Medical Notes: How The Beauty Industry Is Threatening Your Pregnancy; The Best Test For Fertility Planning; And How Eating Veggies Helps Your Cells

Should pregnant women stay away from beauty products?

A new study in Nature Communications has revealed that common cosmetic chemicals could affect a baby’s development. Phthalates are found in shampoos, soaps, and plastic food containers. They’re known to be hormone disruptors, and researchers have discovered that they may also negatively affect a newborn’s metabolism and brain development. (Emory University)

A new saliva test that can help cancer patients.

The drug ‘5-FU’ is one of the oldest chemotherapy drugs that’s still used today. However, some patients experience serious, sometimes life-threatening complications. Thankfully, a new test analyzes saliva samples to see which cancer patients have a higher risk of running into these issues. The research is published in the Journal Of Clinical Oncology. (Virginia Tech)

A promising step in understanding menopause.

Research in the Biophysical journal uses a new, mathematical approach to figuring out when menopause will occur. This estimate could improve fertility planning, and provide better information for age-related health risks. It may also be instrumental in helping women plan for hormonal therapies and interventions. (Rice University)

Here’s one more reason to have an abundance of fruits and vegetables in your diet.

A naturally-occurring compound found in kale, berries, and leafy vegetables could be a treatment for ALS. This antioxidant helps us maintain motor function, while also reducing muscle atrophy. According to research published in Acta Neuropathologica Communications, the compound slows nerve cell damage and improves overall cell function. (University of Florida)

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