Evolution Of A Sperm Activator
The fusion of sperm and egg succeeds in mammals because the sperm cells hyperactivate as they swim into the increasingly alkaline female reproductive tract. One fast-moving sperm drives on through the egg’s fertilization barrier. Mammals have sperm with a tail that reacts when calcium ions enter a microscopic channel in the tail and make the sperm go into overdrive.
Flaxseed Oil Consumption Raises Premature Birth Risk If Consumed During Last Two Trimesters
A study has found that the risks of a premature birth quadruple if flaxseed oil is consumed in the last two trimesters of pregnancy. The research was conducted by Professor Anick Bérard of the Université de Montréal’s Faculty of Pharmacy and the Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Center and Master’s student Krystel Moussally. In Canada, 50 percent of pregnant women take prescription medication. Yet many of them prefer to use natural health products during the pregnancy.
The American Fertility Association Announces Plan To Help Young Women Preserve Fertility
The American Fertility Association introduces Manicures and Martinis, a new and innovative educational program which brings young women together in a casual setting over manicures and martinis while learning the “dos and don’ts” of preserving fertility. It’s free, relaxing, fun, and educational. The series will roll through 20 U.S. cities and be hosted by leading professionals in the reproductive medical field, including Jamie Grifo, MD, Ph.D., of NYU School of Medicine.
Severe Gestational Hypertension May Protect Against Testicular Cancer
Women who experience severe gestational hypertension may give birth to boys at lower risk for testicular cancer, although the exact reasons why are still unclear, according to a paper published in the November 1, 2008, issue of Cancer Research a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research. Andreas Pettersson, M.D.
Vaginal/Caesarean Combo Delivery Of Twins Safe
Doctors need not go straight to Caesarean section when delivering twins, but can start with vaginal delivery of the first twin in many cases, researchers have found in a study led by UT Southwestern Medical Center.
New Initiative Launched To Improve The Safety Of Maternity Services In England
A programme to improve the safety of maternity services in England was launched today by The King’s Fund in partnership with other national organisations who have interest and expertise in supporting maternity professionals. The new Safer Births initiative seeks to help the NHS take a consistent approach to implementing the multiple recommendations of recent reports and government guidance in one co-ordinated programme of professional support.
Precautionary Approach To Methylmercury Needed
Recent studies hint that exposure to the toxic chemicals, such as methylmercury can cause harm at levels previously considered safe. A new analysis of the epidemiological evidence in the International Journal of Environment and Health, suggests that we should take a precautionary approach to this and similar compounds to protect unborn children from irreversible brain damage.
Sequenom Announces Launch Of RNA-Based Noninvasive Aneuploidy (RNA) Study - Technology For Down Syndrome In 10,000 Pregnant Women
Sequenom, Inc. (NASDAQ: SQNM) today announced the launch of an independent, prospective, multi-center observational study to document the performance of Sequenom’s SEQureDx™ Trisomy 21 technology for Down syndrome based upon Sequenom’s SEQureDx Technology. The study, RNA-based Noninvasive Aneuploidy (RNA), will be directed by Jacob Canick, Ph.D.
Panelists At Forum Say Media Portrayals Of Teenage Pregnancy Mask Negative Impacts
Well-publicized celebrity teenage pregnancies and depictions of teen pregnancy in films represent a “squandered opportunity for a serious national discussion of teen motherhood,” panelists said at a recent public policy forum organized by the University of Chicago’s Chapin Hall Center for Children, the AP/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
Association Between Lower Levels Of A Protein Measured At Birth And Increased Risk Of Developing Schizophrenia As An Adult
Complications during pregnancy and birth, such as birth hypoxia - the shortage of oxygen in the body - are associated with an increased risk for schizophrenia. However, it is not clear why hypoxia increases the risk for schizophrenia. The November 1st issue of Biological Psychiatry includes an article by researchers who show that the presence of a specific indicator of fetal distress following hypoxia was more likely to be present among people who later develop schizophrenia.
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