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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

BU finds potentially harmful air contamination near new Bedford Harbor

A new Boston University School of Public Health study estimates the non-cancer health effects of breathing airborne PCBs around New Bedford Harbor, affecting thyroid hormones in people living close to the harbor. The levels of PCBs in the air are high enough to raise risks of diabetes, low birth weight, and impaired neurodevelopment.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateDec 3, 2019

Stress hormone helps control the circadian rhythm of brain cells

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered that stress hormones, such as corticosterone, play a crucial role in controlling the circadian rhythm of brain cells. By using test rats and a new method involving medical micropumps, they were able to restore the rhythmic activity of clock genes in the cerebellum even after t...

How plants synthesize salicylic acid

An international research team led by the University of Göttingen has unraveled the mechanism for the biosynthesis of salicylic acid in plants. The study reveals that isochorismate-derived compounds accumulate when a specific gene is removed, leading to the formation of salicylic acid.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalScience·DateAug 13, 2019

Stressed? Take a 20-minute nature pill

A study published in Frontiers found that taking a 20- to 30-minute nature experience significantly lowers cortisol levels. The research suggests a daily dose of 'nature pills' could be a simple and effective way to reduce stress.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateApr 4, 2019

What you eat could impact your brain and memory

Researchers at Iowa State University discovered a link between the satiety hormone Cholecystokinin and reduced Alzheimer's disease risk, with higher levels associated with a 65% decrease in cognitive impairment. The study suggests that dietary factors may play a role in preventing or slowing disease progression.

SourceIowa State University·JournalNeurobiology of Aging·DateJan 28, 2019

Long-acting contraceptive designed to be self-administered via microneedle patch

A new long-acting contraceptive designed for self-administration via microneedle patch technology has shown promise in animal testing, providing a therapeutic level of contraception for over a month with a single application. The experimental patch uses biodegradable polymers to slowly release the contraceptive hormone levonorgestrel.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJan 14, 2019

Beware of evening stress

Research at Hokkaido University found that the body's stress response is weaker in the evening, potentially making individuals more susceptible to stress. Cortisol levels were significantly higher in volunteers who took a morning stress test compared to those who took an evening test.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology Reports·DateNov 26, 2018

Could thyroid screening make your baby smarter?

A new review highlights growing evidence that universal thyroid testing in early pregnancy can reduce obstetric complications and safeguard fetal brain development. However, the risks of overdiagnosis and overtreatment must be carefully considered to avoid unwarranted patient anxiety and potential harm.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Endocrinology·DateOct 25, 2018

Many infertile men have undiagnosed prediabetes

A recent study of 744 infertile men found that 15.4% had undiagnosed prediabetes, with factors including older age and high follicle stimulating hormone levels linked to the condition. The study suggests that infertility in men may be associated with impaired glucose metabolism.

SourceWiley·JournalBJU International·DateOct 17, 2018

'Gut sense' is hardwired, not hormonal

Scientists have discovered a neural superhighway that enables rapid communication between the gut and brain, contradicting decades of research on hormonal transmission. This breakthrough has profound implications for our understanding of appetite and other gut-related disorders.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience·DateSep 20, 2018

Largest study yet shows type of underwear is linked to men's semen quality

A new study published in Human Reproduction journal found that men who wear boxer shorts have higher sperm concentrations than those who wear tighter fitting underwear. The researchers also discovered a link between the type of underwear and lower levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which stimulates sperm production.

Father's genes can impact motherly love

Research in genetically altered mice reveals that paternal genes can affect the type of care a mother provides to her offspring both before and after birth. This study suggests that a father's genes can impact maternal behavior, potentially affecting the wellbeing of the new baby and their lifelong mental health.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 31, 2018

Molecular basis of aggression

Researchers identified autoantibodies against adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in aggressive male prison inmates, showing altered cortisol secretion and decreased time to attack in mice. These findings suggest potential molecular mechanisms underlying human aggression and stress response.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 25, 2018