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The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Obstetrics and Gynecology

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Full-Text Articles in Chemicals and Drugs

Biological Reasons For The Neurotoxic Effects Of Mdma (‘Ecstasy’) On The Developing Fetus, Leah Schneeweiss Jan 2015

Biological Reasons For The Neurotoxic Effects Of Mdma (‘Ecstasy’) On The Developing Fetus, Leah Schneeweiss

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

MDMA (3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is an illicit, recreational drug known by many individuals as ‘Ecstasy.’ MDMA has gained popularity over the past decade and has become a drug of choice at dance parties and clubs because of the stimulating and hallucinogenic effects that it has on the central nervous system. Scientists have determined that MDMA causes neurotoxic damage to adults by harming the serotonergic system in the adult brain. Researchers discovered that embryos exposed to MDMA while in utero also suffer neurotoxic deficits, although not due to impairments in the embryos’ serotonergic systems. These deficits arise because of the cortisol increase …


Folic Acid And Neural Tube Defects, Rachel Leah Feinstein Jan 2010

Folic Acid And Neural Tube Defects, Rachel Leah Feinstein

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

The following is an excerpt of this article: Neural tube defects (NTD) are the most common types of birth defects. Research shows that folic acid taken periconceptionally greatly reduces the risk of having a NTD affected child. This paper will explain the role that folate plays in the metabolism, specifically in synthesizing methionine. It will bring evidence to show that methionine is crucial for normal neural tube development. In addition, it will explore the genetic factor involved in folate metabolism and possible folate deficiency.