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Infographic: How Immunology Can Influence Pregnancy Outcomes

Tobias R. Kollmann, Arnaud Marchant, and Sing Sing Way | Nov 14, 2022 | 3 min read

Pregnancy-induced changes in the immune system are key to a successful birth. Understanding those changes could allow researchers to protect both mother and child.

Illustration of pregnancy and the immune system

Modulating Immunity to Improve Pregnancy Outcomes

Tobias R. Kollmann, Arnaud Marchant, and Sing Sing Way | Nov 14, 2022 | 10+ min read

Aberrant immune activation, the main cause of prematurity and stillbirths, could be preventable through interventions such as maternal vaccination.

Cell-Free DNA as Disease Biomarkers

The Scientist’s Creative Services Team | 1 min read

In this webinar, Stella Goulopoulou and Iwijn de Vlaminck will discuss how they analyze cell-free DNA to identify biomarkers of various diseases and their complications, including preeclampsia, COVID-19, and transplant rejections.

A portrait shot of Beryl Benacerraf, who wears a black shirt and gold necklace and smiles into the camera, on a bluish gray background.

Obstetrics “Giant” Beryl Benacerraf Dies at 73

Katherine Irving | Oct 26, 2022 | 2 min read

Benacerraf pioneered the use of ultrasound to diagnose fetal syndromes.

A black and white photo of a woman in a plumed hat in a laboratory classroom with several men

Birth of The Pill, 1956–1960

Andy Carstens | Oct 3, 2022 | 2 min read

Researchers overseeing the clinical trial for the first FDA-approved oral contraceptive claimed the drug gave the Puerto Rican participants power over their family planning. Critics claimed the women were exploited.

Maternal smoking during pregnancy alters placental function and fetal growth

Roni Dengler, PhD | 2 min read

Smoking during pregnancy changes marks on placental DNA, altering its responses to environmental stressors.

pregnant belly clad in hospital gown with IV line going into hand

Registry Review Casts Doubt on Causal Link Between Maternal Infection and Autism

Charles Q. Choi, Spectrum | Sep 26, 2022 | 4 min read

Maternal infection during pregnancy may be associated with autism, as previous studies have suggested—but perhaps not in a causal way.

Mother’s Circadian Rhythms Mirrored in Fetal Rat Brains

Bianca Nogrady | Sep 12, 2022 | 2 min read

Before their own central clocks develop, the brains of fetal rats detect their mother’s metabolic cycle to help regulate the expression of certain genes.

The Scientist Speaks Ep. 15 - The Epigenetic Origins of Allergy and Asthma

The Scientist’s Creative Services Team | 1 min read

Epigenetic marks acquired from environmental exposures throughout life influence human health and may even transcend generations.

A pregnant woman gets her blood pressure checked by a doctor

U.K. Health Authority Investigates Epilepsy Drug’s Link to Autism

Peter Hess, Spectrum | Aug 30, 2022 | 3 min read

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency’s investigation comes after a study showed prenatal exposure to topiramate roughly triples a child’s likelihood of having autism or intellectual disability.

An illustration of a pregnant women wearing a mask, surrounded by microbes

How COVID-19 Affects Pregnancy

Amanda Heidt | Aug 16, 2022 | 10 min read

Evidence thus far shows that pregnant people infected with SARS-CoV-2 are at higher risk for severe disease and death, as well as complications in their pregnancies.

Science Snapshot: When Pregnant Flies Crave Ice Cream and Pickles

Lisa Winter | Jul 7, 2022 | 1 min read

A visualization technique shows how fruit flies choose which food to eat.

A clinician in a white lab coat sitting in a chair uses an arm cuff to measure the blood pressure of a pregnant patient sitting across from them.

RNA in Blood Predicts High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy

Dan Robitzski | Jan 6, 2022 | 2 min read

Biomarkers in serum correlate with preeclampsia, a condition that can lead to fatal hypertension.

collage of images related to favorite stories, including black and white photo of flowers, illustration of two rats, human body with floating coronaviruses

The Scientist Editors’ Favorite Stories of 2021

The Scientist Staff | Dec 28, 2021 | 5 min read

A look back at some of the articles we most enjoyed reading, writing, and editing this year

A watercolor of a baby in a heart-shaped womb

Sex of Fetus Affects Immune Response to COVID-19 During Pregnancy

Amanda Heidt | Oct 20, 2021 | 3 min read

Male placentas produce more proinflammatory molecules than female placentas, while people carrying male fetuses produce fewer antibodies in response to infection, a study finds.

Fat Tissue Reorganizes During Pregnancy

Catherine Offord | Aug 1, 2021 | 3 min read

Researchers identify a protein that promotes changes in adipose tissue in vitro and in pregnant mice and may help protect against gestational diabetes in humans.

Birth of Midwifery, Circa 100 CE

Lisa Winter | Aug 1, 2021 | 3 min read

Soranus of Ephesus’s manual shaped the way midwifery was practiced for more than a millennium.

Ten Minute Sabbatical

Emily Cox and Henry Rathvon | Aug 1, 2021 | 4 min read

Take a break from the bench to puzzle and peruse.

Study Looks for Effects of Fetal Exposure to Air Pollution

Jef Akst | Aug 1, 2021 | 5 min read

By measuring various pollutants in the immediate vicinity of pregnant women and tracking brain development of their children, researchers in Barcelona aim to untangle any influence the former has on the latter.