| Scientists Crack Genetic Secrets Of Human Egg
Scientists at Michigan State University report this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences that they have identified genes unique to the human egg. The identification opens the way to understanding these genes' functions, which may lead to solving problems from infertility to degenerative diseases. "What's in the egg to have that power?" asked Jose Cibelli, MSU professor of physiology and animal science. "Some of those genes are responsible for the magic trick that the egg has. This paper takes a peek at what genes are in the egg waiting to make these changes." Combined with sperm, the egg divides and organizes cells to ultimately create a human being. Combined with technology, the unfertilized egg might be coaxed to produce other specific cells, including stem cells, which can be directed to grow into new tissue.
New Research Could Help Women Facing High Risk Of Stillbirth
The risk of stillbirth is particularly high for women with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes who suffer four times as many stillbirths as non-diabetic women. The tools currently available to monitor such risks are limited and give results only at late stages of pregnancy. Now research by Warwick Medical School at the University of Warwick is identifying new methods of early and accurate monitoring of the risks faced by such women. .
When a Migraine Strikes
For years, Jenny suffered in silence. She was constantly off sick from work with a throbbing, pulsating headache that kept her inactive for days at a time. She would take the usual over-the-counter medications but they seldom worked. Then one day, she was watching TV when a commercial was aired, featuring people who suffered from migraine headaches. As she watched, she realised that the sufferers were experiencing symptoms similar to hers. "Up to that moment, I had no idea that I could be suffering from migraines. I just thought that I needed glasses or needed to sleep," said Jenny. A migraine is a throbbing headache that is often one-sided. Usually, it is accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Migraine sufferers also complain of sensitivity to light, sound, and smells, sleep disruption and depression.
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