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Want to know when youre going to get pregnant? Check your genes
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A new study says that genes could potentially tell us why people have babies at certain times of their lives, which may be reason for pregnant women to get genetic testing. - photo by Herb Scribner
Soon, you may find out when youll have a baby based on your genetics.

Researchers at Oxford University found this week that genetics matter when it comes to women deciding what age they want to start building a family and how many children they will have, The Guardian reported.

The researchers looked at similarities and differences between women who gave birth at different ages. They found that genetics accounted for 15 percent of the difference in ages for first-time mothers, and almost 10 percent of the difference in how many children they had, The Guardian reported.

What we see in this study is a clear genetic component linked to the age of mothers when they have their first child, and to the number of children they have, said Melina Mills, a researcher at Oxford, according to The Guardian.

The study didnt list specific genes that are associated with this change. But Mills said theres likely going to be a follow-up study that will look for those specific genetic factors.

Its not one gene, but a combination of genetic variants that makes you more prone to having your children later or earlier, Mills said, according to The Guardian.

Over time, Mills said, this will help researchers understand why certain women delay having children until their bodies are less likely to give birth.

We are having our children when we are least biologically able to have them. Why are people postponing? What are the genetic and social drivers, and how do they interact? Mills said.

Genetic testing is common among pregnant women. In fact, more than half of pregnant women have prenatal screenings that include genetic tests to see what potential dangers could surface during pregnancy, Time magazine reported.

The vast majority of women undergo carrier screening based on their ethnic background, although many, regardless of their heritage, are also screened for cystic fibrosis, Time reported. Traditionally, certain ethnic groups especially Ashkenazic Jews of Eastern European descent have been advised to consider carrier screening for various fatal conditions including Tay-Sachs and Canavan diseases.

Some couples, though, are less enthusiastic about genetic testing since they worry about receiving negative results, according to Live Science.

If a pregnant woman chooses to have genetic screening, there is a possibility the results could come back abnormal, Live Science reported. [A] lot of women don't go through that thought process before getting screened but need to.

Live Science suggests that pregnant women get genetic testing as early as possible so they can make necessary plans and do more research about their babys possible conditions. Women are often given the option of genetic testing during the first month of pregnancy.
Its toxic: New study says blue light from tech devices can speed up blindness
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A new study from the University of Toledo found that blue light from digital devices can transform molecules in your eyes retina into cell killers. - photo by Herb Scribner
It turns out checking Twitter or Facebook before bed is bad for your health.

A new study from the University of Toledo found that blue light from digital devices can transform molecules in your eyes retina into cell killers.

That process can lead to age-related macular degeneration, which is a leading cause of blindness in the United States, according to the researchs extract.

Blue light is a common issue for many modern Americans. Blue light is emitted from screens, most notably at night, causing sleep loss, eye strain and a number of other issues.

Dr. Ajith Karunarathne, assistant professor in the UT Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, said our constant exposure to blue light cant be blocked by the lens or cornea.

"It's no secret that blue light harms our vision by damaging the eye's retina. Our experiments explain how this happens, and we hope this leads to therapies that slow macular degeneration, such as a new kind of eye drop, he said.

Macular degeneration is an incurable eye disease that often affects those in their 50s or 60s. It occurs after the death of photoreceptor cells in the retina. Those cells need retinal to sense light and help signal the brain.

The research team found blue light exposure created poisonous chemical molecules that killed photoreceptor cells

"It's toxic. If you shine blue light on retinal, the retinal kills photoreceptor cells as the signaling molecule on the membrane dissolves," said Kasun Ratnayake, a Ph.D. student researcher working in Karunarathne's cellular photo chemistry group. "Photoreceptor cells do not regenerate in the eye. When they're dead, they're dead for good."

However, the researchers found a molecule called alpha-tocopherol, which comes from Vitamin E, can help prevent cell death, according to Futurism.

The researchers plan to review how light from TVs, cellphones and tablet screens affect the eyes as well.

"If you look at the amount of light coming out of your cellphone, it's not great but it seems tolerable," said Dr. John Payton, visiting assistant professor in the UT Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. "Some cellphone companies are adding blue-light filters to the screens, and I think that is a good idea."

Indeed, Apple released a Night Shift mode two years ago to help quell blue lights strain on the eyes, according to The Verge. The screen will dim into a warmer, orange light that will cause less stress on the eyes.