All the important links, repro news and guest bios from this month's episode
Guests
Professor Andrew Pask
Professor Andrew Pask's research examines development of the reproductive system, particularly the influence of hormones and endocrine disruptors on reproductive disease. His current research is focused on the rapid identification of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), hypospadias- one of the most common birth defects in humans affecting 1:125 live male births in Australia- and the transgenerational impacts of EDC exposures. Using a novel combination of mouse, human and marsupial models, his research has redefined the role of hormones in gonad and penis development.
Associate Professor Mark Green
Mark is the Deputy Scientific Director for Monash IVF and an Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne where he teaches Reproductive Biology. His research focuses on understanding how environmental factors such as endocrine disruptors (PFAS and atrazine), light pollution and heat stress, as well as assisted reproductive technologies, affect fertility. Specifically, he focuses on how these factors affect eggs, sperm, the development and metabolism of the early embryo and the long-term health of subsequent generations.
Early Career Researcher Spotlight
Tayler Kent
Tayler is a PhD candidate in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Murdoch University, where she uses sheep as a research model to investigate the effects of popular herbal ‘fertility’ supplements on sperm biochemistry. She also teaches into a number of pharmacology and toxicology units both at Murdoch and through Open Universities Australia. Outside of work she enjoys using social media for science communication, running and reading.
Repro News
Upcoming conferences and abstract deadlines
48th International Embryo Technology Society Annual Conference
10th - 13th of January 2022, Savannah, Georgia
Abstract submissions closed, registration open until 13th January 2022
24th European Congress of Endocrinology
21st - 24th of May 2022, Milan, Italy
Abstract submissions due by 31st January 2022
Fertility 2022
5th - 8th of January 2022, Liverpool, UK
Abstract submissions closed, registration open
Upcoming training
Embryo Grading Workshop
Free interactive webinar through IETS
Upcoming awards and grants
Lalor Foundation Fellowship
Applications due 15th of January every year
Association of Applied Animal Andrology Student Competition
Abstracts due for competition by 29th January 2022
Paper of the month
Check out the below links to get access to more information on EDCs, published by Prof Pask and A/Prof Green
Cook Laura E., Finger Bethany J., Green Mark P., Pask Andrew J. (2019) Exposure to atrazine during puberty reduces sperm viability, increases weight gain and alters the expression of key metabolic genes in the liver of male mice. Reproduction, Fertility and Development31, 920-931
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