether a female accepts or rejects mating attempts.
Women who experience severe maternal morbidity in their first birth are less likely to have a subsequent birth. Enhancing antenatal care and reproductive counseling are crucial for women with this history.
A cross-sectional study found that barriers to divorce were associated with higher pregnancy-associated homicide rates and better access to reproductive health care was linked to lower rates. The study highlights the importance of considering state legislation when addressing pregnancy-related violence.
A new study reveals that benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP) causes oxidative stress and DNA strand breaks, leading to cell death and abnormal chromosomes in egg cells. The research suggests that BBP exposure can lead to lower quality egg cells with compromised genomic integrity.
Researchers found that chimpanzees have a similarly narrow pelvis to humans, contradicting previous theories. The study proposes a new hypothesis that the obstetrical dilemma developed gradually and became increasingly exacerbated over evolution.
US women between 20-44 years old have experienced declining vitamin A, C, and iron intake over the last two decades. This trend may have significant implications for maternal and fetal health. The study aims to identify these nutrient gaps and inform recommendations to improve intake.
A study found increased menstrual irregularities in women living in areas affected by the 2023 earthquake in Turkey. Risk factors included post-traumatic stress symptoms, chronic diseases, and smoking.
Gestational carriers, also known as pregnancy surrogates, are at a higher risk for severe maternal morbidity, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, and postpartum hemorrhage compared to women carrying their own pregnancies. The study found that these risks were nearly twice as high as in unassisted conception pregnancies.
A groundbreaking study finds that stress-induced changes in sperm motility occur after a stressful event, not during it, and improves sperm performance. Researchers observed changes in extracellular vesicles that play a role in sperm development and maturation.
Researchers at RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics found multiple specialized types of DNA replication in early-stage embryos, including a period of instability prone to chromosomal copying errors. This discovery could lead to improved methods of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and better strategies for minimizing chromosomal abnormalities.
The atlas contains data for around 626,000 cells from 121 people, including individuals with and without endometriosis. Researchers found two types of immune cells and two types of stromal cells potentially involved in endometriosis, highlighting new avenues for future research.
Researchers analyzed national Medicaid data to identify perinatal and postpartum outcomes among people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Autistic pregnant people had significantly higher probability of postpartum anxiety and postpartum depression compared to other groups.
A new study found that living near areas where pesticides were used during the first trimester of pregnancy or pre-conception increases the risk of stillbirths. Researchers linked pesticide use records to state birth certificate data and found specific chemicals, such as organophosphates and pyrethroids, to be associated with increased...
A large-scale randomized controlled trial found no difference in live birth rates between time-lapse imaging and standard approaches used in IVF. The study suggests that time-lapse imaging does not improve clinical outcomes for women undergoing fertility treatment, contrary to theoretical benefits.
A new tool has been developed to compare gender inequality among different US states, revealing substantial gender disparities across the country. States with higher gender inequality scores tend to have lower measures of women's wellbeing and fewer tweets about the #MeToo movement.
A new study has found that exposure to fine particulate matter prior to oocyte retrieval during IVF can reduce the odds of achieving a live birth by almost 40%. The research analysed 3,659 frozen embryo transfers and found that even in areas with excellent air quality, higher PM2.5 exposure was associated with decreased live birth rates.
A new study has found that gestational carriers experience a severe maternal morbidity rate of 7.1%, significantly higher than unassisted conceptions (2.4%) and IVF conceptions (4.6%). Gestational carriers are also at risk for postpartum haemorrhages and hypertensive disorders, which can be serious complications during pregnancy.
The UK has released a pioneering Code of Practice for the use of stem cell-based embryo models in research, providing standards for rigorous ethics and maximizing benefits. The code sets out processes for decision-making in research using these models, allowing scientists to proceed confidently while maintaining public trust.
A new study found that Texas' 2021 ban on abortion in early pregnancy was associated with unexpected increases in infant and neonatal deaths in Texas between 2021 and 2022. Congenital anomalies also surged in Texas, but not elsewhere in the US.
Researchers at Dartmouth College found that fruit fly oocytes can renew chromosome-linking proteins, potentially helping older women reduce pregnancy complications. The discovery could lead to new therapeutic strategies for enhancing protein rejuvenation in human eggs.
Researchers Polina A. Loseva and Vadim N. Gladyshev challenge the existing definition of human life, suggesting a new meaning for the 14-day stage in organismal life grounded in recent mechanistic advances and insights from aging studies. This stage defines the separation of soma from the germline and marks the boundary between rejuven...
The summit aimed to improve care for people with cancer by discussing knowledge gaps, societal stigma, and shifting policies. Experts emphasized the importance of education about sexual and reproductive health in cancer treatment.
A study from Stockholm University found that the Swedish speed premium policy, introduced in 1980, led to a 26% increase in premature birth rates over six years. However, relaxation of the policy to a 30-month window resulted in an 11% decrease in premature birth rates in subsequent years.
A new study reveals insights into the human ovary's factors that enable follicles to mature, enabling potential treatments for ovarian hormone production restoration and fertility. The atlas may lead to the creation of artificial ovaries in labs using stored tissue, providing a longer fertility window for patients.
A new study found that postmenopausal women exhibit smaller cortical surface areas in certain brain regions, reduced thalamic subnuclei volumes, and decreased functional connectivity, suggesting a link between menopause-related symptoms and brain changes.
A new study led by Karolinska Institutet reveals the mechanism of sperm entry into the egg, explaining how mutations in egg coat proteins cause female infertility. The research also suggests potential implications for non-hormonal contraceptives.
Researchers found associations between prenatal vitamin and metal exposures and epigenetic aging biomarkers in early life. A one standard deviation increase in essential metals was associated with lower Horvath EAA at birth, while arsenic was linked to greater EAA at birth and in childhood.
A new study found that the link between paternal age and rare congenital disorders is more complex than previously thought. Researchers discovered that while older fathers are more likely to have children with certain bone and heart malformations, some genetic mutations associated with these conditions do not increase with paternal age.
Researchers at Salk Institute find a new method to interrupt sperm production using an HDAC inhibitor, which blocks fertility without affecting libido. The treatment's reversibility is attributed to its ability to modulate gene expression downstream of retinoic acid.
A large national study of over 6,000 patients found that video visits, texting and mailing pills were effective and safe for medication abortion. The research supports the safety and efficacy of telemedicine abortion, which has become increasingly important due to clinic closures and wait times.
A large study found that exposure to organophosphate ester flame retardants during pregnancy was associated with preterm birth, especially among female newborns. Higher birth weight was also linked to increased obesity risk. The chemicals are widely used in building materials, furniture, and electronics.
A new study found that e-cigarettes are more commonly used by pregnant smokers than nicotine patches, and regular use of nicotine products is not associated with adverse effects on mothers or babies. The study suggests that e-cigarettes can be a safe stop-smoking aid for pregnant women.
According to a study by Michigan State University, more Michigan adults now say they never want to have children due to the uncertainty surrounding reproductive health care following the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade.
Scientists at University of California San Diego have developed a noninvasive approach to detect exRNA molecules in leftover culture media, which can help predict embryo quality and IVF success. By analyzing these molecules, the researchers were able to replicate morphological measurements used in current embryo tests.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found no association between assisted reproductive technologies and body mass index in children, except when using frozen embryos. The study analyzed data from Denmark and other countries, providing insights into the health outcomes of children born through assisted reproductive technologies.
Participating in baby massage has been linked to lower rates of postnatal depression and improved parent-child interactions. A systematic review found that mother-led infant massage can have a positive impact on maternal mental health and relationships.
A large study of over 9,000 pregnant people found that cannabis exposure during pregnancy is associated with a composite measure of unhealthy pregnancy outcomes, including low birth weight. Higher levels of cannabis exposure were also linked to higher risks of complications.
A study found that prenatal discrimination and acculturation stress can alter the strength of infant brain circuits, potentially leading to increased risk for mental health disorders. The research suggests a critical role in treating individuals with kindness during pregnancy.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that 90% of pregnant women in high-income countries lack key vitamins necessary for healthy pregnancies and fetal development. The situation is expected to worsen as more people adopt plant-based diets, leading to increased risk of nutrient deficiencies.
Regular aerobic exercise can help prevent and treat postpartum depression. Moderate-intensity exercises performed three to four times a week are particularly effective in reducing symptoms of the condition.