Radiations and male fertility

During recent years, an increasing percentage of male infertility has to be attributed to an array of environmental, health and lifestyle factors. Male infertility is likely to be affected by the intense exposure to heat and extreme exposure to pesticides, radiations, radioactivity and other hazardous substances. We are surrounded by several types of ionizing and non-ionizing radiations and both have recognized causative effects on spermatogenesis. Since it is impossible to cover all types of radiation sources and their biological effects under a single title, this review is focusing on radiation deriving from cell phones, laptops, Wi-Fi and microwave ovens, as these are the most common sources of non-ionizing radiations, which may contribute to the cause of infertility by exploring the effect of exposure to radiofrequency radiations on the male fertility pattern. From currently available studies it is clear that radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) have deleterious effects on sperm parameters (like sperm count, morphology, motility), affects the role of kinases in cellular metabolism and the endocrine system, and produces genotoxicity, genomic instability and oxidative stress. This is followed with protective measures for these radiations and future recommendations. The study concludes that the RF-EMF may induce oxidative stress with an increased level of reactive oxygen species, which may lead to infertility. This has been concluded based on available evidences from in vitro and in vivo studies suggesting that RF-EMF exposure negatively affects sperm quality

Ashkenazi Jews: Overburdened and Overexposed?

Utilizing a closed-ended survey and three focus groups drawn from one Midwest city, this study examined attitudes of Ashkenazi Jews toward involvement in genetic research. The research is framed within an analysis of the extent of Ashkenazi involvement in research; factors that make this group an attractive object of genetic study; cultural, historical, and religious factors within the group that drive people\u27s attitudes toward being subjects of genetic research; community consent as a possible response to concerns within this population about research participation. Although some participants had concerns about discrimination and privacy, there was a clear sense of the potential benefits of genetic research and testing. The majority of respondents did not agree that genetic research could hurt the image of the Jewish community. Subjects expressed consensus that decisions about participation in research should be made by individuals, and not by the community. In conclusion, Ashkenazi Jews in this study did not feel overstudied and overexposed. They were not interested in community consultation or consent for genetic research on their ethnic group