A new study adds to the growing pile of evidence that men should worry about their prenatal health, too: Their sperm may carry epigenetic markers that can help determine the weight of their offspring. The research is still in its early stages, so you can’t go blaming Dad for every french fry you eat. But it’s becoming clearer that there’s more to parenthood than just genes — the state of your body at the moment of conception may carry a lot of weight for your child’s future.
Month: December 2015
Call for Better Diagnosis, More Treatment into PCOS
The etiology of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is generally poorly understood, and there is a need for further research to better delineate its characteristics, outcomes, and genetic underpinnings, urges the US Endocrine Society.
More Women are Freezing Their Eggs, But Will They Every Use Them
If egg freezing once sounded like science fiction, those days are over. Women now hear about it from their friends, their doctors and informational events like Wine and Freeze.
US Warms to Surrogacy as “Womb-for-rent” Scandals Prompt Crackdowns in Asia
In countries like India, Thailand and Nepal, authorities have become so alarmed by “womb-for-rent” scandals that they have cracked down on commercial surrogacy businesses. But in the U.S., state legislative efforts seem aimed at permitting the practice, not banning it.
Having Sex Twice an Hour Triples Male Fertility
Opinions have long been divided about the optimum boning frequency for couples hoping to procreate. But science now says that Kimye’s estimated 500 times a day was off by around 498. The magical equation is two times within an hour, according to a new study.
Senate GOP on Track to Defund Planned Parenthood
Senate Republicans are sticking with their plans to use a budget procedure this week to repeal major portions of the Affordable Care Act, with a provision to defund Planned Parenthood, site of a deadly attack in Colorado on Friday.
Cervical cancer study says ACA Might Help Increase Early Detection
Recent numbers suggest that the Affordable Care Act may be responsible for an increase in cervical cancer detection. This, of course, could lead to more women receiving treatment for the condition; and that’s a great thing.
7 Things Only Someone Dealing With Infertility Understands
Imagine the irony: You spend most of your young adult life trying not to get pregnant. Then when you’re ready to be in the pink or blue, month after month that stupid pregnancy test says no. That’s the reality for the 1 in 8 couples who have trouble conceiving. Yep, it’s that many. Don’t think you know anyone? Take it from someone who hid it from most of her friends—they’re just not telling you. Keep these facts in mind should they choose to confide.
Scientists Debate Boundaries, Ethics of Human Gene Editing
Rewriting your DNA is getting closer to reality: A revolutionary technology is opening new frontiers for genetic engineering – a promise of cures for intractable diseases along with anxiety about designer babies.