A Global Fertility Crisis - Dr. Shanna Swan
Research shows that sperm count has significantly declined over the past 50 years, particularly a 59% drop between 1973 and 2011. This decline, termed the "one percent effect," also mirrors drops in testosterone levels and increases in miscarriage rates, affecting both humans and other species globally. This rapid change is not genetic but environmental, primarily due to lifestyle factors like obesity, smoking, and stress, and exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). EDCs, or "hormone hackers," are found in plastics, cosmetics, food packaging, and pesticides. They interfere with the body's hormones, especially during early pregnancy, leading to incomplete masculinization in males and reproductive issues in adulthood. While these chemicals are widespread, they leave the body quickly, offering hope that reducing exposure could improve reproductive health over several generations.
Key Vocabulary
The duration of an individual's life, or the period during which something is functional or relevant.
Examples:
- Modern medicine has significantly extended human lifespans.
- The average lifespan of a smartphone is about two to three years before users consider an upgrade.
- Certain tree species are known for their incredibly long lifespans, enduring for centuries.
A complex developmental condition that affects how a person perceives the world and interacts with others, characterized by challenges with social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors.
Examples:
- Early intervention programs can be very beneficial for children diagnosed with autism.
- Research continues to explore the diverse range of experiences within the autism spectrum.
- Many individuals with autism possess unique strengths and talents, such as exceptional attention to detail.
The external opening at the end of the digestive tract through which solid waste is expelled from the body.
Examples:
- Proper hygiene after defecation is important for maintaining the health of the anus.
- In medical examinations, the area around the anus may be checked for various conditions.
- The sphincter muscles surrounding the anus control the passage of feces.
Relating to the testicles, which are the male reproductive glands responsible for producing sperm and male hormones.
Examples:
- Regular self-examinations can help detect early signs of testicular cancer.
- The doctor performed a testicular examination to assess the patient's reproductive health.
- Certain medical conditions can affect testicular function and hormone production.
A swelling or protuberance, or a temporary, often undesirable, increase in quantity or size.
Examples:
- The old wall had a noticeable bulge near the foundation, indicating structural issues.
- After the holiday season, many people experience a bulge in their waistlines.
- Economists are concerned about a demographic bulge in the middle-aged population, which could strain social services.
A cosmetic applied to the lips to give them color and sometimes texture.
Examples:
- She chose a vibrant red lipstick to complement her evening dress.
- Many brands of lipstick now offer long-lasting formulas.
- He noticed a faint smudge of lipstick on the coffee cup.
A highly toxic environmental pollutant, often a byproduct of industrial processes and combustion, known for its persistence in the environment and potential health effects.
Examples:
- Exposure to high levels of dioxin can lead to various health problems.
- Environmental regulations aim to reduce the release of dioxin into the atmosphere and water systems.
- Contaminated soil required extensive remediation due to the presence of dioxin.
Substances designed to deter or drive away certain organisms or substances.
Examples:
- They applied insect repellents before hiking through the mosquito-infested swamp.
- Water repellents are often used on outdoor gear to keep it dry.
- Some plants act as natural animal repellents, keeping pests out of gardens.
Relating to phthalic acid, a compound used in the production of various chemicals, including plasticizers.
Examples:
- The chemical analysis confirmed the presence of phthalic compounds in the sample.
- Phthalic anhydride is an important intermediate in the chemical industry.
- Researchers are studying the environmental impact of various phthalic derivatives.
At any time; whenever.
Examples:
- Feel free to call me anytime if you have questions.
- The library is accessible anytime during opening hours.
- You can start the online course anytime that suits your schedule.
A primary female sex hormone that plays a crucial role in the development and regulation of the female reproductive system and secondary sex characteristics.
Examples:
- Estrogen levels fluctuate throughout a woman's menstrual cycle.
- Hormone replacement therapy sometimes involves supplementing estrogen.
- Certain environmental chemicals can mimic estrogen in the body, potentially disrupting hormonal balance.
A proper noun, referring to a specific individual named Shauna.
Examples:
- Shauna presented her research findings at the conference.
- I received an email from Shauna regarding the project deadline.
- Shauna is known for her dedication to environmental advocacy.
A proper noun, referring to a specific street term for the perineum, the area between the anus and the genitals.
Examples:
- The term 'grendel' is informal slang for a specific anatomical region.
- He heard the word 'grendel' used in a casual conversation about anatomy.
- Medical professionals typically use more precise terminology than 'grendel'.
Substances formed in or necessary for metabolism, the chemical processes that occur within a living organism to maintain life.
Examples:
- The lab test measured various drug metabolites in the patient's urine.
- Certain gut bacteria produce beneficial metabolites that impact human health.
- Understanding the pathways of chemical metabolites is crucial for toxicology studies.
To gain unauthorized access to a system or data, often with malicious intent; or, more generally, to alter something in a clever or unconventional way.
Examples:
- The security team worked quickly to prevent the attempt to hack into the company's network.
- She found a clever hack to organize her digital files more efficiently.
- The programmer tried to hack the existing code to add new functionality.
Relating to glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream, which then travel to target organs and tissues throughout the body.
Examples:
- The thyroid gland is an important part of the endocrine system.
- Endocrine disrupting chemicals can interfere with the body's natural hormone functions.
- Many vital bodily processes, such as growth and metabolism, are regulated by the endocrine system.
A scientist who studies the patterns, causes, and effects of health and disease conditions in defined populations.
Examples:
- The epidemiologist investigated the outbreak of the mysterious illness.
- Public health policies are often informed by the research of epidemiologists.
- An epidemiologist might analyze data to identify risk factors for chronic diseases.
A street term for the perineum, the area between the anus and the genitals.
Examples:
- He used the colloquial term 'taint' to refer to a specific anatomical region.
- The word 'taint' is often heard in informal conversations about the body.
- While common in casual speech, 'taint' is not a formal medical term.
Within the uterus; referring to the period of development of an embryo or fetus inside the mother's womb.
Examples:
- Many developmental processes occur in utero before birth.
- Fetal exposure to certain substances in utero can have long-term health consequences.
- The baby developed normally in utero throughout the pregnancy.
A person who uses a computer to gain unauthorized access to data in a system; also, a person who enjoys exploring and modifying systems, often with skill and ingenuity.
Examples:
- The company hired a cybersecurity expert to protect their systems from malicious hackers.
- A white-hat hacker might test a company's security to identify vulnerabilities.
- He's a talented hacker who can solve complex programming challenges.