Study ties fetal alcohol syndrome to dad's alcohol use before conception

[KamaAina]

http://www.examiner.com/article/study-ties-fetal-alcohol-syndrome-to-dad-s-alcohol-use-before-conception

Expectant mothers' alcohol use during pregnancy is a known cause of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). FAS is one of a range of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). FAS children can suffer physical deformities, reduced intellect, stunted growth, nervous system abnormalities, social problems and isolation. A new study published in Animal Cells and Systems suggests the father's drinking also may contribute to FAS.

The Korean study exposed male rodents to varying concentrations of alcohol prior to mating. Some of the fetuses they helped conceive suffered abnormal organ development and/or brain development. The offspring of the “sober” male mice in the study showed no abnormalities.

The study authors concluded that alcohol consumption, not necessarily heavy use or the disease of alcoholism, affects genes in sperm which are responsible for normal fetal development.

The study mice were exposed to alcohol for only seven weeks, then were given no alcohol for a week before mating. None of the female mice had been exposed to alcohol. The number of embryos per mouse was counted and embryo body weights measured. The study’s authors found “severe fetal abnormalities,” including a disorder called exencephaly, where the brain is located outside the skull. The researchers said the incidence of developmental abnormalities by alcohol use was “statistically significant.”

So are bars now going to stop serving men who might conceive?

[MADem]

1. I've seen studies that suggest this before. I think there's something to it. nt

[valerief]

2. I can see Vasectomy Only bars cropping up in Jeebus states. nt

[MuseRider]

3. A constitutional amendment!

LOL because, well because.

[catrose]

4. "So are bars now going to stop serving men who might conceive? "

HELL YEAH

After thousands of years of women taking the blame for everything that goes wrong with kids, it's good to see a bit of shared responsibility.

I can't look it up now, but I've also seen at least one epigenetic study showing that your grandfather's nutrition during teenage years affects your health and development.

[SoLeftIAmRight]

5. epigenetic study

Few understand this topic or even know about it.

We know so little.

The question of GMO's from this perspective is never given the any consideration.

[Delmette]

6. Sure it will....

After two or three more generations of development and health issues.

[bettyellen]

7. “severe fetal abnormalities,” need to be studied further before we jail another woman for being

"irresponsible" during her pregnancy.