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Over-the-counter fungicide can disrupt hormones

A recent study by the National Food Institute found that clotrimazole, an over-the-counter fungicide, can significantly alter sex hormones in pregnant rats and their developing fetuses. This exposure was observed at concentrations comparable to those experienced by human mothers taking clotrimazole to treat vaginal thrush. The research...

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalToxicology and Applied Pharmacology·DateJun 16, 2021

Association of circulating sex hormones with COVID-19 severity

A study examining COVID-19 severity found associations between circulating sex hormones and disease outcomes in patients, highlighting the need for further research on hormonal factors. The investigation, published in JAMA Network Open, suggests that hormonal imbalances may contribute to varying levels of disease severity.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 25, 2021

Study shows racial differences in personal care product use, may lead to health inequities

A large survey of women in California found significant racial and ethnic differences in personal care product use, with Black women more heavily exposed to endocrine-disrupting chemicals. The study aims to fill the gap in data on products used by women of color and informs guidance for self-protection and policy development.

SourceSilent Spring Institute·JournalJournal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology·DateMay 18, 2021

Exposure to flame retardants early in pregnancy linked to premature birth

A new study has found a link between early exposure to flame retardants and an increased risk of premature birth in pregnant women. Women with high levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in their blood were more likely to deliver their babies early, with no such association seen for those with lower exposure levels.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Perinatal Medicine·DateMar 25, 2021

Sunbathing after menopause may be harmful

A recent study published in Maturitas found that UV-radiation can affect the levels of oestrogens and gonadotropins in postmenopausal women, increasing the risk of osteoporosis, cardiac diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. Researchers recommend carefully monitoring sun exposure to prevent harm.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalMaturitas·DateJan 20, 2021

NIH study suggests using cannabis while trying to conceive may reduce pregnancy chances

A recent NIH study found that women who use cannabis while trying to conceive are around 40% less likely to get pregnant each month. The study of over 1,200 women aged 18-40 with one or two miscarriages found no difference in miscarriage rates but noted differences in reproductive hormones involved in ovulation.

How thyroid function affects stress-related heart problems

A multicentre study found a strong correlation between thyroid function and Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, a condition triggered by extreme emotional stress. The research identified two distinct mechanisms: an overactive thyroid gland promoting heart disease risk and an elevated target value of thyroid regulation related to the stress event.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·DateDec 1, 2020

Media registration open for ENDO 2021

The Endocrine Society's virtual annual meeting, ENDO 2021, offers journalists the opportunity to discuss groundbreaking research with world-renowned experts in diverse fields. The event features over 70 live sessions, 20 oral sessions, and six plenaries, covering topics such as diabetes, obesity, reproductive health, and more.

New drug can improve fertility in women with reproductive health problems

A new study finds that a drug called MVT-602 can improve fertility in women with reproductive health problems by targeting the kisspeptin hormone system. The drug's longer duration of action allows for less frequent dosing, offering improved treatment options for conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome and hypothalamic amenorrhea.

SourceImperial College London·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 16, 2020

Born to be young?

A new study found that prenatal exposure to maternal thyroid hormones can result in longer telomeres in chicks, making them appear younger at birth. This could have significant implications for understanding the effects of telomere length on aging and mortality risk.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalBiology Letters·DateNov 11, 2020

Workplace interruptions lead to physical stress

A recent study by ETH Zurich researchers found that workplace interruptions lead to increased cortisol levels and physical stress. Participants who received chat messages from superiors during a task reported better emotional and cognitive responses to stress.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalPsychoneuroendocrinology·DateOct 28, 2020

Study finds go-to hormone for cycad propagation ineffective

A new study published in HortScience found that the commonly used rooting hormone IBA has no effect on cycad propagation, contrary to previous research. The study's findings highlight the need for further research on cycads and could improve conservation efforts in countries where commercial IBA products are difficult to obtain.

SourceUniversity of Guam·JournalHortScience·DateOct 21, 2020

New method allows more targeted measurement of thyroid hormone action in tissue

Researchers have identified phosphorus-containing compounds as markers for thyroid hormone action in tissue using non-invasive magnetic resonance spectroscopy. This allows for the measurement of hormone action in different areas of the body, potentially improving care for patients with thyroid dysfunction.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateOct 20, 2020

Exercise hormone may modulate genes associated with replication of novel coronavirus

Researchers found that irisin altered the expression of genes regulating ACE-2, a key protein in viral entry. Irisin also tripled levels of TRIB3 transcription, which has been linked to lower replication of SARS-CoV-2. The study suggests irisin's therapeutic potential for COVID-19 treatment.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalMolecular and Cellular Endocrinology·DateSep 22, 2020

Study connects hormones we're born with to lifetime risk for immunological diseases

A new study by Michigan State University researchers connects specific hormones present before and after birth with immune response and lifelong immunological disease development. Females are at increased risk for common diseases like asthma, allergies, and irritable bowel syndrome due to their perinatal hormone levels.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 15, 2020

Elevated "hunger" hormone leaves trauma-exposed teens at higher risk for PTSD

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that trauma-exposed adolescents with moderately elevated acyl-ghrelin hormone levels are almost eight times more likely to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study also suggests that lower acyl-ghrelin levels may reduce the risk and severity of subsequent PTSD.

Neuroendocrine markers of grief

Research examines neuroendocrine effects of grief, finding elevated cortisol levels in bereaved individuals with possible long-term health consequences. The study calls for more research on potential markers of neuroendocrine activity associated with grief to inform tailored interventions.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Neuroendocrinology·DateAug 5, 2020

A hormone -- plant style

Scientists at Bielefeld University have created a method to produce a biologically significant precursor of jasmonic acid, a hormone that helps plants defend against predators. The new approach mimics how plants naturally produce the hormone, using enzymes as plant catalysts in a synthetic process.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalAdvanced Science·DateMay 29, 2020

Ethylene sensor could help monitor plant health

Researchers developed an easy-to-use sensor that can sensitively detect changes in ethylene levels, a key hormone in plant health. The sensor uses a network of single-walled carbon nanotubes to monitor fluctuations in ethylene gas levels, with high sensitivity suitable for monitoring plants in the field.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateMar 18, 2020

Hair in 'stress': Analyze with care

Researchers found that commonly used hormone analysis method in animal hair can overestimate cortisol levels by up to ten times. A more comprehensive mass spectrometry analysis revealed significant discrepancies and suggested the need for careful validation of each enzyme immunoassay before using it on hormone analysis from hair samples.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalConservation Physiology·DateMar 12, 2020

What women really want

Researchers at the University of Göttingen investigated whether changes in a woman's menstrual cycle affect her preferences for men's behavior. The study found that women find all men slightly more attractive when fertile and perceive flirtier men as more attractive for short-term relationships, but less attractive for long-term ones. ...

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 6, 2020

Blood tests can predict timing of final menstrual period

Researchers found that measuring anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels can predict when a woman's final menstrual period will occur. AMH serves as an indicator of remaining egg supply, decreasing with age. This new test allows for more accurate predictions within 12 to 24 months in women's late 40s and early 50s.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJan 22, 2020