What is IVF? A nurse explains the evolving science and legality of in vitro fertilization

IVF is a decades-old procedure that has allowed increasing numbers of prospective parents to have children. Evolving legislation may put it under threat.

Heidi Collins Fantasia, Associate Professor of Nursing, UMass Lowell • conversation
Feb. 29, 2024 ~7 min

Men become less fertile with age, but the same isn’t true for all animals – new study

Understanding how the ageing of sperm works in other animals is more important than ever as human male fertility is in decline.

Regina Vega-Trejo, Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Evolutionary Biology, University of Oxford • conversation
Feb. 14, 2024 ~8 min


Climate crisis: what to consider if you're questioning whether to have children

Is the disastrous impact we’re having on the planet affecting our decision about having children of our own?

Laura Sochas, Leverhulme Early Career Fellow, School of Social and Political Science, The University of Edinburgh • conversation
Nov. 24, 2023 ~8 min

Biological sex is far from binary − this college course examines the science of sex diversity in people, fungi and across the animal kingdom

Spanning evolutionary biology, genetics, development, neurobiology, endocrinology and psychology, as well as current events and sports, students explore the complexities of the biology of sex.

Ari Berkowitz, Presidential Professor and Director of Graduate Studies, Biology; Director, Cellular & Behavioral Neurobiology Graduate Program, University of Oklahoma • conversation
Oct. 23, 2023 ~6 min

Promising assisted reproductive technologies come with ethical, legal and social challenges – a developmental biologist and a bioethicist discuss IVF, abortion and the mice with two dads

Scientists can create viable eggs from two male mice. In the wake of CRISPR controversies and restrictive abortion laws, two experts start a dialogue on ethical research in reproductive biology.

Mary Faith Marshall, Professor of Biomedical Ethics, University of Virginia • conversation
July 13, 2023 ~17 min

From bird poo frogs to alligator snapping turtles – here are nature's masters of deception

The natural world is awash with liars – here are nature’s best.

Louise Gentle, Principal Lecturer in Wildlife Conservation, Nottingham Trent University • conversation
May 18, 2023 ~7 min

Dung beetle mothers protect their offspring from a warming world by digging deeper

Everyone is feeling the heat these days – even species that develop underground.

Kimberly S. Sheldon, Associate Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee • conversation
Nov. 9, 2022 ~9 min

How did cockroaches survive the asteroid that led to the extinction of dinosaurs?

Cockroaches have been on Earth far longer than humans and may outlast us. Here are a few reasons why.

Brian Lovett, Postdoctoral Researcher in Mycology, West Virginia University • conversation
March 28, 2022 ~6 min


Male fertility is declining – studies show that environmental toxins could be a reason

People are exposed to toxic substances – like pesticides, chemicals in plastics and radiation – every day. A growing body of research shows that this exposure is causing a decline in male fertility.

Ryan P. Smith, Associate Professor of Urology, University of Virginia • conversation
July 30, 2021 ~9 min

Why are some mushrooms poisonous?

Poison can be a deadly defense that helps a mushroom make sure its spores are spread to new places to grow into baby mushrooms.

Karen Hughes, Professor of Mycology, University of Tennessee • conversation
June 7, 2021 ~6 min

/

2