Sex And Health Quickies
Gender Identity In Germany
Germany recently became the third country to allow its citizens more control in identifying their own gender.
Starting in November, parents can decide to opt out of labeling their children as male or female on their birth certificates. German citizens can choose if they wish to identify as male, female, or X.
Germany follows Australia and New Zealand in recognizing that not everyone identifies with their biological gender, or with the male/female dichotomy.
Does The Biological Clock Exist?
A study by the National Center for Health Statistics is calling the idea of a female “biological clock” into question.
While it is commonly assumed that a woman’s fertility decreases as she gets older, the study found that the rates of infertility in a sample group of women aged 15 to 44 has actually decreased slightly over the past few years.
The study compared sample groups from 1982, 2002, and 2006-2010. Even though women these days are having children later in life, the overall rates of infertility are not increasing.
Is This The Cause Of Depression?
Scientists in the UK have found the molecule thought to be responsible for depression.
Using X-ray technology, the research team found a protein receptor that releases hormones that induce sadness. The receptor, called CRF1, is located in the pituitary gland.
The finding clearly has great potential because researchers can focus on finding ways to inactivate the molecule. It may also allow drug companies to create medications that more specifically target the CRF1 molecule, thereby reducing side effects and improving drug efficacy.