Oxytocin, commonly referred to as the "love hormone" because it is involved in bonding and social behavior, is now being investigated for its surprise effect on pregnancy. Although oxytocin is traditionally linked to childbirth, milk letdown during lactation, and emotional bonding, recent findings indicate that this hormone can possibly delay early pregnancy. A study on mice conducted recently has helped explain how the hormone can stop embryonic growth, which may provide new understanding of human fertility and pregnancy.

In a few mammals, such as marsupials, bats, and more than 130 others, a process called "diapause" takes place. This is a natural biological phenomenon that sees embryos suspend their development in order to wait until the right conditions prevail for pregnancy to resume. Although very uncommon and hard to monitor in human beings, clinical experience from in vitro fertilization clinics indicates that human embryos might at times show delayed implantation. One highly documented case in 1996 showed that an embryo implanted in a uterus was in a suspended state for five weeks before implantation took place.

The new research by scientists at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine investigated oxytocin's possible role in inducing this pause in pregnancy. Their results indicate that oxytocin could be a major player in controlling diapause in mice, and they raise questions about its possible role in human pregnancies.

Oxytocin-Induced Pregnancy Pause

To study the impact of oxytocin on pregnancy, scientists tested female mice who had recently given birth by letting them be mated while still lactating. The research revealed that nursing females had pregnancies that lasted about a week longer than those of the non-nursing mice. Since the normal pregnancy in mice takes only 19 to 21 days, this postponement is a drastic halt to embryonic development.

The research team then sought to determine how this pause occurred. Using optogenetics, a technique that enables the activation of specific neurons through light stimulation, they artificially triggered the release of oxytocin in pregnant mice. After five days of oxytocin stimulation, the researchers examined the mice’s uteruses and found that five out of six had embryos in a dormant state, indicative of diapause. Conversely, pregnant mice that were not administered oxytocin stimulation did not exhibit any indication of developmental arrest.

In further confirmation of their research findings, the scientists administered oxytocin to early-stage mouse embryos in the laboratory setting. They detected identical cellular alteration related to diapause, implying that oxytocin has a direct influence on suspended embryonic development.

How Oxytocin Affects Embryonic Development?

The research showed that oxytocin slows down the process through which embryonic cells convert genetic information into proteins. This process, essential for growth and development of the cell, is copying DNA instructions into RNA, which then guides protein synthesis. By suppressing this process, oxytocin puts the embryo into suspended animation.

Interestingly, scientists also learned that embryos without oxytocin receptors were still able to enter diapause, suggesting that more than one biological pathway is used to trigger the pause. Still, having working oxytocin receptors seemed to increase the embryo's chances of surviving the halted state. When oxytocin receptors in the embryos were deactivated, survival rates while in diapause fell to 11% from 42%.

Implications for Human Fertility and Pregnancy

Although this research is in its infancy, it presents exciting possibilities for human fertility studies. A better grasp of the role oxytocin plays during early pregnancy may lead to significant advances in treating unexplained infertility and recurrent miscarriage. If human embryos can enter a state of diapause, further study could reveal how hormonal or environmental influences are responsible for early pregnancy loss.

Also, these discoveries may have greater implications outside pregnancy. As oxytocin is implicated in cell survival, researchers now want to know if what it does in diapause can help understand how to keep nerve cells from dying in the developing nervous system. What stops cells from dying early on might help neurobiology and regenerative medicine advance.

Even with these thrilling findings, much remains to be answered. How long can diapause be in various species, including humans? What are other biochemical signals that cooperate with oxytocin to control embryonic development? And might this information one day lead to targeted fertility treatments or interventions?

More studies are needed to uncover these secrets. As researchers learn more about the multifaceted functions of oxytocin, its image as just the "love hormone" is changing. This potent molecule seems to play a much more intricate function in reproductive biology than has been known, and it may play a role not only in when life starts, but in when it temporarily gets suspended.

Oxytocin's role in pregnancy is turning out to be more complex than originally thought. Though still a primary force behind labor and maternal attachment, it has also recently been found to retard embryonic development, which could have far-reaching consequences for reproductive science. As more research unfolds, the hormone could provide new insights into fertility, enhance IVF success, and even prevent early miscarriage. The possibility of oxytocin-based fertility therapies is an exciting one, and future research will be important to determine how this information can be translated to human pregnancy.

With peak summer months fast approaching, one must make the necessary changes to their lifestyle habits to suit the heat. This heat can affect people in many ways. Whether it is what kind of food you eat, your daily commute and other activities.

Another cause of concern for people now is how this heat could affect their heart. A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology April 2025, showed that when it's really hot both during the day and at night, more people die from heart problems. This kind of heat is much more dangerous for your heart than just being hot during the day or just at night. Researchers found that when it's hot all the time, it puts a lot of extra stress on people's hearts, making it more likely for them to have serious problems and even die. This means we need to think differently about how we handle very hot weather to keep people safe, especially those who already have heart issues.

To learn this, the scientists looked at information about almost two and a half million people who died from heart problems in China over several years. They compared when these deaths happened to how hot it was at every hour of the day and night. They found that when there was a compound heatwave, the chance of dying from a heart problem kept going up. However, when it was only hot during the day or only at night, the risk would go up and then come down a bit. This shows that constant heat puts ongoing stress on the heart.

Why Does The Heat Impact The Heart?

When temperatures rise, your body cleverly uses your circulatory system to release heat. Blood vessels near the skin's surface widen, and your heart beats faster, increasing blood flow by two to four times its normal rate, according to Cleveland Clinic.

The study showed that if there's a heatwave that doesn't cool down at night, people are much more likely to die from heart problems. The chance goes up by a huge 86%. This is much higher than if it's only hot during the day, where the risk goes up by only 19%. It's also much higher than if it's only hot at night, which has a 16% higher risk. This clearly shows that when the heat doesn't stop, it's much harder on our hearts and can be deadly for people with heart conditions.

The study also found that certain kinds of heart problems were much more likely to cause death during compound heatwaves. Things like sudden heart stopping, heart attacks, and heart failure were much more dangerous when the heat didn't let up at night. For example, the chance of dying from sudden heart stopping was much higher with constant heat compared to just daytime or nighttime heat. The same was true for heart attacks and heart failure, showing that continuous high temperatures put a huge strain on different parts of the heart.

How Do We Proceed?

Experts say that the usual ways we think about heatwaves don't really show how dangerous these constant hot periods are. We often just look at how hot it gets during the day or how long the heat lasts. However, we don't always think about how important it is for people to cool down at night. Because of this, we might not realize just how much more dangerous it is when the heat stays high all the time, and we might not do enough to protect people.

A lot needs to be done to protect the people from heat that doesn’t quit. This could mean having places where people can go to cool down in cities and helping people keep their homes cooler. These kinds of constant heatwaves are happening more often because of climate change, we need new ways to protect people who are at risk. Researchers are now planning to figure out how many more people might die from heart problems caused by heatwaves as the world gets even warmer.

Oral health is often a brushed off-pun and is intended as basic hygiene. However, Lt Gen Dr Vimal Arora, who is a former Director General of Armed Forces Dental Services and is currently the Chief Clinical Officer (CCO) at Clove Dental, says it is time we reframe how we look at our teeth, gyms, and even our jaws.

In an exclusive interview with Health And Me, he debunks popular myths and draws a compelling link between oral health and broader health issues, especially sleep apnea.

Myth #1: Sugar Is The Only Cause Of Cavities

While it is a common belief that sugar is the main villain when it comes to cavities, Dr Arora explains that poor oral hygiene plays a much bigger role in this. “Even if you’re consuming sugar, rinsing or brushing before bed can significantly reduce your risk,” he says. The problem arises when sugary substances linger in the mouth overnight, feeding bacteria that damage teeth.

Myth #2: Overbrushing Does Not Exist

Is this another misconception? You got that right. Brushing more does not mean cleaner teeth. Dr Arora strongly disagrees with this statement. “You’re not scrubbing tiles—you’re cleaning your own teeth,” he points out. Overbrushing, especially with a hard-bristled brush, can erode enamel—the hardest substance in the human body, but once gone, it never grows back. His advice: use a super soft brush, wet it before use, and apply gentle pressure.

ALSO READ: What Your Mouth Is Trying to Tell You?

Myth #3: Oral Health Is Only Limited To Your Mouth

Perhaps the most overlooked myth is that oral health is disconnected from the rest of the body. "This is not true," Dr Arora asserts. This is especially true when it comes to sleep apnea, a disorder where people often breathe through their mouth while sleeping.

“Sleep apnea isn’t just a sleep problem. It’s connected to how your jaws are aligned, how your airways function, and more,” he says. Dentists can play a pivotal role by fitting patients with oral appliances that reposition the jaw forward. This opens up the air passage and reduces apnea episodes—potentially reducing the need for machines like CPAPs. “Many dentists today are trained to do this,” he adds.

Scientific studies back this up. According to a 2019 paper published in the Journal of Dental Sleep Medicine, oral appliances can be an effective first-line treatment for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, especially in patients who are non-compliant with CPAP therapy.

What Can You Do?

Dr Arora recommends to quite literally watch your mouth. He says that one must take a moment every day to examine their own mouth. “Look at your teeth, gums, even your cheeks, in good sunlight. If you see discoloration, redness, or anything unusual—visit a dentist.”

He emphasizes making friends with your dentist, not fearing them. “At least 40% of our mouth can’t be seen directly. That’s why routine check-ups matter.”

Whether it’s protecting enamel, preventing cavities, or managing sleep disorders, oral health is deeply intertwined with overall well-being. And the first step to better health might just start with how gently—and frequently—you brush.

Condiments often get a bad rap in the world of healthy eating, but experts suggest it's time to reconsider that stance. While many people feel their meals are incomplete without the familiar kick of ketchup, mayo, mustard, soy sauce, ranch, or hot sauce, not all of these additions are detrimental to health. In fact, some might even enhance the nutritional profile of your meals.

"I would way rather folks add a condiment that really brightens their day and makes their food enjoyable than for them to swear off that food entirely," registered dietitian Abbey Sharp told USA Today. "If ranch is the only way that you’re going to eat vegetables, by all means, you should be adding ranch."

While many assume that condiments only add empty calories or sodium, some health professionals believe that the right choices can contribute positively to your diet. The trick lies in selecting those with fewer additives and better nutritional value.

Choosing the lowest-calorie condiment may seem wise, but calories aren't the only factor to consider. Some condiments, though low in calories, are packed with artificial additives, sodium, and sugar—ingredients that can elevate the risk of high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease. On the other hand, healthier condiments often contain little added sugar and are rich in fiber, protein, and healthy fats.

Abbey Sharp warns against blindly choosing products labeled "fat-free" or "low-fat," as these can be loaded with sugar and salt to compensate for lost flavor. Instead, she recommends looking for items with shorter, simpler ingredient lists.

Homemade condiments are generally less processed and lower in calories, but plenty of store-bought options can also be healthy if you check the labels carefully. Experts have highlighted several condiments that offer both flavor and nutrition:

Pesto — Made with olive oil, Parmesan, basil, and pine nuts, pesto is not only flavorful but also a good source of zinc, supporting immunity and metabolism.

Mustard — While mustard is low in calories (about six per 10 grams), it often contains turmeric, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, it can be high in sodium, so moderation is key.

Guacamole — Rich in fiber, potassium, and healthy fats from avocados, guacamole can enhance satiety and overall nutrition. Sharp calls it her favorite condiment.

Balsamic Vinegar — Made from grapes, balsamic vinegar is packed with antioxidants that may protect cells and reduce heart disease risk.

Soy Sauce — Due to its high sodium content, consider making a homemade version using low-sodium vegetable broth, vinegar, brown sugar, and spices.

Tomato-Based Sauces — Tomatoes offer potassium, lycopene, and other nutrients. Homemade ketchup or salsa can reduce added sugar intake and avoid high-fructose corn syrup.

Hummus — A blend of chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and olive oil, hummus provides protein, fiber, and healthy fats.

Hot Sauce — Often containing just peppers, salt, and vinegar, hot sauce can support gut health and digestion—though sodium remains a concern.

Tahini — Ground sesame seeds provide plant-based protein and selenium, which supports brain and immune health. Just two tablespoons supply 10% of an adult’s daily protein needs.