Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Cut out the (estrogen) middleman

Researchers found that estrogen stimulates parts of the brain dedicated to learning and memory through a protein called calpain. This discovery may lead to better drugs against Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases by targeting calpain directly.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Disrupting male fertility

Researchers have identified a molecular mechanism underlying the harmful effects of DES on male testis development and function. Neonatal exposure to DES leads to reduced fertility in mice, with NR0B2 deficiency protecting against these effects.

Hormone mix could cut breast cancer risk and treat symptoms of menopause

A combination of estrogen and a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) may relieve menopause symptoms and lower breast cancer risk without the progestin side effects. Researchers treated breast and endometrial cell lines with the hormone mix, finding that it blocked cell growth and prevented proliferation.

The making of the male brain (estrogen required)

A new study in mice reveals that early estrogen exposure 'masculinizes' the brain circuitry, leading to aggressive and territorial behaviors typically observed in males. The researchers found that female mice exposed to estrogen as pups exhibit similar behaviors, suggesting a critical role for estrogen in shaping masculine behavior.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Buyer beware: Estrogen supplements not as effective as claimed

New research from Purdue University raises concerns about estrogen supplements claiming to improve bone health in postmenopausal women. While some plant-derived isoflavones show modest effects, many supplements lack efficacy or are less effective than current treatments for osteoporosis.

Uterine cells produce their own estrogen during pregnancy

Researchers discovered that uterine stromal cells increase estrogen production through the enzyme aromatase, supporting decidualization and blood vessel growth. Progesterone supplementation is necessary for successful pregnancy, highlighting the benefits of local estrogen production.

1 disease, 2 effects: Stroke

Research highlights the gender disparities in stroke risks, with males outnumbering females by two to one, while women's outcomes worsen with age. Women also face disadvantages in stroke treatment, including lower response rates to tissue plasminogen activator.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Estrogen can reduce stroke damage by inactivating protein

Researchers found that estrogen suppresses p53 after stroke, preventing cell death and reducing damage. The study used female rats treated with estrogen versus placebo to induce global cerebral ischemia, a common type of ischemic stroke.

Vitamin A derivative provides clues to better breast cancer drugs

Researchers from the University of Chicago discovered a 'yin-yang' effect between estrogen and retinoic acid on gene expression in breast cancer cells. This balanced control can lead to new ways of preventing and treating breast cancer, including more precise diagnoses and novel anti-cancer drugs.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Could hormones explain gender differences in neurological disease?

Research suggests that estrogens acting through their receptors affect the dopamine transporter, which may explain trends in timing of women's susceptibility to these diseases. Estrogen levels vary significantly at different life stages, and women are more likely to experience neurological disease onset or exacerbation during these times.

BPA may cause heart disease in women, research shows

Bisphenol A (BPA) exposure may be associated with abnormal activity in female rat and mouse hearts, potentially leading to improper heartbeat control. Researchers found estrogen receptors play a key role in this effect, which could have significant implications for women's heart health.

Estrogen linked to lowered immunity in fish

Research by USGS scientists links estrogen exposure to reduced immune response in largemouth bass, potentially making them more vulnerable to diseases. The study reveals that estrogen blocks production of hepcidin, a hormone that regulates iron and has antimicrobial properties.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Equality of the sexes? Not always when it comes to biology

A recent study found that women have a more powerful innate immune system than men due to the presence of estrogen. Estrogen blocks an enzyme called Caspase-12, which prevents the inflammatory process, making women more resistant to infection.

Oral contraceptives associated with increased risk of lupus

A large observational study found that combined oral contraceptives are associated with an increased risk of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), particularly among women who started using them recently. The study suggests a possible dose-response effect of estrogen on SLE onset.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Vertigo linked to osteoporosis

A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that people with osteoporosis are three times more likely to experience vertigo than those without. Researchers discovered a strong link between low bone density and an increased risk of inner ear disorders, which can cause dizziness.

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Diet may cut second breast cancers in women without hot flashes

A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber has been shown to reduce the risk of recurrence in early-stage breast cancer survivors who do not experience hot flashes. This subgroup of patients typically faces higher recurrence rates and lower survival rates compared to those with hot flashes.

Diet may cut risk of breast cancer recurrence in women without hot flashes

A secondary analysis of a large clinical trial found that a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and fiber reduces the risk of breast cancer recurrence by approximately 31 percent in women without hot flashes. Women with estrogen receptor-positive cancers often receive hormone therapy to combat circulating estrogen levels.

Estrogen pills can benefit women with metastatic breast cancer

A study found that estrogen therapy can stop the growth of tumors or cause them to shrink in about a third of women with metastatic breast cancer that has developed resistance to standard estrogen-lowering therapy. The high-dose regimen had significant side effects, while the low-dose regimen was well tolerated.

BioScience tip sheet, December 2008

Research articles explore impact of endocrine-disrupting chemicals on aquatic vertebrates and humans. Studies reveal mechanisms behind reproductive abnormalities and ecological risks associated with environmental contaminants.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Birth control has long-term effect on hormone exposure

Researchers discovered that past oral contraceptive use can reduce estrogen levels for years after treatment is stopped, potentially leading to a reduced risk of ovarian and uterine cancers. The study used cynomolgus monkeys and found significant reductions in estrogen metabolites three years after surgical menopause.

Is that song sexy or just so-so?

Researchers found that hormone levels alter the brain's response to social cues, affecting preferences for male voices and behavior. The study suggests a possible neural basis for changes in human social decision-making across the menstrual cycle.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

'Estrogen flooding our rivers,' Université de Montréal study

A study by Université de Montréal researchers found that Montreal's water treatment plants dump up to 90 times the critical amount of estrogen products into the river. The presence of these hormones can disrupt the endocrine system of fish and decrease their fertility, threatening aquatic ecosystems.

Sex hormones link to heart risk

A new study led by the University of Leicester found that men's sex hormones, particularly estradiol and estrone, are associated with increased cardiovascular risk factors such as high total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol. This suggests that natural endogenous estrogens may play a role in increasing heart disease risk in men.

Estrogen relieves psychotic symptoms in women with schizophrenia

A randomized, double-blind study involving 102 women with schizophrenia found that estrogen estradiol improved psychotic symptoms more effectively than antipsychotic medications alone. No significant difference was observed in negative symptoms, suggesting potential for longer-term treatment or alternative approaches.

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Chronic exposure to estrogen impairs some cognitive functions

Researchers at University of Illinois found that chronic exposure to estradiol decreases working memory and response inhibition in rats. This impairment is linked to altered brain activity in the prefrontal cortex, a region crucial for planning and decision-making.

Improved estrogen reception may sharpen fuzzy memory

Researchers at the University of Florida have discovered a way to improve thought processes in female mice by recharging a naturally occurring estrogen receptor in the brain. This breakthrough suggests that drugs can be developed to offset cognitive decline related to low estrogen levels, protecting against neurological diseases.

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Estrogen therapy helps or hurts the brain depending on reproductive status

A new animal study suggests that estrogen treatment is not toxic per se, but its effects on the brain depend on an individual's reproductive age. In rats, estrogen therapy reduced brain damage when given before menopause, but increased it after, highlighting a narrow window of time for neuroprotective benefits.

Study finds it pays to be heart smart if considering hormone therapy

A research study has found that a simple blood test can indicate whether post-menopausal hormone therapies increase the risk of a heart attack. Women with favorable cholesterol levels were not at increased risk of developing heart problems while taking hormones, whereas those with unfavorable cholesterol levels were at higher risk.

Estrogen therapy increases benign breast disease risk

A randomized controlled trial found that conjugated equine estrogen increased the risk of benign proliferative breast disease by more than two-fold. Women taking estrogen supplements had 155 cases of benign disease compared to 77 in the placebo group.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Grant to study if early BPA exposure leads to late prostate cancer

A five-year grant aims to uncover the genetic mechanism behind increased sensitivity to estrogen due to low-dose BPA exposure, which may predispose men to prostate cancer later in life. The study will use human prostate-like structures and animal models to characterize dose-response and gene modifications.

Fish devastated by sex-changing chemicals in municipal wastewater

Researchers found that miniscule amounts of synthetic estrogen in municipal wastewater can decimate wild fish populations living downstream, causing feminization and reproductive issues. Removing estrogen through wastewater treatment can reverse the adverse impact on wild fish populations, offering a glimmer of hope for recovery.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

New findings on emerging contaminants

Researchers have found that 400 chemicals resist breaking down in the environment, affecting fish and wildlife, and potentially human health. The study also reveals pesticides can be more toxic when combined, threatening salmon populations and human health.