Recent and emerging reproductive biology research in Australia and New Zealand: highlights from the Society for Reproductive Biology Annual Meeting, 2017

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (8) ◽  
pp. 1049 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. J. Bertoldo ◽  
P. H. Andraweera ◽  
E. G. Bromfield ◽  
F. L. Cousins ◽  
L. A. Lindsay ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Reproductive Biology ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Reproductive Capacity ◽  
New Developments ◽  
Healthy Pregnancy ◽  
Present Generation ◽  
Reproductive Science ◽  
Biology Research

Research in reproductive science is essential to promote new developments in reproductive health and medicine, agriculture and conservation. The Society for Reproductive Biology (SRB) 2017 conference held in Perth (WA, Australia) provided a valuable update on current research programs in Australia and New Zealand. This conference review delivers a dedicated summary of significant questions, emerging concepts and innovative technologies presented in the symposia. This research demonstrates significant advances in the identification of precursors for a healthy pregnancy, birth and child, and discusses how these factors can influence disease risk. A key theme included preconception parental health and its effect on gametogenesis, embryo and fetal development and placental function. In addition, the perturbation of key developmental checkpoints was shown to contribute to a variety of pathological states that have the capacity to affect health and fertility. Importantly, the symposia discussed in this review emphasised the role of reproductive biology as a conduit for understanding the transmission of non-communicable diseases, such as metabolic disorders and cancers. The research presented at SRB 2017 has revealed key findings that have the prospect to change not only the fertility of the present generation, but also the health and reproductive capacity of future generations.

scholarly journals The current state of reproductive biology research in Australia and New Zealand: core themes from the Society for Reproductive Biology Annual Meeting, 2016

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (10) ◽  
pp. 1883
Author(s):  
L. K. Akison ◽  
P. H. Andraweera ◽  
M. J. Bertoldo ◽  
H. M. Brown ◽  
J. S. M. Cuffe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Reproductive Biology ◽  
Cell Biology ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Embryo Implantation ◽  
Reproductive Potential ◽  
Reproductive Capacity ◽  
Future Health ◽  
Novel Technologies ◽  
Wide Range

Because reproduction is essential for all life, it is central to our understanding of all aspects of biology. The Society for Reproductive Biology (SRB) 2016 conference held on the Gold Coast (Qld, Australia) displayed the current breadth of reproductive research in Australia and New Zealand, with additional insights from world leaders in the field. This conference review provides a focused summary of the key questions, emerging ideas and novel technologies that were presented in the symposia. Presented research demonstrated key advances in how stem cell biology may allow us to better understand pluripotency, as well as how environmental and lifestyle factors, such as circadian disruption, smoking, alcohol and diet, affect gametogenesis, embryo implantation, placental function and reproductive capacity. Sessions also highlighted the role of reproductive biology in providing insight into the mechanisms and processes governing a wide range of biological science disciplines, including cancer research and therapies, oncofertility, conservation of native species and chronic non-communicable diseases. Recurring themes included the importance of male and female gamete quality for reproductive potential and the critical and varied roles of the placenta in the maintenance of a healthy pregnancy. Dysregulation of reproductive processes can contribute to a variety of pathological states that affect future health, fertility and fecundity. Research being conducted by the SRB has the potential to shape not only the fertility of the current generation, but also the health and reproductive viability of future generations.

Fine structure and possible functions of the hermaphrodite duct of some pulmonate snails (Mollusca: Gastropoda)

1990 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 68-69
Author(s):  
Alan N. Hodgson
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Transmission Electron Microscopy ◽  
Fine Structure ◽  
Seminal Vesicle ◽  
Reproductive Biology ◽  
Light Microscope ◽  
Light Microscope Level ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Standard Techniques

The hermaphrodite duct of pulmonate snails connects the ovotestis to the fertilization pouch. The duct is typically divided into three zones; aproximal duct which leaves the ovotestis, the middle duct (seminal vesicle) and the distal ovotestis duct. The seminal vesicle forms the major portion of the duct and is thought to store sperm prior to copulation. In addition the duct may also play a role in sperm maturation and degredation. Although the structure of the seminal vesicle has been described for a number of snails at the light microscope level there appear to be only two descriptions of the ultrastructure of this tissue. Clearly if the role of the hermaphrodite duct in the reproductive biology of pulmonatesis to be understood, knowledge of its fine structure is required.Hermaphrodite ducts, both containing and lacking sperm, of species of the terrestrial pulmonate genera Sphincterochila, Levantina, and Helix and the marine pulmonate genus Siphonaria were prepared for transmission electron microscopy by standard techniques.

Information-seeking to Support Personal and Community Wellbeing: Report of a study of New Zealand Men Using Focus Groups

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peta Wellstead
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Support Services ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Structural Constraints ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Groupes De Discussion

This paper reports part of an ongoing study exploring the information behaviour of New Zealand men during periods of diminished health and wellbeing. Focus groups were used for this iteration of the study. Results indicate that New Zealand men face both personal and structural constraints to their information-seeking during periods when their health and wellbeing may be compromised. This study highlights that service providers need to develop more effective information delivery mechanisms and support services for men. These services need to be appealing to men and reflect men’s information seeking preferences. The role of LIS professionals in supporting this endeavour is discussed. Cet article présente une étude en cours explorant le comportement informationnel d’ hommes néo-zélandais durant des périodes où leur état de santé et de bien-être est amoindri. Des groupes de discussion ont été utilisés pour cette itération de l'étude. Les résultats indiquent que les hommes en Nouvelle-Zélande font face à des contraintes à la fois  personnelles et structurelles dans leur recherche d'information pendant les périodes où leur santé et leur bien-être peuvent être affaiblis. Cette étude met en évidence le besoin pour les fournisseurs de services de développer des mécanismes de diffusion de l'information plus efficaces et des services de soutien pour les hommes. Ces services doivent être attrayants et refléter les préférences des hommes dans leurs recherches d’information. Le rôle des professionnels de l'information dans le soutien à cette entreprise est discuté.

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