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Brain adds cells in puberty to navigate adult world

Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered that the brain adds new cells during puberty to help navigate complex social cues, a process previously thought to be limited to two brain regions. The findings suggest that these new cells play a crucial role in adult reproductive function and behavior.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2013

Puberty turned on by brain during deep sleep

A recent study by Harvard researchers found that deep sleep plays a crucial role in the onset of puberty. The study suggests that inadequate or disturbed sleep in children and young adolescents may interfere with normal pubertal maturation, particularly for those with sleep disorders.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateSep 13, 2012

JCI table of contents: Dec. 22, 2010

The study found that overexpression of the Sox3 gene causes frequent XX male sex reversal, while a new regulatory pathway involving the ventral premammillary nucleus is linked to leptin's effect on puberty onset. Additionally, arsenic trioxide may be beneficial for treating certain brain tumors.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 22, 2010

The hormone IGF-1: A trigger of puberty

A study by Johns Hopkins University researchers confirms IGF-1's crucial role in coordinating puberty onset in mice. Administration of IGF-1 to normal female mice triggered pubertal development, highlighting its importance in timely triggering of pulsatile GnRH production.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 12, 2010

JCI online early table of contents: July 12, 2010

A study published in JCI Online found that targeting acetylcholine-producing nerve cells in the pedunculopontine nucleus may alleviate gait disorders and falls in Parkinson's disease patients. Meanwhile, another study suggests that blocking TIM-1 protein could provide therapeutic benefits for asthma patients.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 12, 2010

Earlier, later puberty may trigger aggression in boys

Research found that earlier puberty in boys triggers chemicals related to antisocial behavior, while later puberty is associated with higher levels of cortisol. This study suggests that parents should be aware of the potential impact of puberty on their children's behavior and provide sensitive support.

SourcePenn State·JournalPsychoneuroendocrinology·DateMay 3, 2010

Sleeping off childhood?

A Tel Aviv University study reveals that delayed sleep onset and reduced sleep time are associated with increased pubertal development, suggesting an earlier transition to adolescence. The research highlights the need for parents and educators to prioritize healthy sleep habits in pre-pubescent children.

Key to regulation of puberty discovered

Researchers at University of Cambridge identify Neurokinin B as critical part of control system that switches on human puberty, offering new treatments for sex hormone dependent diseases and contraception. The discovery also has implications for understanding normal regulation of key bodily functions.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Genetics·DateDec 11, 2008

Scientists identify new gene responsible for puberty disorders

Researchers at Medical College of Georgia identified a new gene, chromodomain helicase DNA binding protein 7 (CHD7), responsible for some puberty disorders, including idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) and Kallmann syndrome. The study found that CHD7 mutations account for about 6% of IHH and Kallmann syndrome cases.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateOct 27, 2008

Age at puberty linked to mother's prenatal diet

A study published by The Endocrine Society found that a mother's prenatal diet high in fat can lead to an early onset of puberty in her child, increasing the risk of adulthood obesity. The research also showed alterations in sex hormones and higher body fat levels in adult offspring.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJun 16, 2008

New study suggests link between environmental toxins and early onset puberty in girls

A new study suggests that exposure to certain environmental toxins, such as mycoestrogens like zearalenone, may contribute to the early onset of puberty in young girls. The research found elevated levels of zearalenone in six out of 17 girls with central precocious puberty (CPP), a condition characterized by premature sexual development.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateFeb 6, 2008

Late nights may impact preteen behavior

A study by Elizabeth J. Susman found that kids who prefer evenings are more likely to exhibit antisocial behavior, rule-breaking, and attention problems. Earlier puberty is linked to more antisocial behavior in boys and relational aggression in girls.

SourcePenn State·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateJul 10, 2007

Timing is everything

Researchers found that mice deficient for SHP exhibited an earlier onset of fertility due to reduced repression on testosterone production and germ cell differentiation. This discovery may lead to exploration of SHP in human subjects with fertility issues.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateJan 31, 2007

Stress fast tracks puberty

Researchers link stress to early puberty, citing public health consequences including poor health, unprotected sex, substance abuse, and self-harm. The authors advocate for society to recognize the importance of addressing earlier puberty with accurate information.

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateOct 18, 2006

American Thoracic Society Journal news tips for July 2004 (first issue)

A new study found that almost 60% of children with asthma during the pre-pubertal period continue to experience wheezing episodes after the onset of puberty. Obesity at age 11 was also associated with a threefold increased risk for persistence of asthma, according to researchers analyzing data from a longitudinal birth cohort.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJul 1, 2004