Births

A study has linked phthalates, chemicals in plastics and cosmetics, to nearly 56,600 preterm births in the U.S. in 2018, with costs up to $8.1 billion. It underscores the health risks of phthalates, such as hormone disruption and lower newborn weights, advocating for stricter regulation to mitigate the impacts on public health and the economy.A recent study suggests that regular contact with chemicals found in plastic food packaging and numerous cosmetic products could be linked to approximately 56,600 premature births in…

One in 10 premature births in the United States have been linked to pregnant women being exposed to chemicals in extremely common plastic products, a large study said on Wednesday.The chemicals, called phthalates, are used to soften plastic and can be found in thousands of consumer items including plastic containers and wrapping, beauty care products and toys.Phthalates have been known for decades to be "hormone disruptors" which affect a person's endocrine system and have been previously linked to obesity, heart…

Artist’s impression of the triple protostars, IRAS 04239+2436. New research utilizing both observations and simulations has shed light on the formation of multi-star systems. Credit: ALMA (ESO/NAOJ/NRAO)Researchers using ALMA and advanced simulations have clarified the formation of multi-star systems, identifying and explaining the role of “streamers” feeding developing protostars.New observations and simulations of three spiral arms of gas-feeding material to three protostars forming in a trinary system have clarified…

via Marvel Studios To offer an inkling as to just how far people will attempt to peddle an agenda against James Gunn, a behind the scenes image that featured nothing more than a t-shirt has suddenly found itself as the starting point for what might just be the most ludicrous conspiracy theory you’ll ever hear. Meanwhile, The Flash gets dragged over the exact same hot coals as the Multiverse Saga after the Scarlet Speedster’s latest trailer boasted some iffy visuals that put the Marvel Cinematic Universe to…

The only drug on the market to help prevent preterm births must stop being sold immediately, a move that comes after scientists at the Food and Drug Administration earlier determined it was ineffective. The FDA said Thursday it is withdrawing its approval for the drug Makena and its generics because the drugs no longer are shown to be effective and the benefits don’t outweigh the risks. Makena, as well as its generics, can no longer be lawfully distributed in interstate commerce.…

via 20th Century Fox Anyone who thinks the horror genre’s continued obsession with rebooted, rehashing, and sequelizing is a relatively new phenomenon need look no further than 1989’s The Fly II for evidence to the contrary. Despite being destined to fall short of its illustrious predecessor, a second helping of gruesomeness was ordered by studio 20th Century Fox nonetheless, but it’s eye-opening when you break the film down its essence. Chris Walas’ may have directed a sequel to David Cronenberg’s Oscar-winning…

Makena was the only drug approved by the FDA to reduce the risk of preterm birth in women with a history of early deliveries. Photo: Eric Lee for The Wall Street Journal…

Health experts advising the Food and Drug Administration recommended the agency pull from the market a drug used to prevent preterm births.The advisers voted 14-1 that the FDA should remove Covis Pharma Group’s Makena from the market, after the drug failed a trial to confirm its benefit. The FDA doesn’t have to follow the recommendations of its advisers, but often does. The agency, which has been trying for years to get Makena withdrawn, is expected to order its removal within months. “It seems clear to me…

It’s a rote story by now that many populations around the world are facing rapid decline. Birth rates in many countries are falling, leading to concerns about graying populations engendering imbalanced economies. That’s true when we consider nation-level populations. It’s also true when we consider the rate at which new unicorns are born, measured by the pace at which global startups reach the $1 billion valuation threshold. Once rare, unicorns became far more pedestrian during the 2020-2021…

The researchers discovered that pregnancy-related anxiety during the third trimester was most strongly linked to preterm births.The findings suggest that doctors should check for anxiety during the first and third trimesters.According to a study published by the American Psychological Association, women who are anxious about their pregnancies give birth earlier on average than those who aren’t. The research might assist doctors in determining when and how to most effectively screen for anxiety during pregnancy to help…