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New diagnostic finds intact sperm in infertile men

Researchers developed a noninvasive diagnostic test to identify intact sperm in infertile men with nonobstructive azoospermia. The test uses protein biomarkers AKAP4 and ASPX to visualize well-developed sperm, potentially increasing success rates for surgical sperm extraction. This breakthrough may lead to new male birth control drugs ...

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalMolecular & Cellular Proteomics·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 14, 2023

Brazilian researchers test technique that can make analysis of male fertility potential more accurate

Researchers at São Paulo State University developed a new technique for analyzing male fertility potential using flow cytometry, which can detect and analyze chemical and physical characteristics of human sperm simultaneously. This technique has the potential to enhance the accuracy of fertility prediction and treatment.

Researchers find substantial portion of U.S. public potentially interested in using genetic technologies to enhance offspring education

A survey found that a substantial portion of Americans are willing to use polygenic embryo screening and gene editing to increase the chances of having a baby admitted to a top-100 ranked college. The study suggests growing interest in using genetic technologies to influence offspring traits, including educational attainment.

SourceGeisinger Health System·JournalScience·DateFeb 9, 2023

IVF-conceived children show no developmental or educational disadvantage at primary school age compared to spontaneously conceived peers, as per data on over 400,000 Australian kids

A large-scale study found IVF-conceived children perform similarly to spontaneously conceived peers in terms of development and education. The research, involving over 400,000 Australian kids, suggests no significant differences in school outcomes between the two groups.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJan 24, 2023

BioRescue produces primordial germ cells from northern white rhino stem cells – a world’s first for large mammals

Scientists have successfully created primordial germ cell-like cells (PGCLSs) from induced pluripotent stem cells of the northern white rhino Nabire, paving the way to produce artificial gametes. This breakthrough aims to prevent the extinction of the northern white rhinoceros and increase genetic diversity.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 2022

Developmentally arrested IVF embryos can be coaxed to divide

A new study published in PLOS Biology found that IVF embryos often undergo genetic and metabolic changes that inhibit development. The researchers discovered that certain embryos enter a senescent-like state, but treating them with resveratrol can help overcome this arrest and promote further development.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 30, 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

In-vitro fertilization clinics offering money-back guarantees achieve better outcomes with less aggressive treatments

Research found that IVF clinics offering money-back guarantees have a higher live-birth success rate and lower multiple birth risks compared to those without MBGs. The study suggests that these programs serve as signals of high-quality care in the field of IVF and other healthcare services.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateMar 23, 2022

Breakthrough research on human embryo models paves the way for improving in vitro fertilization success rate and new non-hormonal, user-friendly contraception

Researchers have discovered molecules that could be candidates for contraceptives or fertility enhancers using human blastoid models. These models also show promise in improving the self-organization of stem cells during IVF procedures.

New evidence identified on safety of IVF embryo screening method

Researchers at the University of Kent identified strong evidence-based benefits of preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) in IVF. Live birth rates per embryo transferred and per treatment cycle were significantly higher with PGT-A compared to regular IVF, especially in women over 40.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalJournal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics·TypeObservational study·DateNov 15, 2021

'Considerable' risk of skull deformity in infants conceived by in vitro fertilization

A recent study suggests that infants conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be at a higher risk of developing craniosynostosis, a type of skull deformity. The four percent prevalence rate among IVF-conceived infants is considerably higher than the estimated one case per 1,800 to 2,200 births. Further studies are needed to c...

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Craniofacial Surgery·DateOct 20, 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

A dead Sirt(3) to protect preimplantation embryos

A recent study by Hiroki Kurihara's team at the University of Tokyo discovered that Sirt3 helps safeguard mouse embryos against oxidative stress induced by in vitro fertilization and culture. The findings suggest that the negative effects of Sirt3 inactivation can be mitigated by using antioxidants or low-oxygen conditions during IVF.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 19, 2010

Test-tube babies profitable business for the state

A Swedish study suggests that test-tube babies can be a profitable investment for states due to increased population and tax revenue. In the long term, the state benefits from subsidizing IVF treatment for involuntarily childless couples, which could potentially help boost population growth.

SourceSwedish Research Council·JournalScandinavian Journal of Public Health·DateDec 1, 2008