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Why does puberty trigger us to stop growing?

New research from University of Illinois Chicago identifies a potential 'stop growing' switch triggered by steroid hormone ecdysone in fruit flies, which may relate to human puberty. The study's findings have implications for understanding the growth-stopping process in humans, particularly given recent changes in puberty onset.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 27, 2023

Aging | IGF1 gene therapy in middle-aged female rats delays reproductive senescence through its effects on hypothalamic GnRH and kisspeptin neurons

Researchers found that IGF1 gene therapy increases kisspeptin expression and GnRH release, and alters microglial cell numbers, suggesting a potential protective effect against reproductive decline. This could lead to new strategies for optimizing lifespan and combating age-related health problems in women.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2022

Transition milk improves health in neonatal calves

A new study published in the Journal of Dairy Science finds that feeding transition milk to neonatal Holstein calves instead of milk replacer improves health scores and stimulates intestinal development. The researchers found increased weight gain and improved gut health, with benefits seen in all sections of the small intestine.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2022

An embryo that is neither male nor female

A study published in PLOS Genetics reveals that insulin and IGF1/IGF2 growth factors play a vital role in sexual development. In the absence of these hormones, embryos fail to differentiate into male or female, highlighting their essential role in primary sex determination.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJan 3, 2013

A novel in vitro model for light-induced wound healing

A team of researchers has created a new in vitro model for studying the effects of light on wound healing. They found that exposure to blue-violet light increases mitochondrial activity, cell proliferation, and growth factor secretion in human epidermal keratinocytes. These results suggest that blue light may be useful in enhancing epi...

First functional insulin-binding protein in invertebrates

A research team has discovered the first functional insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP) ortholog in invertebrates. The newly identified protein, called imaginal morphogenesis protein-late 2 (Imp-L2), binds to insulin and inhibits its growth-promoting function, regulating growth control and insulin signaling.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalJournal of Biology·DateApr 14, 2008