News
- Maternal diabetes impairs methylation of imprinted gene in oocytes
- New assessment reveals value of second embryo biopsy for women of advanced maternal age
- A pack of walnuts a day keeps the fertility specialist away?
- How a low-protein diet predisposes offspring to adulthood hypertension
- Three types of fetal cells can migrate into maternal organs during pregnancy
- How neonatal plant estrogen exposure leads to adult infertility
- Can lactating tsetse flies model lactating mammals?
- Reproductive seasonality observed in male giant pandas
- Biology of Reproduction Moves to Continuous Online Publication
- Teresa Woodruff awarded Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring
- Dr. Ralph L. Brinster receives National Medal of Science
- Dr. John Eppig elected to the National Academy of Sciences
- Tom Spencer on National Geographic Explorer
- Phyllis Wise elected to Institute of Medicine
- US Presidential Nominees’ positions on science issues
- Lrh1 key to regulating ovulation
- 2007 National Medal of Science
- 2008 Meeting Coverage
- NIH Reauthorization Bill
- Public Affairs Executive Committee (PAEC)
- Activities of the FASEB Science Policy Committee
Maternal diabetes impairs methylation of imprinted gene in oocytes
20 Mar 2013—Offspring of diabetic mothers display a higher incidence of malformations and fetal death, which Dr. Zhao-Jia Ge et al. now link to impaired methylation of maternal imprinting gene Peg3.
- BOR press release: English or Chinese.
- BOR Papers-in-Press manuscript. Ge ZJ, Liang XW, Guo L, Liang QX, Luo SM, Wang YP, Wei YC, Han ZM, Schatten H, Suna QY. Maternal diabetes causes alterations of DNA methylation statuses of some imprinted genes in murine oocytes. Biol Reprod 2013; (in press). Published online ahead of print 20 March 2013; DOI 10.1095/biolreprod.112.105981.
New assessment reveals value of second embryo biopsy for women of advanced maternal age
07 Nov 2012—An elegant new study confirms that the most commonly used method of screening for embryo abnormalities following in vitro fertilization (IVF) does accurately predict the success of embryo transplantation for younger women, but not necessarily for those of advanced maternal age.
- BOR press release: English or Chinese.
- BOR manuscript. Liu J, Wang W, Sun X, Liu L, Jin H, Li M, Witz C, Williams D, Griffith J, Skorupski J, Haddad G, Gill J. DNA microarray reveals that high proportions of human blastocysts from women of advanced maternal age are aneuploid and mosaic. Biol Reprod 2012; 87(6):148.
A pack of walnuts a day keeps the fertility specialist away?
15 Aug 2012—After eating 75 grams of walnuts every day for 12 weeks, healthy young men aged 21 to 35 saw increased sperm vitality, motility, and morphology, UCLA researchers report.
- BOR press release.
- BOR manuscript. Robbins WA, Xun L, FitzGerald LZ, Esguerra S, Henning SM, Carpenter CL. Walnuts improve semen quality in men consuming a Western-style diet: randomized control dietary intervention trial. Biol Reprod 2012; 87(4):101.
How a low-protein diet predisposes offspring to adulthood hypertension
25 Jul 2012—New research finds that the high maternal testosterone levels associated with a low-protein diet in rats are caused by reduced activity of a testosterone inactivator, thereby allowing more testosterone to reach the fetus and increase the offspring’s susceptibility to adulthood hypertension.
- BOR press release.
- BOR manuscript. Gao H, Yallampalli U, Yallampalli C. Gestational protein restriction reduces expression of Hsd17b2 in rat placental labyrinth. Biol Reprod 2012; 87(3):68.
Three types of fetal cells can migrate into maternal organs during pregnancy
6 Jun 2012—A pregnant woman's blood stream contains not only her own cells, but a small number of her child's, as well, and some of them remain in her internal organs long after the baby is born. Understanding the origin and identity of these cells is vital to understanding their potential effects on a mother's long-term health.
- BOR press release.
- BOR manuscript. Pritchard S, Wick HC, Slonim DK, Johnson KL, Bianchi DW. Comprehensive analysis of genes expressed by rare microchimeric fetal cells in the maternal mouse lung. Biol Reprod 2012; 87(2):42.
How neonatal plant estrogen exposure leads to adult infertility
2 May 2012—A new study examines how exposure to estrogenic chemicals in the womb or during childhood can have a long-term effect on female fertility. Limiting such exposures, including minimizing use of soy-based baby formula, would be a step toward maintaining female reproductive health.
- BOR press release.
- BOR manuscript. Jefferson WN, Padilla-Banks E, Phelps JY, Cantor AM, Williams CJ. Neonatal phytoestrogen exposure alters oviduct mucosal immune response to pregnancy and affects preimplantation embryo development in the mouse. Biol Reprod 2012; 87(1):10.
Can lactating tsetse flies model lactating mammals?
18 Apr 2012—An unprecedented study of intra-uterine lactation in the tsetse fly, published today in BOR's Papers-in-Press, reveals that an enzyme found in the fly's milk functions similarly in mammals, making the tsetse a potential model for lipid metabolism during mammalian lactation. Better yet, reduced levels of this enzyme led to poor health in offspring, leading the authors to suggest that targeting it could help decrease the tsetse population in Africa and reduce the incidence of sleeping sickness.
- BOR press release.
- BOR manuscript. Benoit JB, Attardo GM, Michalkova V, Takác P, Bohova J, Aksoy S. Sphingomyelinase activity in mother's milk is essential for juvenile development: a case from lactating tsetse flies. Biol Reprod 2012; 87(1):17.
Reproductive seasonality observed in male giant pandas
4 Apr 2012—A three-year study of giant pandas published today in BOR's Papers-in-Press reveals that reproductive seasonality exists not only in female pandas, but in male pandas as well. This new understanding will allow continued improvement of the captive panda management program and will one day assist in reintroducing pandas into the wild, the authors say.
- BOR press release.
- BOR manuscript. Aitken-Palmer C, Hou R, Burrell C, Zhang Z, Wang C, Spindler R, Wildt DE, Ottinger MA, Howard J. Protracted reproductive seasonality in the male giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) reflected by patterns in androgen profiles, ejaculate characteristics, and selected behaviors. Biol Reprod 2012; 86(6):195.
Biology of Reproduction moves to continuous online publication
6 Jan 2012—Starting this month, Biology of Reproduction is shifting its operations from print-focused publishing to continuous online publication. BOR-Papers in Press production will remain unchanged, but all final articles will now be posted on www.biolreprod.org as they are completed, rather than being held until the issue is published. At the end of each month, the posted articles will be compiled as that month’s issue. For more information, please see the full press release.
Teresa Woodruff awarded Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring
From the remarks of Hon. Janice D. Schakowski of Illinois in the House of Representatives, Monday, December 12, 2011:
- Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Teresa Woodruff and the Women's Health Science Program for High School Girls, developed by the Institute for Women's Health Research at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, on their receipt of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring.
- The Women's Health Science Program for High School Girls targets primarily African American and Latina girls from disadvantaged backgrounds in Chicago. The young women have the opportunity to study at four different Northwestern academies: cardiology, physical science, infectious disease, and oncofertility.
- There is a tremendous opportunity for women to make a difference in improving America's innovative capacity and global competitiveness. A study from last year from the American Association of University Women (AAUW) entitled, "Why So Few?'' underscores the point that attracting and retaining more women in the STEM workforce will maximize innovation, creativity, and competitiveness.
- The AAUW study suggests that there are a number of ways to cultivate young women's interest and persistence in science and engineering, including mentoring. As Dr. Woodruff and the Women's Health Science Program prove, mentoring plays a crucial role in the academic and personal development of students--especially for young women and underrepresented minorities--who choose to study science and engineering. Of the 90 students who participated in the Women's Health Science Program, 18 are seniors in high school, 70 attend college, and 2 have received undergraduate degrees. Of those attending college, 51 percent are pursuing science majors.
- We stand on the precipice of major discoveries and advancements. We need more women and minorities in STEM-related fields to ensure that our workforce and the solutions they develop to solve the problems of today--and tomorrow--are designed better and designed with everyone in mind.
- There is a place for initiatives that motivate students to pursue STEM throughout their educational careers. With targeted action--like that of Dr. Woodruff and the Women's Health Science Program--we can remain global leaders in this vital field.
- Again, I want to congratulate Dr. Woodruff for this well-deserved award in recognition of her outstanding work to provide opportunities for girls and women to improve our community and world.
Dr. Ralph L. Brinster receives National Medal of Science
SSR Member Dr. Ralph L. Brinster was named today as one of seven recipients of the National Medal of Science by President Obama:
"For his fundamental contributions to the development and use of transgenic mice. His research has provided experimental foundations and inspiration for progress in germline genetic modification in a range of species, which has generated a revolution in biology, medicine, and agriculture."
Dr. Brinster has received numerous prestigious awards including the Hartman Award, the Wolf Prize, and others. Dr. Brinster is a Charter (founding) Member of SSR. Find more information in the University of Pennsylvania press release.
Dr. John Eppig elected to the National Academy of Sciences
Dr. John J. Eppig, john.eppig@jax.org, has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences.
Dr. Eppig has served SSR in many capacities including SSR President, Co-Editor-in-Chief of Biology of Reproduction, and Director. In 1999, he received the SSR Research Award, and in 2010, the SSR's highest award, the Carl G. Hartman Award. More information can be found in the Jackson Laboratory news release.
Dr. Tom Spencer on National Geographic Explorer
SSR member Tom Spencer appeared on the 13 January 2009 episode of National Geographic Explorer. The episode, entitled “The Virus Hunters”, highlighted the work of Dr. Spencer and his colleagues at Texas A&M’s Laboratory of Uterine Biology and Pregnancy, and their discovery that naturally occurring endogenous retroviruses are required for pregnancy in sheep.
Phyllis Wise elected to Institute of Medicine
SSR member Phyllis Wise has been elected to the Institute of Medicine. Established in 1970 by the National Academy of Sciences, IOM has become recognized as a national resource for independent, scientifically informed analysis and recommendations on human health issues.
US Presidential candidates’ positions on science issues
Scientists & Engineers for America have prepared a useful page listing both John McCain’s and Barack Obama’s stated positions on scientific issues. Topics include Research and Research Funding, Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Sex Education, and Healthcare.
Both candidates’ answers to a list of 14 questions on science issues, and their public statements, can be found at the SEforA web site:
Science Debate
Representatives of US Presidential nominees Senators John McCain and Barack Obama agreed to meet with the scientific community and public in a forum on science policy with a focus on health. The debate took place on 18 September, and was open to the public. A record of the debate is available via streaming video.
Lrh1 key to regulating fertility
SSR members Rajesha Duggavathi and Bruce Murphy have received coverage in the general press for their work in identifying Liver receptor homolog 1 as being essential for ovulation.
SSR Member Bert W. O’Malley receives the 2007 National Medal of Science
SSR Member Bert W. O’Malley has received the 2007 National Medal of Science, the nation’s highest honor for science. Dr. O’Malley was the 2007 awardee of the Carl G. Hartman Award, the Society’s highest award, given in recognition of a research career and scholarly activities in the field of reproductive biology.
- Dr. O’Malley's Hartman Award commendation
- Baylor College of Medicine feature story
- National Academies’ Science Medals announcement
Congratulations, Dr. O’Malley!
Meeting Coverage
The results Kevin Eggan presented at the 2008 Meeting of the SSR were covered in the 12 June issue of Nature (subscription or password required):
SSR Member Patricia Hunt's results were covered in an interview in the 19 June issue of Nature (subscription or password required):
Additional coverage of the 2008 SSR Meeting can be found in Nature journalist Brendan Maher's blog.
NIH Reauthorization Bill and Establishment of FASEB as an Important Player in Science Policy on Capitol Hill
“It has been recommended that every Federal Agency be reauthorized by Congress every 3 years. The last time Congress passed a Reauthorization Bill for NIH was 13 years ago. Congressman Joe Barton, Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Cmmittee, wanted Congress to have better acquaintance with and oversight of NIH, particularly after the doubling of NIH and continued requests for increases in funding. Two years ago, Congressman Barton began drafting a Bill based on his understanding of the functions of the NIH…”
Public Affairs Executive Committee (PAEC) and Enhanced Public Access Subcommittee of the Science Policy Committee of FASEB
As SSR Representative to FASEB, Dr. Virendra Mahesh serves on the Public Affairs Committee (PAC) as well as a Director on the FASEB Board. In addition, he served on the Enhanced Public Access Subcommittee of the Science Policy Committee of FASEB. The PAC and Enhanced Public Access Subcommittee generally have a conference call once a month to discuss the current issues facing FASEB member societies. The PAC and the Board of Directors of FASEB addressed several key issues pertaining to research, and these are summarized.
Topics covered:
- Research Funding
- Politicization of Science
- NIH Reauthorization
- Animal Research
- NIH Funding
- Policy on Scientific Publications
Activities of the FASEB Science Policy Committee
Summary of SPC Face to Face Meeting on September 26–27, 2004
Thomas Spencer reports on the events of the FASEB SPC Meeting on September 26–27, 2004 at FASEB headquarters in Bethesda, MD
Topics covered:
- Animal Rights Terrorism in the USA
- Patents and Technology Transfer
- Access to NIH Research Information