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New recommendations for standardizing studies of thyroid hormone and disease from ATA taskforce

The American Thyroid Association's Taskforce on Approaches and Strategies to Investigate Thyroid Hormone Economy has released a comprehensive guide with 70 specific recommendations to standardize study design in thyroid research. This will lead to more standardized approaches, improving the comparability of results and informing the de...

Appetite hormone misfires in obese people

A recent study found that glucagon, a hormone involved in regulating appetite, fails to induce feelings of fullness in obese individuals. However, it successfully suppresses hunger pangs in people with type 1 diabetes, according to researchers from The Endocrine Society.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateAug 20, 2013

Study shows feral cat control could benefit from different approach

A new study by Tufts University suggests that vasectomy may be more effective than traditional neutering in managing feral cat populations, as it prevents reproductive hormones from protecting turf from competitors. The research supports the use of a trap-vasectomy-hysterectomy-release method to control feral cat colonies.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalJournal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·DateAug 15, 2013

Optimists better at regulating stress

A study by Concordia University researchers found that optimists tend to have more stable cortisol levels, indicating better regulation of stress. In contrast, pessimists struggle to control their stress response, especially during high-stress situations.

SourceConcordia University·JournalHealth Psychology·DateJul 23, 2013

PFC exposure tied to altered thyroid function

Research links perfluorinated chemical (PFC) exposure to changes in thyroid function, particularly in women, with elevated levels of T3 and T4 hormones. PFCs found in various products may increase the risk of mild hypothyroidism without triggering a natural hormonal response.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJul 17, 2013

Hair analysis reveals elevated stress hormone levels raise cardiovascular risk

A recent study found that long-term cortisol exposure in seniors is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. The study used scalp hair analysis to measure cortisol levels over a three-month period, revealing a clear link between chronically elevated cortisol levels and cardiovascular disease.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateApr 17, 2013

Exercise shields children from stress

A recent study found that sedentary children experience stress hormone surges when exposed to everyday stressors, while the most active children had little or no increase in cortisol levels. The study suggests physical activity plays a role in mental health by buffering children from daily stressors.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMar 7, 2013

Metal ions regulate terpenoid metabolism in insects

Researchers discovered that metal ions cobalt, manganese, and magnesium control the production of different terpenoids in insect larvae, one for defense and another for juvenile hormones. This study highlights the importance of metal ions in regulating metabolic pathways and challenges the traditional view of enzyme specificity.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 28, 2013

When morning sickness lasts all day

A study found that morning sickness lasting all day is often linked to hormonal and genetic factors, with ethnicity and diet also playing a role. Women who have experienced hyperemesis gravidarum in previous pregnancies are at higher risk of severe nausea during subsequent pregnancies.

SourceThe Research Council of Norway·JournalScandinavian Journal of Public Health·DateFeb 26, 2013

Anti-Muellerian hormone predicts IVF success

A recent study found that women with high anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels are 2.5 times more likely to have a successful IVF cycle than those with low levels. High AMH levels also signal increased chances of pregnancy and live birth, regardless of the number of eggs retrieved.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateFeb 12, 2013

Space-simulation study reveals sodium rhythms in the body

A new study in humans published by Cell Press reveals that sodium levels actually fluctuate rhythmically over the course of weeks, independent of salt intake. The study, which examined cosmonauts participating in space-flight simulation studies, challenges widely accepted assumptions about sodium balance.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJan 8, 2013

Are bacteria making you hungry?

Research suggests that bacteria in the gut may control host appetites by influencing signaling pathways. The gut microbiota respond to nutrients and hormones, generating compounds that affect appetite and mood disorders. Further studies are needed to determine if gut bacteria directly influence food choice.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalJournal of Bacteriology·DateDec 19, 2012

New cause of thyroid hormone deficiency discovered

Researchers at McGill University have identified a new hereditary form of hypothyroidism caused by mutations in the immunoglobulin superfamily, member 1 (IGSF1) gene. This sex-biased condition affects males more frequently than females and has significant implications for thyroid hormone deficiency diagnosis and treatment.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Genetics·DateNov 12, 2012

Eunuchs outlive other men

A study of noble Korean males found castrated eunuchs lived 14-19 years longer than other men. The incidence of centenarians among Korean eunuchs is 130 times greater than in developed countries, offering clues to life extension.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 24, 2012

Life span of ovarian grafts longer than expected

A new study shows that ovarian grafts can maintain hormonal function for more than seven years in some women, providing a long-term solution for fertility preservation. This breakthrough could benefit young cancer survivors with premature ovarian failure, enabling them to retain reproductive health for an extended period.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics·DateJun 28, 2012

New weekly fertility injections work as well as daily

Weekly fertility hormone injections are as safe and effective as standard daily injections in increasing pregnancies and minimizing serious side effects. Women undergoing fertility treatment may prefer weekly injections for their patient-friendly nature.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateJun 12, 2012