How to Make a Family: The Blog

Genes That Affect Follicle Growth Identified

In yet another study that seems way too remote from the topic of getting pregnant to be interesting, scientists at UT Southwestern Medical Center have pinpointed 348 genes -- in mice -- that quite possibly impact follicle growth.

According to one of the researchers in this article in ScienceDaily, humans and mice are "very similar" at the molecular level in regards to ovarian biology. Hence the "aHA!"

So, big yawn for now, but this is information that could possibly become the basis for a host of diagnostics and treatments for numerous ovarian disorders, one of the most common causes of female infertility.

Then again, here's Brandom Keim of Wired, griping that rather than doing mice studies, "why not do a whole genome association study of infertile women" to come up with firmer pieces of the puzzle.

Link: ScienceDaily: Hundreds Of Genes Controlling Female Fertility Identified.

Stooping To Celeb News: The Chicks

I'm not much for popular entertainment media. I'm voluntarily left behind when it comes to the latest names of reality shows, hot entertainers, and even movie releases. Folks, I don't even have cable television in my house.

But I do like music. And politics. And since the Dixie Chicks have adeptly combined the two, I'm happy to give kudos when due. For a lot of us, it's no longer news that two of the Chicks were going through the rigors of infertility. Even so, the interview article in Conceive's latest is one of the most in-depth, and an enjoyable read for fans.

You'll find a condensation of the article on the Celebrity Baby Blog. (and just typing the word 'celebrity' here is making my hands twitch...)

Link: Celebrity Baby Blog: Dixie Chicks Martie Maguire and Emily Robison open up about their fertility struggles.

Let's Watch Georgia, But Divert Your Eyes From the Sidebars

A senate committee in the state of Georgia is considering legislation that will try to nail down embryo ownership issues. This article in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution says there's additional talk about "limiting the number of eggs a couple can fertilize at a time."

I don't see such topics being given more than a glancing write-up, but look at the ruckus started by the article, in the readers' comments at article bottom. There's scarcely a thing so filled with unbridled emotion as infertility discussions.

Just makes me wonder who needs attention at this time of this particular year in Georgia.

Link: Questions arise about procedure's surplus embryos | ajc.com.