Aurora magazine

A team from the University of California examined fetal retina cells at different levels of development. Analyzes show that in the second trimester, long before being able to distinguish images, the fetus is able to perceive light. According to the researchers, this could influence the development itself.

The cells of the retina that perceive light develop within the second trimester: it was already known. Until now, scientists considered them a tool of the fetus to align with maternal rhythms. Instead, these cells communicate with each other and give the eye greater sensitivity than was previously believed.

Retinal ganglion cells send messages through the optic nerve to the brain. In a developing eye, functioning cells are about 3% and communicate with different areas of the brain. Some of them interface with the areas responsible for the wake-sleep cycle. Others send the signals that regulate pupil movements. Finally, these cells connect with the areas that regulate mood and emotions.This last fact surprised the scientists.

Starting from the analyzes on mice and monkeys, the scientists analyzed the role of ganglion cells in fetal development. They could even be the basis of migraines, or explain why light therapy helps against depression.

Source: berkeley.edu

A team of scientists from the University of Cambridge identified a fundamental gene in fruit flies. This gene encodes a protein that can be used to treat some mitochondrial diseases.

The discovery could be a turning point in the treatment of these genetic diseases, many of which have no cure. Each cell contains hundreds of copies of mitochondrial DNA, some of which may contain anomalies. When the mutated copies exceed 80%, the genetic diseases in question occur. It is estimated that this happens in about one person in 5,000 in the UK alone, sometimes with fatal consequences. The fight between healthy and mutated copies of mitochondrial DNA plays a fundamental role in development, although it is not entirely clear.

The researchers then used fruit flies to study possible anomalies in the mitochondria and how they change over time. The researchers created flies with three parents, with the mitochondrial DNA of a second mother. Each midge was the bearer of two mitochondrial genomes, one healthy and the other mutated, which balanced each other. However, a change in nuclear DNA was enough to break the balance. Thanks to these observations, the scientists measured the influence of each gene in this process. In the end, they identified one in particular.

The gene that codes for mitochondrial polymerase appears to be the key to the process. By reducing polymerase levels, the percentage of healthy copies of mitochondrial DNA rises from 20% to 75% in one generation. This is enough to reduce the symptoms of diseases and give patients a healthier life, at least those with wings. The next step will be to test the discovery on mice and humans.

Source: cam.ac.uk

A woman can stop taking the pill at any time, even halfway through the pack. However, what effects does it have on the body and on fertility? The contraceptive pill overwrites the menstrual cycle and, when it fails, there is the risk of incurring problems of various kinds.

Contraceptives such as the pill use hormones to regulate the menstrual cycle, so as to prevent ovulation. By interrupting your mid-month intake, you risk increasing the risk of unplanned pregnancies. This happens even when switching from one hormonal contraceptive method to another. In order not to frustrate the effects of the pill, the month should be concluded before starting another drug.

Interrupting the contraceptive pill in advance can also have physical consequences. Sudden hormonal change may:

• anticipate or delay menstruation;
• cause the typical symptoms of premenstrual syndrome;
• cause sudden mood changes, anxiety and depression;
• bringing back problems that the contraceptive pill blocked, such as acne and ovarian cysts.

What really matters, however, is the time it takes for natural hormones to resume normal functioning. In the worst cases, it can take up to 3 months for the menstrual cycle to return to normal. On the other hand, 98.9% of women return to ovulate normally within 90 days. In any case, gynecologists recommend that you always talk to your doctor before you stop taking the pill. Above all, they advise ending the current month so as not to exacerbate some of the problems mentioned above.

Source: medicalnewstoday.com

Professor Eric Achtyes of the University of Michigan conducted a new study on postpartum depression. From what has emerged, the onset of inflammation during and immediately after pregnancy could be linked to the phenomenon. The link between the two is not yet entirely clear, though.

Inflammations play an essential role in pregnancy. In the early stages of pregnancy, they serve to defend the embryo from the mother's immune system. Under normal conditions, they should vanish in a short time, once they are no longer needed. However, it happens that the inflammatory reactions last longer than expected, with perhaps also consequences on the psychological health of the mother.

After giving birth, it is normal to experience a drop in mood. The phenomenon is called "baby blues" and should not be confused with the much more serious post-partum depression. The latter is a medical condition that can worsen in a short time and also require hospitalization of the new mother.

Postpartum depression affects about 1 woman every 5, which makes it a more common disorder than is believed. Nevertheless, it is a problem that is still little understood, which often has its roots during pregnancy. The first symptoms tend to occur in the last weeks of gestation, worsening after delivery. In 14% of cases, it even causes suicidal thoughts. According to the authors of the study, inflammation could be one of the causes.

The researchers analyzed the blood of 165 pregnant patients. In some of these they have identified several inflammatory factors, with high levels of cytosine. Furthermore, scientists observed a drastic reduction in serotonin. Both appear to be linked to an increased risk of postpartum depression.

Source: vai.org