Articles tagged with Human Reproduction
A study published in BMC Medicine found that maternal hypertension genes influence infant birth weight through effects on the placenta. The researchers analyzed fetal growth data and found a significant association between maternal genetic risk score and placental weight.
A Washington State University study found that cannabis vapor exposure lowered sperm counts and slowed movement in male mice and their sons. The study suggests that cannabis use may be detrimental to male reproductive function, contributing to declining human sperm counts.
Researchers found that females who consumed less food for their entire lives lived longer but didn't reproduce as well as better-fed counterparts. However, those who switched to unlimited food after early life restriction started mating and reproducing more, producing three times more offspring than restricted diet flies.
Experts warn of a crisis in sex education due to the continued creation and endorsement of abstinence-only curricula. Comprehensive sex education is proven to promote sexual health among adolescents, but its delivery has declined over the last 25 years.
A study of roundworms found that older parents can produce larger, faster-developing offspring with better reproductive success, challenging the notion that old parental age is detrimental. The research showed that older parents invest more nutrients in eggs, resulting in larger offspring.
A study published in The Journal of Sex Research found that higher testosterone levels are associated with having multiple partners in men and solitary sexual activity in women. The research, which analyzed data from nearly 4,000 adults, highlights the complex relationship between hormones and human sexuality.
A new genetic study reveals hundreds of genes that evolved to be turned on or off in the human uterus during early pregnancy, shedding light on what makes human pregnancy uniquely human. These genes are involved in cell-to-cell communication, immune response regulation, and placental invasion, highlighting the importance of evolutionar...
Researchers at Kyushu University successfully reconstitute the ovarian follicle from mouse stem cells, generating functional egg cells and growing viable mice. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for infertility and help conserve endangered animals through egg cell production.
A University of Massachusetts Amherst scientist suggests that rising social stress may contribute to the projected global population decline starting in 2064. Stress from social media and other social interactions may be leading to changes in reproductive behavior and physiology, resulting in decreased reproduction rates.
Researchers discovered a distinct difference in gene expression in women who underwent preterm labor compared to those at full term. The findings suggest new directions for studying preterm labor and potentially effective treatments.
Researchers at RMIT University have discovered a Teflon-like molecule on the womb's surface that decreases at a certain point in the menstrual cycle, opening the 'golden window' for pregnancy success. This finding could lead to improved IVF success rates and potentially treat underlying causes of infertility.
The Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health has established the Jennifer Schlecht Memorial Scholarship to support students pursuing careers in sexual and reproductive health. The scholarship aims to honor Jennifer's memory by providing travel stipends for field experience in fragile settings.
A new study published in Scientific Reports found a link between geographical location and male reproductive health, with pollution levels varying by region. The researchers analyzed dog testes to identify correlations between environmental exposures and reproductive health.
A new study from Ohio State University found that one in 10 Ohio women thought abortion was illegal due to legislative attempts to ban the practice at six weeks gestation. Women with lower socioeconomic status and those already facing structural barriers to reproductive healthcare were more likely to believe it was illegal.
Researchers from the University of Warwick developed a computational model predicting drug targets for SARS-CoV-2 by understanding host-based metabolic perturbations. The model highlights glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation pathways as key targets, with potential connections to amino acid biosynthesis.
A recent study from Washington University in St. Louis found that older male rhesus monkeys sire significantly fewer offspring than younger males, despite high social status and mating rates. The researchers suggest that age-related decline in sperm quality or quantity may be the primary factor behind this phenomenon.
A global COVID-19 response that neglects sexual and reproductive health and justice inequities exacerbates existing social and economic burdens on these groups. The authors advocate for a human rights framework to address the pandemic's inequitable effects.
A study published in Genetics found that Coenzyme Q10 reversed most of the reproductive harms caused by exposure to BPA in Caenorhabditis elegans worms. The antioxidant improved or reversed multiple types of damage, including lower rates of egg cell death and fewer chromosome abnormalities.
A new study suggests that humans' ability to cooperate and share childrearing duties is key to our demographic success. Cooperative childrearing increases the number of children that mothers can successfully raise, leading to faster maturation and increased reproduction.
Researchers have developed a new technique to analyze sperm that tracks its tail movement, providing vital information for understanding male fertility. This technology has the potential to improve diagnosis and treatment of male infertility.
Researchers found that chronic stress can harm ovarian function and reduce the number of primordial follicles, but blocking ghrelin receptor improved ovarian function. The study suggests that eating habits may be able to mitigate the effects of stress on fertility.
A new robotic sensor technology has been developed to measure hormones affecting fertility, sexual development, and menstruation quickly and cheaply. The technology, called RAPTER, uses a novel biosensor linked to a robotic system to provide real-time results, paving the way for more personalized medicine.
A new study suggests that women in eating disorder treatment need more informative and personalized reproductive health advice, rather than vague warnings. The research found that participants felt fertility information was delivered as 'blackmail' or 'scaremongering', leading to feelings of self-blame and low motivation for recovery.
Researchers found that ibuprofen modified hormonal profiles through selective transcriptional repression of testicular endocrine cells, leading to a state of compensated hypogonadism. The study used testis explants and human steroidogenic cell lines to investigate the effects of ibuprofen on testicular health.
A study by Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia found that worldwide peaks of sexual interest coincide with specific religious celebrations, leading to peaks in birth rates. Online searches related to sex display a cyclical nature that correlates with a specific "loving mood" independently detected on Twitter.
Recent study reveals directional selection on height, age at first birth, and body mass index in males, while stabilizing selection is detected for several traits in older adults. The findings shed light on the ongoing forces shaping human evolution.
A new study by Lancaster University reveals that marginalized groups are often excluded from fertility data due to biases in survey design and sampling. This exclusion can lead to unequal access to reproductive healthcare and misguided policies.
A recent study published in Human Reproduction found that underweight women are at a greater risk of experiencing an early menopause compared to lean or normal weight women. Women who were underweight as teenagers or in their mid-30s had a significant increase in the risk of early menopause, with some women reporting a 50% higher risk.
Significant declines in sperm counts among men in Western countries are alarming, with a 52% fall between 1973 and 2011. The research highlights the need for further investigation into the causes of these trends, which may be linked to exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
The researcher is studying calcium channels in gonadotropes to understand their role in reproductive disease. This knowledge can lead to the development of new treatments for infertility, tumor growth, and other disorders.
Researchers propose that naked mole-rats' exceptional longevity is due to slowing individual development, resulting in a longer youth period and decelerated aging. Similarly, human data suggests a similar slowdown in the 'Master Biological Clock', leading to increased lifespan and prolonged youth.
Researchers validated 70 genes associated with congenital heart disease in fruit flies, including those modifying histone structure. This approach may enable precise gene-editing techniques for tailored treatments.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine study found that social ecology influences on personal experiences and interactions with family, peers, and healthcare providers hinder young men's use of sexual and reproductive health care. Long wait times, costs, and concerns about privacy also deter seeking care.
A new study reveals that pubertal timing has a significant impact on male reproductive health, with early or late onset associated with poorer semen quality and smaller testicles. The study also found links between pubertal timing and obesity, cardiovascular disease, and sexually transmitted diseases.
A study of African elephants found that mothers and grandmothers provide significant reproductive and survival benefits to their daughters and grandchildren. Grandmothers' social knowledge and environmental conditions significantly impact calf survival, while early birth years and maternal age also play a role in determining reproducti...
A new analysis explores the possibility of in vitro gametogenesis for human reproduction, allowing same-sex couples to have biologically related children. The procedure could also enable 'perfecting reproduction' by making prenatal selection easier and more robust.
The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics calls for increased efforts to prevent exposure to toxic chemicals, linked to reproductive issues such as miscarriage, stillbirth, and cancer. The group advocates for policies to protect patients and communities from involuntary chemical exposure.
The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada has selected Elsevier to publish its journal JOGC, a leading peer-reviewed publication on obstetrics and gynaecology. The partnership aims to improve the journal's content and services for its members and the wider medical community.
A systematic review of 65 studies in 34 countries identifies 7 areas of mistreatment and abuse during childbirth, including physical, sexual, and verbal abuse. The authors call for improved access to privacy, resources, and trained staff to reduce morbidity and mortality.
Research by Carnegie Institution scientists links steroid hormone ecdysone with fat accumulation and egg development in fruit flies. The findings suggest that increased stored body fat and sugars support healthy oocyte production and fertility.
The Tenth Annual Meeting of the International Conference on Genomics will focus on breakthroughs and advancements in 'omics' research transforming scientific discoveries into better health. Confirmed plenary speakers include prominent figures in the field, highlighting the most influential topics and practical applications.
Researchers identified four promising approaches to prevent intimate partner violence and sexual violence among adolescents, including school-based interventions, psychological support interventions, community-based interventions, and parenting interventions. These strategies show promise in preventing violence in high-income countries...
A recent review of over 150 peer-reviewed studies suggests that exposure to chemicals released during natural gas extraction operations may be harmful to human health, particularly reproductive and developmental health. The review found evidence of adverse effects on fertility, miscarriage, birth defects, and semen quality in humans.
Evolutionary biologist Steven Ramm explores sperm competition as a key driver of reproductive system evolution, highlighting the diversity of sperm cells and their adaptations to compete for fertilization. This research could inform genetic modification to increase fertility in endangered species.
A new study advocates for investing in the sexual and reproductive health of 10 to 14 year olds, a critical period of transition from childhood to adulthood. Researchers recommend tailored programs to meet their unique needs, including parental and guardian involvement, and preventive services to prevent misinformation and promote heal...
Recent research in biological anthropology explores how global environmental variations shape human health and biology. The studies examine the effects of diet, energy dynamics, and chronic inflammation on human reproduction, nutrition, and disease prevalence.
Georgia Regents University has joined the Cooperative Multicenter Reproductive Medicine Network to conduct large-scale clinical trials on male and female infertility. The network aims to develop novel diagnostic and treatment strategies for complex reproductive health issues, including polycystic ovary syndrome and delayed puberty.
The latest themed issue of Reproductive Health Matters explores a new development paradigm to prioritize health, ensuring equitable care for all. The issue critiques the Millennium Development Goals model and advocates for a human rights approach to addressing health disparities.
Researchers found that BPA exposure can dramatically inhibit egg maturation, leading to decreased maturity, increased degeneration, and spontaneous activation. This study adds to growing evidence about the impact of BPA on human health and may explain why some couples struggle with infertility.
A study led by Michelle Hindin identified research priorities for adolescent sexual and reproductive health in low- and middle-income countries. The top-ranking research questions suggest that definitions of problems and interventions need improvement, with a shift towards scaling up existing interventions and developing new ones.
The latest issue of Reproductive Health Matters exposes the significant impact of neglected sexual and reproductive morbidities on women, men, and families globally. It addresses various health issues, including fistula complications, maternal health, and cervical cancer, while also highlighting prevailing myths and misconceptions.
A French study of over 26,600 men found a significant decline in semen concentration and quality between 1989 and 2005. The researchers reported a 32.2% decrease in semen concentration and a 33.4% decrease in the percentage of normally formed sperm.
A new study reveals that only four percent of young women with cancer preserve their fertility during treatments. Women from specific socio-demographic groups are more likely to receive counseling and take action.
A cash transfer programme reduced HIV and HSV-2 infection prevalence by two-thirds in school-age girls, supporting changes in self-reported sexual behaviour. The intervention also showed no significant difference for individuals who dropped out of school.
Researchers have determined the three-dimensional structure of endomannosidase, an enzyme used by devastating human viruses like HIV and Hepatitis C to replicate. This breakthrough opens the door to developing inhibitors that block both pathways used by these viruses.
A new paper finds that emphasis on quick impact interventions has diverted resources away from the neediest patients, with the poorest people seeing little progress. The study highlights the need for medium-term and long-term strategies to achieve inclusive and equitable progress in global reproductive health.
Researchers at University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that disrupting the circadian rhythms of fruit flies by feeding them at incorrect times led to reduced fertility. The study suggests a connection between diet and reproduction, highlighting the importance of timing in maintaining reproductive capacity.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen found a positive correlation between serum vitamin D levels and sperm motility in healthy men. Laboratory stimulation with activated vitamin D also increased forward movement of human spermatooza, sparking new hypotheses about the role of vitamin D in male reproduction.
A study published in BMC's Reproductive Health journal found that a pill containing essential oils significantly reduced premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms. Women taking the supplement reported eased PMS symptoms at 3 and 6 months, with few adverse events recorded.
The article presents a set of 10 guiding principles for health systems strengthening developed from a comprehensive review of the literature and consultation with experts. These principles aim to establish a common foundation for future discussions and strategies in global health systems strengthening.