Deseret News: What traits do pregnant women and roaches have in common?
UC study uses insects to examine how pregnancy affects body's immune system
The Deseret News highlighted a study by biologists at the University of Cincinnati that looked at how the immune system of a live-bearing insect changes to prepare for giving birth.
UC College of Arts and Sciences Professor Joshua Benoit led the study that sequenced the genome of the Pacific beetle-mimic cockroach. Unlike many cockroaches, this insect does not lay eggs but gives birth to more developed babies as a survival strategy.
“The class of predators really narrows when you give birth to live young,” Benoit said.
But live births require a far bigger parental commitment.
“It’s a pretty big investment. They can produce 10 juveniles per reproductive cycle compared to 70 to 150 eggs for other roaches,” Benoit said. “So their strategy is to produce fewer higher-quality individuals compared to more individuals with less investment.”
UC's study found that pregnant roaches undergo profound physical and physiological changes to accommodate their brood.
The findings could help shed light on fibromyalgia and other autoimmune disorders in people, Benoit said.
The study was published in the journal iScience.
Featured image at top: UC Professor Joshua Benoit holds a container of beetle-mimic cockroaches in his biology lab. Photo/Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand
Related Stories
OTR mural celebrates UC alumni innovation and impact
April 14, 2026
The UC Alumni Association (UCAA) will host its annual Alumni Celebration during Alumni Week, April 13-18, with a community art project commemorating this year’s slate of alumni honorees receiving the organization’s top awards. Taking place April 16 at the First Financial Center (Cincinnati Convention Center), the Alumni Celebration will recognize the 18 honorees for their individual and collective innovation and impact, and the resulting impact on their university, communities, and fields of endeavor.
Cincinnati Metro unveils $6.5 million revamp
April 14, 2026
The region’s largest public transportation agency is launching bus stop glowups across the county with the help of the University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP).
UC researchers recognized with AAN Resident & Fellow Writing Award
April 14, 2026
A case report led by University of Cincinnati researchers has been recognized as the 2026 American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Resident & Fellow Section Writing Award Winner.