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An accessible, accurate method to measure the placenta

A new study has developed an inexpensive and rapid method for measuring placental volume using two-dimensional ultrasound equipment. The Estimated Placental Volume (EPV) method shows near-perfect correlation with the current gold standard, making it a promising alternative for identifying pregnancies at risk of stillbirth.

Fathers may influence their children’s health before they’re even conceived

A new study from Washington State University suggests that a father's health before conception may shape the biological environment that influences his offspring's health. The researchers found that sperm developed in the testis, rather than during epididymal transit, transmit diet-associated metabolic traits to offspring.

SourceWashington State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2026

Not all organs age alike: AI unveils the molecular impact of menopause across the female body

A new study reveals that menopause causes profound and uneven transformations across the female reproductive system, rather than a uniform decline. The research identified molecular signals associated with aging detectable in blood, allowing for non-invasive monitoring and earlier detection of risks.

SourceBarcelona Supercomputing Center·JournalNature Aging·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 29, 2026

Pregnancy-associated spontaneous coronary artery dissection

The study found that women with pregnancy-associated spontaneous coronary artery dissection (P-SCAD) have a higher risk of cardiovascular events, including dissections and aneurysms. Women with P-SCAD also experienced less recovery in left ventricular ejection fraction compared to those without P-SCAD.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateMar 29, 2026

Ragon Institute study reveals how a live bacterial therapy reshapes the vaginal microbiome and identifies predictors of treatment success

A study from the Ragon Institute reveals how a live bacterial therapy works to prevent recurrent bacterial vaginosis (BV) and why it works better for some women than others. The therapy, LACTIN-V, was found to successfully colonize the beneficial bacterium Lactobacillus crispatus in 30% of women, leading to improved vaginal health.

SourceRagon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 27, 2026

Endometrial microbiota-dimethylglycine-Treg cell axis affects endometrial receptivity in recurrent implantation failure

Researchers found that endometrial microbiota imbalances contribute to recurrent implantation failure, with dimethylglycine supplementation potentially reversing the effects. The study suggests a complex interplay between microbiota, metabolites, and Treg cells in regulating endometrial receptivity.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·DateMar 23, 2026

Researchers advance understanding of female sexual anatomy to improve pelvic cancer radiotherapy

Researchers provide radiation oncologists with practical guidance to identify and protect female sexual organs during pelvic cancer treatment. The study establishes a shared, standardized approach to identifying the bulboclitoris, enabling clinicians to measure radiation dose to these tissues.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalPractical Radiation Oncology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 27, 2026

Studies reveal Asian and Singaporean women with PCOS may experience longer reproductive lifespans and more favorable reproductive outcomes than peers without PCOS

Researchers found that Asian and Singaporean women with PCOS have better reproductive outcomes, including higher pregnancy rates and oocyte retrieval per cycle, compared to women without PCOS. Women with PCOS tend to maintain a higher ovarian reserve as they age, allowing for more robust responses to fertility treatment.

More than a reflex: How the spine shapes sex

The study found that a specific spinal circuit is involved in both ejaculation and arousal, and integrates sensory inputs to adjust its output based on the animal's internal state. The researchers also discovered that Gal⁺ neurons receive sensory input from the penis and can trigger ejaculation, but their effects are suppressed by brai...

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 23, 2025

New theoretical model sheds light on ovarian aging, offering path toward advances in women’s health

Researchers at Rice University developed a mathematical model that sheds light on ovarian aging and menopause timing. The study reveals synchronized and predictable patterns of follicle depletion, accelerating during midlife, which helps explain why menopause typically occurs at similar ages for most women.

SourceRice University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateAug 28, 2025

New study reveals surprising reproductive secrets of a cricket-hunting parasitoid fly

A new study in Annals of the Entomological Society of America reveals the reproductive biology of Ormia ochracea, a parasitic fly that gives live birth and nourishes its developing embryos internally. The research also sheds light on partial parthenogenesis and technical challenges for genetic manipulation.

SourceSt. Olaf College·JournalAnnals of the Entomological Society of America·TypeObservational study·DateJul 10, 2025

Pediatric investigation publishes China’s first clinical guidelines for juvenile-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis

Juvenile-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (JORRP) is a rare disease causing chronic hoarseness and breathing difficulties in children. New clinical guidelines provide actionable recommendations for early recognition, diagnosis, and treatment to improve long-term outcomes.

SourcePediatric Investigation·JournalPediatric Investigation·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 21, 2025

New laparoscopic imaging technique accurately maps biological tissue for minimally invasive surgery

A new laparoscopic imaging technique uses stereo depth estimation and speckle-illumination SFDI to accurately map the optical properties of biological tissue. The device provides detailed optical property maps, enabling surgeons to identify critical tumor margins and improve clinical outcomes.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateFeb 17, 2025

Following the ‘BATT Signal:’ A new signaling pathway controlling planarian germ cells

In planarian flatworms, biogenic monoamines play a critical role in regulating female and male germ cells. Researchers discovered that these molecules form a novel signaling pathway controlling planarian germ cells, producing the 'BATT Signal' to regulate reproductive development. The study highlights the importance of monoamine conjug...

SourceMorgridge Institute for Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 25, 2024

Human cervix modeled in microfluidic organ chip fills key women's health gap

A team of researchers created a microfluidic human cervix model that replicates the complex interactions between cervical epithelial cells, mucus production, and microbiome. The Cervix Chip technology offers a new testbed for bacterial vaginosis therapeutics and other treatments, addressing a key women's health gap.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2024

Cyclin D1 expression in penile cancer

Researchers found cyclin D1 expression in patients with penile cancer (PC) is associated with clinical and histopathological features. Patients with cyclin D1 expression had lower disease-free survival compared to the cyclin D1-negative group.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeObservational study·DateMay 15, 2024

The beginning of becoming a human

Researchers Polina A. Loseva and Vadim N. Gladyshev challenge the existing definition of human life, suggesting a new meaning for the 14-day stage in organismal life grounded in recent mechanistic advances and insights from aging studies. This stage defines the separation of soma from the germline and marks the boundary between rejuven...

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 9, 2024

Clear legal rules about the use of sperm and eggs in fertility treatment must remain to protect the vulnerable, study says

A new study emphasizes the importance of strict legal rules governing fertility treatment in the UK, warning that recent court cases could create a common law exception to informed consent. The research highlights the need for rigorous consent regimes to protect vulnerable patients from exploitation and misuse of genetic material.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalLegal Studies·TypeObservational study·DateJan 30, 2024

Patients who obtained telemedicine medication abortions (TeleMAB) through primary care have positive feelings about their experience

The study found that patients had a positive experience obtaining TeleMAB through their primary care health system, citing ease of access, autonomy, and reduced anxiety. This normalizes abortion care within the context of comprehensive primary care, improving access for many people of reproductive age.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJan 22, 2024

New insights on pelvic floor damage after vaginal birth, and new directions for treatment

Researchers at UC San Diego report new direct evidence of atrophy and fibrosis in pelvic floor muscles of women with symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse. They also showed that an acellular injectable skeletal muscle extracellular matrix hydrogel reduces the negative impact of simulated birth injury on rat pelvic floor muscles.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 2, 2023