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Neonicotinoid causes ASD-like symptoms in chicks

Researchers found that neonicotinoid chemicals can impair the development of biological motion preference in chicks, similar to autism spectrum disorder in humans. The study suggests that transmission via nicotinic acetylcholine receptors is critical for this process.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalCerebral Cortex Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2022

Drones show potential to improve salmon nest counts

A Washington State University study showed that drone photography can effectively estimate the number of rocky hollows in the Wenatchee River where salmon create their eggs. The researchers found roughly double the number of redds using drones compared to ground-level observations, but with high variability. This technology has potenti...

SourceWashington State University·JournalRiver Research and Applications·DateOct 19, 2022

How eating eggs can boost heart health

A recent study published in eLife found that eating up to one egg per day may help lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. The researchers identified 24 metabolites associated with self-reported levels of egg consumption and found that individuals who ate eggs regularly had higher levels of a protein called apolipoprotein A1.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·DateMay 24, 2022

Male pheromones improve health of females’ eggs

Researchers found that male pheromones slowed down the aging of female roundworm eggs, resulting in healthier offspring. This finding could lead to pharmacological interventions improving human egg cell quality and delaying reproductive aging. The study used C. elegans as a model organism.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2022

Stress may be associated with fertility issues in women

A recent study published in Endocrinology found that exposure to a scream sound may lead to diminished ovarian reserve and decreased fertility in female rats. The researchers discovered that the scream sound reduced estrogen and Anti-Mullerian hormone levels, as well as the number and quality of eggs, resulting in smaller litters.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalEndocrinology·DateMay 10, 2022

Roundworms’ egg cells have a backup plan

A new study discovered a previously unknown mechanism in roundworms that protects their egg cells from division errors, which could lead to new strategies for combatting infertility in humans. The study found that removing certain proteins allowed another motor protein to kick in as a backup, restoring the spindle structure and allowin...

SourceNorthwestern University·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2022

Nature or nurture: How does an animal get its microbiome?

Researchers have found that sharks acquire their microbiome through three methods: the mother passing on microbes to her offspring via egg case, social interactions with other sharks, and recruiting microbes from their environment. This study provides new insights into the development of animal microbiomes and their importance in under...

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalAnimal Microbiome·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2021

​​​​​​​Increased frequency of eating eggs in infancy associated with decreased egg allergy later on

A new study finds that children who didn't have eggs introduced by 12 months were more likely to develop an egg allergy at 6 years. The research suggests early and frequent egg consumption during infancy may be protective against the development of egg allergy.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·JournalAnnals of Allergy Asthma & Immunology·TypeSurvey·DateNov 5, 2021

Referential alarm calls increase vigilance in brood parasite hosts

Researchers found that female yellow warblers who heard referential 'seet' calls the previous day would sit on their nest for a longer period and be less active, suggesting they recalled past events and engaged in mental time travel to boost vigilance. This behavior may indicate a heightened state of alert or cognitive processing.

A step forward for IVF patients with predicted poor response to treatment

A new study found that a double stimulation approach, known as DuoStim, is as efficient as conventional two cycles of ovarian stimulation and reduces the time to pregnancy in predicted poor responders. This strategy recruits multiple follicles on any day of the cycle, benefiting patients with low egg collection and high treatment failu...

New understanding of ovarian follicle development may lead to novel reproductive therapies

Researchers have discovered the mechanism of follicle development by MIS, a key reproductive hormone that suppresses follicle growth and prevents ovulation. This understanding may lead to novel approaches to contraception, preserving eggs lost to aging or chemotherapy, and improving fertility treatment success.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 3, 2021