Placenta News and Research

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Mapping Immune Microenvironments in Human Placenta

Until recently, scientific evidence on the ability of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID, to replicate in the human placenta has been inconclusive.

10 Jul 2023

Cells with “Jumping Genes” Self-Destruct in the Early Stages of Development

A previously unknown type of cell that self-destructs within days of forming as part of a quality control procedure to protect the growing fetus has been found by researchers studying gene activity data of the early human embryo.

21 Jun 2023

Scientists Discover New Embryonic Cell Type that Self-Destructs to Protect the Developing Embryo

Scientists studying gene activity data of the early human embryo have discovered an overlooked type of cell which self-destructs within days of forming, as part of a quality control process to protect the developing foetus.

21 Jun 2023

Study Reveals Genetic Underpinnings That Allow Highland Mice to Protect Developing Fetuses

Pregnancy at high elevations often is associated with low birth weights and other complications. These challenges occur in a wide range of mammals, from deer mice to human beings.

19 Jun 2023

The New Player in ALS—An Ancient, Virus-Like Protein

ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) is a deadly neurodegenerative disease that attacks nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, progressively robbing individuals of their capability to speak, move, eat, and breathe.

8 Jun 2023

Characterizing a Pivotal Time in Mammalian Embryonic Development

Many of life’s secrets are hidden in the initial stages of embryonic development. Unraveling these mysteries can aid in the understanding of early development and birth abnormalities, as well as the creation of innovative regenerative medicine treatments.

31 May 2023

Gene-Silencing Complexes Work Together to Render X Chromosomes Inactive

Two protein complexes are involved in the mysterious process of shutting off one X chromosome in female mammals, according to a new study from RIKEN. This result could aid in the understanding of how specific tumors in women develop.

21 Apr 2023

A protein in the lung forms a natural protective barrier against SARS-CoV-2 infection

University of Sydney scientists have discovered a protein in the lung that blocks SARS-CoV-2 infection and forms a natural protective barrier in the human body.

10 Feb 2023

MicroRNA’s influence on lupus disease inflammation

Researchers from Nagoya University’s Graduate School of Medicine in Japan have uncovered how microRNA (miRNA) affects inflammation in mice with lupus. They discovered two downregulated miRNAs in the disease along with a rare circumstance where several miRNAs control the same set of genes.

27 Jan 2023

The detrimental effects of alcohol consumption during pregnancy

For the first time, researchers at the University of Helsinki in Finland examined the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on the epigenome and gene function of the placenta. The epigenome is a molecular coating on a DNA strand that controls how genes are expressed.

4 Jan 2023

A new outlook on sow breeding using dietary nucleotides

The primary fetal organ systems’ growth and development are strongly influenced by the nutrition status of the mother. Late gestation is when fetal growth is rapidly accelerated, and the nutritional needs of sows rise dramatically as a result of the fetus’ rapid growth and the placenta’s quick expansion.

26 Oct 2022

The exchange of nutrients between the mother and fetus mirrored by ‘placenta-on-a-chip’

Plasmodium falciparum infections can result in placental malaria, which can have serious consequences for both mother and child. Nearly 200,000 newborn fatalities annually from placental malaria, primarily as a result of low birth weight, as well as 10,000 maternal deaths.

27 Sep 2022

Rumen-protected lysine improves uterine health

Boosting milk yield when included in the diet at sufficient levels, lysine is an important amino acid for dairy cows. But how could lysine be advantageous for cows in other means? A new study by the University of Illinois reveals that rumen-protected lysine can enhance uterine health if given in the transition period.

20 Sep 2022