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The Vaginal Microbiome is Finally Getting Recognized
The Vaginal Microbiome is Finally Getting Recognized
Vaginal dysbiosis has long been a taboo subject, but studying and optimizing the vaginal microbiome could be a game changer for women's health.
Vaginal dysbiosis has long been a taboo subject, but studying and optimizing the vaginal microbiome could be a game changer for women's health.
pregnancy
The Cellular Intricacies of the Human Placenta
Ida Emilie Steinmark, PhD | Jul 5, 2023 | 2 min read
Rare samples saved 35 years ago helped researchers map gene expression and cell differentiation in first trimester placentas.
Stress Increases Biological Age, But Recovery Can Revert It
Alejandra Manjarrez, PhD | Apr 21, 2023 | 2 min read
A new study relying on DNA methylation clocks suggests that the biological age of mouse and human cells can fluctuate in response to stressful events.
Cell-Free DNA as Disease Biomarkers
The Scientist’s Creative Services Team | 1 min read
In this webinar, Stella Goulopoulou and Iwijn de Vlaminck will discuss how they analyze cell-free DNA to identify biomarkers of various diseases and their complications, including preeclampsia, COVID-19, and transplant rejections.
Fast-Acting Nonhormonal Male Birth Control Prevents Pregnancy in Mice
Katherine Irving | Feb 15, 2023 | 5 min read
The “on demand” drug immobilizes sperm rather than limit their production, preventing 100 percent of pregnancies in an experiment.
Claudia Gerri Studies the Mysteries of the Placenta
Katherine Irving | Feb 1, 2023 | 3 min read
At the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, the developmental biologist is probing the maternal-fetal interface across mammalian species.
The Scientist Speaks Ep. 15 - The Epigenetic Origins of Allergy and Asthma
The Scientist’s Creative Services Team | 1 min read
Epigenetic marks acquired from environmental exposures throughout life influence human health and may even transcend generations.
Infographic: How Immunology Can Influence Pregnancy Outcomes
Tobias R. Kollmann, Arnaud Marchant, and Sing Sing Way | Nov 14, 2022 | 3 min read
Pregnancy-induced changes in the immune system are key to a successful birth. Understanding those changes could allow researchers to protect both mother and child.
Modulating Immunity to Improve Pregnancy Outcomes
Tobias R. Kollmann, Arnaud Marchant, and Sing Sing Way | Nov 14, 2022 | 10+ min read
Aberrant immune activation, the main cause of prematurity and stillbirths, could be preventable through interventions such as maternal vaccination.
Obstetrics “Giant” Beryl Benacerraf Dies at 73
Katherine Irving | Oct 26, 2022 | 2 min read
Benacerraf pioneered the use of ultrasound to diagnose fetal syndromes.
Birth of The Pill, 1956–1960
Andy Carstens | Oct 3, 2022 | 2 min read
Researchers overseeing the clinical trial for the first FDA-approved oral contraceptive claimed the drug gave the Puerto Rican participants power over their family planning. Critics claimed the women were exploited.
Registry Review Casts Doubt on Causal Link Between Maternal Infection and Autism
Charles Q. Choi, Spectrum | Sep 26, 2022 | 4 min read
Maternal infection during pregnancy may be associated with autism, as previous studies have suggested—but perhaps not in a causal way.
Mother’s Circadian Rhythms Mirrored in Fetal Rat Brains
Bianca Nogrady | Sep 12, 2022 | 2 min read
Before their own central clocks develop, the brains of fetal rats detect their mother’s metabolic cycle to help regulate the expression of certain genes.
U.K. Health Authority Investigates Epilepsy Drug’s Link to Autism
Peter Hess, Spectrum | Aug 30, 2022 | 3 min read
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency’s investigation comes after a study showed prenatal exposure to topiramate roughly triples a child’s likelihood of having autism or intellectual disability.
How COVID-19 Affects Pregnancy
Amanda Heidt | Aug 16, 2022 | 10 min read
Evidence thus far shows that pregnant people infected with SARS-CoV-2 are at higher risk for severe disease and death, as well as complications in their pregnancies.
Science Snapshot: When Pregnant Flies Crave Ice Cream and Pickles
Lisa Winter | Jul 7, 2022 | 1 min read
A visualization technique shows how fruit flies choose which food to eat.
Maternal smoking during pregnancy alters placental function and fetal growth
Roni Dengler, PhD | Feb 3, 2022 | 2 min read
Smoking during pregnancy changes marks on placental DNA, altering its responses to environmental stressors.
RNA in Blood Predicts High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy
Dan Robitzski | Jan 6, 2022 | 2 min read
Biomarkers in serum correlate with preeclampsia, a condition that can lead to fatal hypertension.
The Scientist Editors’ Favorite Stories of 2021
The Scientist Staff | Dec 28, 2021 | 5 min read
A look back at some of the articles we most enjoyed reading, writing, and editing this year
Sex of Fetus Affects Immune Response to COVID-19 During Pregnancy
Amanda Heidt | Oct 20, 2021 | 3 min read
Male placentas produce more proinflammatory molecules than female placentas, while people carrying male fetuses produce fewer antibodies in response to infection, a study finds.