In my research, I try to uncover the cultural significance of the placenta and afterbirth in premodern Europe to help us better understand the social and medical history of this important organ.
Bits of viral genes incorporated into human DNA have been linked to cancer, ALS and schizophrenia. But many of these genes may not be harmful, and could even protect against infectious disease.
We examined male seahorse pouches under the microscope at different stages of pregnancy, and found they develop complex placental structures over time — in similar ways to human pregnancy.
Alys Clark, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau and Jo James, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau
The placenta is one of the least studied organs, but it is the cause of problems in one in ten pregnancies. A virtual placenta is helping researchers to pick up at-risk pregnancies sooner.
The evolution of live birth from egg-laying is no mean feat. Now new research reports on the first known example where both eggs and a live birth come from the same lizard pregnancy.
We can prevent congenital deafness and intellectual disability due to cytomegalovirus by simple hygiene measures. So, why don’t pregnant women know about this?
Taking the placenta as a case study, researchers are able to piece together how new organs evolve, by repurposing old tissues and using them to do new jobs.
An incredibly complex and important organ in its own right, the placenta is only found in mammals. And how it functions has the potential to have profound effects on the lifelong health of the developing foetus.