March 5, 2025
Oxytocin, a hormone already known for its role in childbirth, milk release, and mother-infant bonding, may have a newfound purpose in mammalian reproduction. In times of maternal stress, the hormone can delay an embryo's development for days to weeks after conception, a new study in rodents shows. According to the authors, the findings about so-called 'diapause' may offer new insights into pregnancy and fertility issues faced by humans.
Findings may advance understanding of infertility in mothers
March 4, 2025
New research reveals that a mother's diet during pregnancy -- characterized by a Western dietary pattern high in fat and sugar and low in fresh ingredients -- may increase the risk of neurodevelopmental conditions such as ADHD and autism in children. Researchers see potential for targeted dietary interventions during pregnancy to reduce this risk.
March 4, 2025
New research from kinesiologists is challenging the internet belief that timing resistance training to specific phases of the menstrual cycle boosts the body's ability to build muscle and strength.
Researchers debunk common belief that women get better muscles by timing their workouts to their menstrual cycles
February 27, 2025
Using an animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS), researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have created a four-dimensional brain map that reveals how lesions similar to those seen in human MS form. These findings, published in Science, provide a window into the early disease state and could help identify potential targets for MS treatments and brain tissue repair.
New 4D Brain Map reveals potential early warning signs of multiple sclerosis
February 19, 2025
Despite decades of research, understanding the precise biological mechanisms behind the disease has remained a challenge. Now, an interdisciplinary team of researchers at Purdue University, led by Professor of Biological Sciences, Peristera Paschou, has made significant strides in uncovering genetic and biological factors that contribute to Alzheimer’s—particularly in women. Their work, published in Acta Neuropathologica Communications, provides new insights that could pave the way for more personalized treatment approaches.
Purdue News: Tackling Alzheimer’s: Purdue scientists map genetic risks for women
February 13, 2025
Liquid biopsies may change the way we find and treat cancer Over the last decade, researchers have made huge strides in learning how to detect signs of cancer in bodily fluids like blood, saliva, and urine. This special Research in Context feature looks at how these liquid biopsies are now being tested to aid early detection and guide treatment.
February 7, 2025
With syphilis cases soaring 80% in adults and an astounding 183% in congenital cases — when a pregnant person passes syphilis to their baby during pregnancy or childbirth — from the years 2018-22, the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) launched a nationwide call to action for the improvement and innovation of diagnostics for the sexually transmitted infection. This fall, the NIAID awarded $2.4 million in grants spread over 10 research projects that will work toward the simplification and acceleration of the syphilis testing process. The initiative will help expediate test results, therefore reducing the spread of the infection caused by the bacterium treponema pallidum.
Purdue News: Public Health researcher part of $2.4 million NIH-funded national research initiative to improve, innovate syphilis diagnostics
January 22, 2025
Maternal stress hormone levels during early pregnancy can have a lasting effect on the stress system of the offspring. The results of a long-term study on wild Assamese macaques in Thailand indicate that maternal stress in the first half of pregnancy is particularly relevant. Elevated stress hormones later during pregnancy or after birth did not have the same effects. The long-term study provides important insights into the influence of early life stages on the development of the stress system under natural environmental conditions.
Exposure to stress during early pregnancy affects offspring into adulthood
January 22, 2025
Investigators found negative mental health conditions among women firefighters may reduce levels of key hormone associated with ovarian reserve
Research shows PTSD, anxiety may affect reproductive health of women firefighters
January 21, 2025
A clinical trial demonstrates the effectiveness of telephone-delivered acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) in reducing fatigue's interference with functioning and improving the quality of life for survivors of metastatic breast cancer. The ACT intervention helped study participants to fall asleep with greater ease. Fatigue remains a significant challenge for these survivors, affecting up to 63 percent of patients and severely impacting daily functioning.
Telephone therapy reduces fatigue interference with activities, mood and cognition for metastatic breast cancer survivors
