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Human eggs remain healthy for decades by putting ‘batteries on standby mode’

Researchers discovered that human egg cells skip a crucial metabolic reaction to maintain their reproductive capacity without losing energy, allowing them to remain dormant in ovaries for up to 50 years. This finding explains why some women with mitochondrial conditions linked to this reaction do not experience reduced fertility.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2022

Sperm are masters of Tetris packing

Researchers discovered that the process of hypercondensation, where DNA is compressed, relies on a second type of protamine, PRM2, which may be crucial for fertility. The study sheds light on the complex mechanism behind sperm development and could lead to new treatments for male infertility.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJul 11, 2022

Outcomes of uterus transplants

The study reveals uterus transplant outcomes are safe for the recipient, living donor, and child, making it a potential solution for women struggling with uterine-factor infertility. Uterus transplants may be a viable option for these individuals, offering a chance to conceive and carry a pregnancy.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateJul 6, 2022

US infertility rate plateaus

A new study found that women over 40, non-Hispanic Black women, and those with lower education levels are more likely to experience infertility. The US fertility rate has plateaued, but access to healthcare services is a significant factor in preventing infertility.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalFertility and Sterility·DateJun 16, 2022

Uterine transplantation is efficacious and safe

The study found that uterine transplantation is an effective method to remedy infertility, with a clinical pregnancy rate of 33% and cumulative live birth rate exceeding expectations. The procedure also showed positive health outcomes, including improved quality of life and low rates of anxiety and depression.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalFertility and Sterility·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 14, 2022

Obesity-related fertility issues may be improved by correcting blood sugar levels

A recent study published in the Journal of Endocrinology suggests that lowering blood glucose levels can partially restore reproductive hormone levels and ovulation in female mice with obesity. The study used dapagliflozin, a common type 2 diabetes medication, to treat the mice, resulting in improved fertility outcomes.

SourceSociety for Endocrinology·JournalJournal of Endocrinology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 25, 2022

New micro device injects a boost to IVF success

A new micro-device has been developed to streamline the Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) procedure, allowing more IVF clinics to offer this treatment. The device, smaller than a pinhead in size, holds up to 10 eggs and simplifies the injection process.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalJournal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2022

An epigenetic cause of miscarriages is identified and cured in mice

Researchers have identified the Xist gene as a critical regulator of fetal development in mice, leading to miscarriage and abnormal placentas when epigenetic instructions are missing. The study's findings suggest that failed Xist imprinting can be 'cured' by targeting specific genes involved in histone modifications.

SourceRIKEN·JournalGenes & Development·DateApr 27, 2022

Roundworms’ egg cells have a backup plan

A new study discovered a previously unknown mechanism in roundworms that protects their egg cells from division errors, which could lead to new strategies for combatting infertility in humans. The study found that removing certain proteins allowed another motor protein to kick in as a backup, restoring the spindle structure and allowin...

SourceNorthwestern University·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2022

Undescended testis: fate of fertility predicted by blood biomarkers

A recent study published in The Journal of Urology found that serum hormone ratios can predict the risk of future infertility in children with cryptorchidism. Researchers discovered that inhibin B levels and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) are significant markers of spermatogenesis, helping to identify boys at high risk of infertility.

SourceNagoya City University·JournalThe Journal of Urology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 19, 2022

Low birth weight among IVF children not linked to infertility treatments

Research involving nearly 250,000 US families found that medically assisted reproduction techniques, including IVF, do not significantly affect birth weight and pregnancy term. Once family circumstances are considered, the differences between MAR-conceived babies and naturally conceived children become insignificant.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 6, 2022

Building the ovarian environment from stem cells

Researchers at Kyushu University successfully reconstitute the ovarian follicle from mouse stem cells, generating functional egg cells and growing viable mice. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for infertility and help conserve endangered animals through egg cell production.

SourceKyushu University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2021

A novel gene involved in male infertility: ZFP541

A new gene ZFP541 has been discovered by researchers at Kumamoto University to control the completion of meiosis in spermatogenesis. The study found that ZFP541 plays an essential role in regulating meiosis and is expressed in late meiotic prophase, binding to regulatory regions of meiosis-related genes.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2021

New discovery pinpoints the ‘golden window’ for IVF success

Researchers at RMIT University have discovered a Teflon-like molecule on the womb's surface that decreases at a certain point in the menstrual cycle, opening the 'golden window' for pregnancy success. This finding could lead to improved IVF success rates and potentially treat underlying causes of infertility.

SourceRMIT University·JournalFertility and Sterility·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2021

No swimming? Molecule regulating sperm motility discovered

Researchers from Osaka University identified SPATA33 as a key regulator of sperm motility, which will aid in developing fast-acting male contraceptives. The study also clarified the mechanism by which SPATA33 controls sperm motility, shedding light on the cause of male infertility.

SourceOsaka University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2021

Arthritis diagnosed before or during peak reproductive years may curb men’s fertility

Research found that men diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis before their peak reproductive years have lower fertility rates, fewer pregnancies, and poor sperm quality compared to those diagnosed at older ages. Inflammatory arthritis is linked to male infertility, erectile dysfunction, and insufficient testosterone production.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateAug 9, 2021

New information on the early stages of human development – Basic research involving embryos provides a solid basis for developing better infertility treatments

Researchers at the University of Helsinki have identified short non-coding RNA molecules in human ova and embryos, shedding light on embryonic development. The study's findings may lead to improved infertility treatments and a deeper understanding of early miscarriages.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalGenome Research·DateAug 3, 2021

Researchers hope a protein blueprint might aid infertility treatments

Scientists at the University of Cincinnati have developed a blueprint for the protein anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), which plays a crucial role in reproductive organ development. Understanding how AMH interacts with its signaling receptor may lead to novel treatments for infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and even feral cat ...

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2021