Cantin, M. and J. Genest: "The Heart as an Endocrine Gland," Scientific American, February 1986, pages 76-81. A good example of how the body self-regulates its activities; in addition to pumping blood, the heart secretes a hormone that fine-tunes control of blood pressure.

Davis, D.L. and H.L. Bradlow: "Can Environmental Estrogens Cause Breast Cancer?" Scientific American, October 1995, pages 166–72. Non-naturally occurring estrogens ("xenoestrogens") in the environment may be contributing to the high rates of breast cancer in women.

Ghinea, N., M. Vu Hai, and M. Groyer-Picard: "How Protein Hormones Reach Their Target Cells: Receptor-Mediated Transcytosis of HCG through Endothelial Cells," Journal of Cell Biology, vol. 125, April 1994, pages 87-97. A detailed look at how protein hormones effect changes in receptor cells, using HCG as a model.

Hoberman, J. and C. Yesalis: "The History of Synthetic Testosterone," Scientific American, February 1995, pages 76–81. Long banned in sports, these anabolic steroids greatly enhance athletic performance.

Kalin, N.: "The Neurobiology of Fear," Scientific American, vol. 268, May 1993, pages 94–99. The hormonal response to anxiety, fear, and stress is examined, along with the localized regions of the nervous system in which the activity occurs.

Lacy, P: "Treating Diabetes with Transplanted Cells," Scientific American, July 1995, pages 50–58. Implanting islet cells of the pancreas can potentially cure diabetes—if a way can be found to avoid immune attacks.

Rosen, O.: "After Insulin Binds," Science, September 1987, pages 1452–58. A review of how the insulin receptor works—it is much like growth factor receptors and some cancer-inducing genes.

Skerrett, P.: "Sperm Busters," Technology Review, vol. 97, January 1994, pages 19-20. An injectable for of birth control for men that operates by blocking gonadotropin-releasing hormones in the pituitary is not far off!