USC geneticist Marlena Fejzo named one of Time magazine’s 2024 ‘Women of the Year’

USC geneticist Marlena Fejzo, whose discovery of the cause of morning sickness in pregnancy brought international attention to her work, is one of Time magazine’s 2024 “Women of the Year,” the publication announced Wednesday.

The recognition follows Fejzo’s recent study in Nature that showed that a hormone produced by the fetus — and the mother’s sensitivity to it — triggers nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.

Up to 80% of pregnant women experience morning sickness, more accurately known as pregnancy sickness since it can occur at any time of day. Another 2% are affected by a severe form called hyperemesis gravidarum, or HG, which can cause dehydration, weight loss, electrolyte imbalances and hospitalization.

“Dr. Fejzo’s persistence in understanding HG, and her exceptional research, has advanced our understanding of the biology of HG, which is information that will be used to improve health outcomes for both mothers at risk and their children,” said Christopher Haiman, director of the Center for Genetic Epidemiology at the Keck School of Medicine of USC.  (Read more…)