Past News

Preterm births linked to 'hormone disruptor' chemicals may cost united states billions

February 7, 2024

Daily exposure to chemicals used in the manufacture of plastic food containers and many cosmetics may be tied to nearly 56,600 preterm births in the U.S. in 2018, a new study shows. The resulting medical costs, the authors of the report say, were estimated to reach a minimum of $1.6 billion and as much as $8.1 billion over the lifetime of the children.

Preterm births linked to 'hormone disruptor' chemicals may cost united states billions

Are environmental toxins putting future generations at risk?

February 6, 2024

In a study that signals potential reproductive and health complications in humans, now and for future generations, researchers have concluded that fathers exposed to environmental toxins, notably DDT, may produce sperm with health consequences for their children.

Are environmental toxins putting future generations at risk?

Pregnant women should avoid ultraprocessed, fast foods, experts urge

February 6, 2024

Research shows that phthalates, a class of chemicals associated with plastics, can shed from the wrapping, packaging and even from plastic gloves worn by food handlers into food. Once consumed during pregnancy, the chemicals can get into the bloodstream, through the placenta and then into the fetal bloodstream. The chemical can cause oxidative stress and an inflammatory cascade within the fetus, researchers noted. Previous literature has indicated that exposure to phthalates during pregnancy can increase the risk of low birth weight, preterm birth and child mental health conditions such as autism and ADHD.

Pregnant women should avoid ultraprocessed, fast foods, experts urge

Males born to obese mothers more likely to suffer health issues as adults

February 6, 2024

Males born to obese women are more likely to be overweight at birth and develop metabolic complications in later life, including liver disease and diabetes.

Males born to obese mothers more likely to suffer health issues as adults

Lighting up Alzheimer's-related proteins to allow for earlier disease detection

February 5, 2024

Many neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, are difficult to diagnose before symptoms begin to appear. However, disease-related biomarkers such as aggregated proteins called amyloids could provide important insight much earlier, if they can be readily detected. Researchers have developed one such method using an array of sensor molecules that can light up amyloids. The tool could help monitor disease progression or distinguish between different amyloid-related conditions.

Lighting up Alzheimer's-related proteins to allow for earlier disease detection

Common food preservative has unexpected effects on the gut microbiome

February 2, 2024

Analysis of a common preservative used to kill pathogens in food shows that it affects beneficial bacteria as well, threatening the healthy balance of the gut microbiome.

Common food preservative has unexpected effects on the gut microbiome

Why women are at greater risk of autoimmune disease

February 1, 2024

Research throws light on the mystery of why women are much more prone to autoimmune disorders: A molecule made by one X chromosome in every female cell can generate antibodies to a woman's own tissues.

Why women are at greater risk of autoimmune disease

Understanding rapid weight loss in older women: Message from the heart

February 1, 2024

Unexplained rapid weight loss in older people could be a sign of underlying disease and can be linked with increased risk of falls and fractures, as well as a poorer long-term prognosis.

Understanding rapid weight loss in older women: Message from the heart

Polycystic ovary syndrome tied to memory, thinking problems

January 31, 2024

People with polycystic ovary syndrome may be more likely to have memory and thinking problems in middle age, according to new research. The study does not prove that polycystic ovary syndrome causes cognitive decline. It only shows an association.

Polycystic ovary syndrome tied to memory, thinking problems

Brain changes behind pain sensitivity may affect older women more

January 31, 2024

A new study has found that the brain system enabling us to inhibit our own pain changes with age, and that gender-based differences in those changes may lead females to be more sensitive to moderate pain than males as older adults.

Brain changes behind pain sensitivity may affect older women more