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Touching helps build the sexual brain

A new study published in PLOS Biology found that sexual touch can contribute substantially to the acceleration of puberty in rats. The researchers observed that young female rats housed with male rats experienced an expansion of their genital cortex, a finding that was not seen in females housed with other females or males separated by...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 21, 2017

Abuse accelerates puberty in children

New Penn State research reveals that childhood sexual abuse can accelerate physical growth and maturation in adolescents, increasing the risk of behavioral and mental health problems. The study found that young girls with a sexual abuse history were more likely to transition into higher puberty stages earlier than non-abused peers.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateMar 28, 2017

First-of-its-kind study of puberty timing in men

A first-of-its-kind study of puberty timing in men reveals a strong genetic correlation with females, showing that the same genetic factors influence both sexes. The study found five new genetic variants associated with puberty timing, some acting through known hormone pathways.

SourceEdelman, Orlando·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 9, 2015

Children born in the summer more likely to be healthy adults

Research published in Heliyon found that women born in summer months were more likely to be healthy adults, with slightly higher birth weights and later onset of puberty. This effect is thought to be linked to increased vitamin D exposure during pregnancy, which can influence childhood growth and development.

SourceElsevier·JournalHeliyon·DateOct 12, 2015

Bright screens at night imperil sleep of young teens

A new study found that taking a gadget to bed can suppress melatonin production and disrupt sleep patterns in children aged 9-15, especially those in early puberty. The study also found that brighter screen lights have a greater impact on sleep, with 500 lux being the most effective at suppressing melatonin.

SourceBrown University·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateAug 26, 2015

Low-level arsenic exposure before birth associated with early puberty and obesity

A study by the National Institutes of Health found that low-level arsenic exposure before birth is associated with early puberty and obesity in female mice. The researchers exposed pregnant mice to low levels of arsenic through drinking water and observed significant weight gain and premature onset of puberty in the offspring.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateAug 26, 2015

Missing molecule prevents puberty

Researchers discovered a genetic fault preventing SEMA3E from working correctly in two brothers with Kallman Syndrome, leading to the loss of nerve cells regulating sexual reproduction. The study demonstrates a powerful method for identifying genetic causes without relying on large statistical samples.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 18, 2015

Study: Teens who mature early at greater risk of depression

A new study by University of Illinois psychologist Karen D. Rudolph found that early puberty triggers psychological, social-behavioral and interpersonal difficulties that predict elevated levels of depression in both boys and girls. Early maturation was particularly detrimental to girls, who experience immediate psychological and envir...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalDevelopment and Psychopathology·DateNov 19, 2014

Study shows new link between obesity in the young and the lowering of age of puberty

A new study reveals a significant link between childhood obesity and an earlier age of puberty, with heavier children at age five tending to have lower SHBG levels and reach puberty sooner. The findings suggest that obesity in childhood may contribute to the decline in the age of puberty over the past century.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJul 27, 2014

Men who started smoking before age 11 had fatter sons

Research from the Children of the 90s study at the University of Bristol found that men who started smoking before age 11 had sons with significantly higher body fat content compared to those who started smoking later. This study suggests a potential transgenerational effect of tobacco exposure on metabolic changes in the next generation.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalEuropean Journal of Human Genetics·DateApr 2, 2014

The big male nose

A University of Iowa study found that men's noses are about 10 percent larger than female noses, on average, in populations of European descent. The size difference is attributed to the sexes' different builds and energy demands.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology·DateNov 18, 2013