It was 1983, and NASA was set to make history as Sally Ride prepared to become the first American woman to fly to space. The clock was ticking, but one final obstacle stood in the way of the meticulously planned mission. A crew of brilliant NASA engineers, some of the brightest young men in the […]

The forests of Argentina’s Formosa province are home to Azara’s owl monkey (Aotus azarae), a pair-living and sexually monogamous primate. Weighing about three pounds and measuring roughly a foot long, these primates boast huge, red eyes nearly half the size of their faces and tails as long as their bodies. Unlike most primates that live […]

Throughout much of medical history, the stereotypical “average patient” has looked a lot like the average male. Medical research, from clinical trials for new treatments to studies on disease mechanisms and diagnostics, has traditionally focused on studying male subjects as the default human model. This male-centric approach reflected societal gender norms and power dynamics and […]

Astrocytes may be more than just the brain’s ‘housekeepers.’ While largely known for their role in supporting neuron structure and maintaining the highly selective blood-brain barrier, these cells of the brain are now emerging as critical contributors to the control network of the human reproductive system as well. A recent study reveals that astrocytes may […]

Pregnancy complications, such as preterm births and stillbirths, are among the most frightening and potentially devastating health challenges an expectant family can experience. However, not all families face the same risks—new research shows that certain groups are more vulnerable than others. This growing awareness is reshaping the epidemiological approach to maternal health, with teams of […]