Topic description and stories

High levels of oestrogen in the womb linked to autism

29 Jul 2019

Scientists have identified a link between exposure to high levels of oestrogen sex hormones in the womb and the likelihood of developing autism. The...

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U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program wrestler Spc. Jeremiah Davis (right) squares off against Sunkist Kids' Joe Betterman

‘Believing you’re a winner’ gives men a testosterone boost and promiscuous disposition

09 Aug 2018

New findings suggest that the male body tries to “optimise” self-perceived improvements in social status through hormonal shifts that promote “short-...

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In His Own World

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome more likely to have a child with autism

01 Aug 2018

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are more likely than other women to have an autistic child, according to an analysis of NHS data carried...

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Plant meristems

Plants increase flower production within a day of soil nutrient application

23 Jan 2018

The molecular mechanisms enabling plants to quickly adapt their rate of flower production in response to changing nutrient levels in soil have been...

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Opinion: Losing your virginity: how we discovered that genes could play a part

15 Apr 2016

John Perry and Ken Ong (MRC Epidemiology Unit) discuss how sexual milestones are influenced by our genes and how this can impact on broader health...

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Breast cancer reflection

Breast cancer genetic variants found to alter how cells respond to oestrogen

29 Feb 2016

An international study of almost 120,000 women has newly identified five genetic variants affecting risk of breast cancer, all of which are believed...

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‘Satiety hormone’ leptin links obesity to high blood pressure

04 Dec 2014

Leptin, a hormone that regulates the amount of fat stored in the body, also drives the increase in blood pressure that occurs with weight gain...

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Boy with autism

Children with autism have elevated levels of steroid hormones in the womb

03 Jun 2014

Children who later develop autism are exposed to elevated levels of steroid hormones (for example testosterone, progesterone and cortisol) in the...

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Sad

Biomarker for depression could improve diagnosis and treatment

17 Feb 2014

Teenage boys with symptoms of depression and raised levels of the stress hormone cortisol are up to 14 times more likely to develop major depression...

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DNA code

Novel genetic mutations cause low metabolic rate and obesity

25 Oct 2013

Researchers believe the gene could be a useful therapeutic target for treating obesity and type 2 diabetes

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Our brain

Extra testosterone reduces your empathy

10 Feb 2011

A new study from Utrecht and Cambridge Universities has for the first time found that an administration of testosterone under the tongue in...

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The Market Economy

Traders’ biology may play a bigger role than their rationality

13 Jan 2009

Financial traders' success may depend more on their biological traits than on their ability to make rational choices, researchers at the University...

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