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World’s first birth following conception with a fully automated remotely operated ICSI system

A fully automated ICSI system has successfully conceived the world's first baby, promising to transform fertility treatment with greater standardization and consistency. The system, developed by Conceivable Life Sciences, uses AI to position sperm cells and execute microinjection with unprecedented accuracy.

SourceReproductive BioMedicine Online·JournalReproductive BioMedicine Online·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 9, 2025

Re-cryopreservation impairs blastocyst implantation potential via activated endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway and induced apoptosis

A study by Jin et al. found that re-cryopreservation in blastocysts results in impaired development potential, decreased implantation rates, and lower live birth rates. The researchers discovered an association between re-cryopreservation and activated endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway and induced apoptosis.

Are more babies born if embryos are cultured for three or five days in the lab? Largest randomised clinical trial to date suggests that age matters

A large randomized clinical trial found that culturing embryos for three days versus five days in the lab has no significant impact on live birth rates. Women's age affects outcomes, with younger women aged under 36 experiencing better results from cleavage-stage transfers.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 26, 2023

The beginning of life: The early embryo is in the driver's seat

Researchers using 'blastoids' - in vitro models of the blastocyst - discovered that early embryonic signals induce placental development and prepare the uterus. The findings may contribute to a better understanding of human fertility and potentially improve IVF procedures, fertility drugs, and contraceptives.

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.

Stem cell model for early human embryo development

Researchers at KAUST have developed an in vitro model of early human embryogenesis using extended pluripotent stem cells, overcoming ethical concerns. The model, called EPS-blastoids, is a faithful representation of the earliest moments of human development and holds promise for studying developmental defects and regenerative medicine.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalCell Discovery·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 8, 2021

Two emerging trends in treatment explain steady increase in IVF success rates

A large cohort study found that the transfer of embryos at the blastocyst stage and increasing use of embryo freezing are behind the improvements in IVF success rates. The study showed a significant increase in cumulative live birth rates over the decade, with single blastocyst transfers emerging as an increasing strategy.

Helping select the cells with the most potential

Osaka University researchers discovered a key regulatory mechanism in the development of normal pluripotent embryonic cells using the Hippo pathway. They found that TEAD and YAP proteins support pluripotency in blastocysts by activating cell competition, leading to elimination of low-potential cells.

SourceOsaka University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJun 27, 2019

Screening for genetic diseases & chromosomal defects with a single biopsy improves pregnancy rates

Researchers found that simultaneous genetic and chromosomal screening of a single biopsy improved pregnancy rates. The study used double genetic tests on cells taken from 1122 blastocysts, resulting in 99 pregnancies and 70 healthy births. This approach reduces the risk of implantation failure and miscarriage.

Breakthrough for IVF?

Researchers have developed a method to identify embryos with chromosomal abnormalities using time-lapse imaging and morphokinetic analysis, avoiding invasive biopsies. This approach has shown significant improvements in implantation and live birth rates when low-risk embryos are transferred.

SourceElsevier·JournalReproductive BioMedicine Online·DateMay 16, 2013

Sampling of embryonic DNA after IVF without biopsy

A new study published in Reproductive Biomedicine Online reveals that blastocysts' fluid-filled cavities contain DNA from the embryo, allowing for diagnosis of genetic diseases without biopsy. Researchers extracted fluid from embryos at the 5-day-old stage and detected cell-free DNA using PCR and DNA microarray analysis.

SourceElsevier·JournalReproductive BioMedicine Online·DateApr 2, 2013

Committee review of stem-cell fraud finds editors followed all rules

An independent committee concluded that journal editors at Science went above and beyond existing procedures to verify fraudulent stem-cell research articles, but the committee found that the cachet of publishing in Science can be an incentive not to follow the rules. The committee proposed developing a procedure for identifying high-r...