Prenatal ozone: a silent culprit in the battle against childhood obesity

Prenatal exposure to ozone is increasingly recognized as a potential risk factor for childhood obesity, with significant implications for public health. A new study investigates the association between ozone levels during pregnancy and the growth trajectories of children, offering insights into the early-life origins of obesity. The research found that a 10 μg/m³ increase in ozone concentration during pregnancy significantly raises BMI, weight-for-age, and weight-for-length Z scores in children. This exposure is linked to accelerated BMI gain and higher obesity risk in early childhood, highlighting the urgent need to address air quality to protect children’s health.

Tiny Worm Helps Uncover Long-lasting Prenatal Effects from Amphetamines

During pregnancy, the effects of therapeutical doses of amphetamine have been investigated on birth outcomes in humans. However, a thorough investigation of the mechanisms underlying the long-term effects of embryonal exposure to addictive doses of amphetamine remains largely unexplored.

JMIR Nursing | Using a Decision Aid to Support Shared Prenatal Screening Decision Making

JMIR Publications recently published “Web-Based Training for Nurses on Using a Decision Aid to Support Shared Decision-making About Prenatal Screening: Parallel Controlled Trial” in JMIR Nursing which reported that in this study, these authors aimed to assess the impact of a shared decision-making (SDM) training program on nurses’ intention to use a decision aid with pregnant women deciding on prenatal screening for Down syndrome.

SSRI use during pregnancy not related to childhood depression

In one of the first studies to look at the association between selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) medications and brain development in young children, research from the Behavioral Research and Imaging Neurogenetics (BRAIN)Lab at Washington University in St. Louis found no association between children’s exposure to the drugs in the womb and later childhood depression.

Endocrine-disrupting chemical exposure in womb impact fear, anxiety behavior in rats

Prenatal exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in everyday products may interfere with the developing offspring’s brain, according to a rat study being presented Monday at ENDO 2022, the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting in Atlanta, Ga.

UIC researchers awarded $9.9M for Black midwives program

A new health care program developed by University of Illinois Chicago researchers and Melanated Group Midwifery Care, or MGMC, that aims to combat disparities that affect maternal and infant outcomes for Black pregnant people has received $9.9 million in funding. The five-year award was granted by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute, or PCORI, an independent, nonprofit organization authorized by Congress in 2010 to fund research that will provide patients, their caregivers, and clinicians with evidence-based information needed to make better-informed health care decisions.

The Latest Science on Staying Healthy During Pregnancy

Healthy habits are particularly important during pregnancy. Four new studies being presented at NUTRITION 2021 LIVE ONLINE look at how supplements, eating habits and physical activity can affect various aspects of health during pregnancy.

Meeting Preview: Hot Topics at NUTRITION 2021 LIVE ONLINE

Reporters and bloggers are invited to join top nutrition researchers and practitioners for a dynamic virtual program at NUTRITION 2021 LIVE ONLINE. The flagship meeting of the American Society for Nutrition runs June 7–10, 2021 and features research announcements, expert discussions and more.

Exercise During Pregnancy: A Prescription for Improved Maternal/Fetal Well-being

Evidence now supports the safety and health benefits of prenatal physical activity for pregnant women. Therefore, it is critical that women and exercise professionals shift their individual and collective perspective of prenatal physical activity away from the potential risks of…

Articles on Chronic Hexavalent Chromium Exposure, Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles, and Bisphenol A Featured in December 2019 Toxicological Sciences

The December 2019 issue of Toxicological Sciences features research on the leading edge of toxicology, including in the areas of carcinogenesis, developmental and reproductive toxicology, and more.