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Oak silkworm eggs use a natural chemical defence to keep parasitic wasps away

Research reveals that naturally laid oak silkworm eggs produce a volatile compound called 2-ethyl-1-hexanol (2EH) that acts as a natural repellent, reducing parasitism. This discovery provides a new perspective on how insects protect their offspring and could have practical applications for optimizing biological control programmes.

SourceInsect Science, Chinese Academy of Science·JournalInsect Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 22, 2026

The battle of the sexes in the egg

A study by Kobe University researchers found that the size of sperm and egg cell nuclei competes after fertilization, maintaining regulatory modifications necessary for embryonic development. The team introduced a new concept where separate pronuclei engage in a race to absorb growth factors, helping maintain proper regulation.

SourceKobe University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 29, 2026

Sunny side up for eggs and cholesterol

A new study from the University of South Australia confirms that eggs are not high in cholesterol and do not contribute to cardiovascular disease. In contrast, saturated fat intake was found to increase LDL levels, highlighting the importance of dietary balance for heart health.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeCase study·DateJul 17, 2025

In mouse embryos, sister cells commit suicide in unison

Researchers at the University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre discovered that sister cells in mouse embryos can communicate through a stable cytoplasmic bridge, leading to coordinated cell death. This mechanism may help eliminate defective or unneeded cells, improving fertility and developmental processes.

SourceUniversity of Montreal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM)·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 25, 2025

Food: Cracking the method for the ‘perfect’ boiled egg

A new method called periodic cooking optimally cooks both the yolk and white of a boiled egg, resulting in an evenly-cooked egg with higher nutritional content. The approach involves alternating the egg between boiling water and a cooler temperature, yielding soft yolks similar to sous vide eggs.

SourceSpringer·JournalCommunications Engineering·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 6, 2025

Animal products improve child nutrition in Africa

A recent study by the University of Bonn and CABI Centre in Kenya found that milk, eggs, and fish consumption has a positive effect on childhood development in Africa. The study covered over 32,000 child observations across five African countries and showed that animal products significantly reduce the risk of stunting.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 2, 2024

Researchers zero in on genetic variant tied to miscarriages

Scientists have identified a gene variant directly linked to accelerated reproductive aging and early miscarriages in women. The discovery could provide valuable information for women considering reproduction, enabling them to make informed decisions about timing and fertility treatment.

SourceRutgers University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2024

Rain or shine? How rainfall impacts size of sea turtle hatchlings

A study by Florida Atlantic University and the University of Tübingen found that rainfall cools beach surfaces and enhances moisture for egg development, making it a crucial factor in determining hatchling body size. The research suggests that global warming may shorten incubation periods and disrupt growth, affecting sea turtle survival.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalBMC Ecology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateAug 28, 2024

Nature inspires a breakthrough: scientists develop revolutionary egg white-based bioink for advanced tissue engineering

Terasaki Institute scientists have created a novel bioink derived from egg whites, offering abundant proteins and excellent biocompatibility. This breakthrough technology has the potential to create more accurate tissue models for drug testing and develop functional tissue replacements for regenerative medicine applications.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2024

Eco-friendly treatment saves squid eggs from newfound parasite

Researchers at Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology have successfully treated a newly discovered parasitic copepod species that was killing squid eggs. The eco-friendly treatment uses peracetic acid to kill the parasites in under two minutes, with zero effect on squids or their generations.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 22, 2024

Pollinator's death trap turns into nursery

Researchers found that fungus gnats lay eggs in the flowers, which then feed on decaying flowers to develop into adult gnats. However, some gnats may escape the trap, suggesting a nuanced interaction between plant and insect.

SourceKobe University·JournalPlants People Planet·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 19, 2024

The snail or the egg?

Researchers discovered 50 genetic changes underlying the switch from egg-laying to live-bearing in marine snails, which evolved within the past 100,000 years. The findings provide insights into the evolutionary process and potential benefits of live-bearing, including increased reproductive success in new habitats.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 4, 2024

Exceptional embryonic dinosaur eggs from the Early Jurassic of China indicate leathery egg origin of the earliest dinosaur

A new Early Jurassic sauropodomorph dinosaur, Qianlong, contains three skeletons and five egg clutches, displaying leathery eggshell microstructures similar to other Cretaceous dinosaur eggs. The study suggests that the first dinosaur eggs were leathery, contradicting previous theories of soft or hard-shelled eggs.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateNov 27, 2023

Wellcome Sanger Institute: Multiple organ functions of yolk sac revealed by early human development map

Researchers from the Wellcome Sanger Institute mapped the multiple organ functions of the human yolk sac, revealing its role in producing key hormones and blood cells. The study provides novel insights into the earliest stages of immune cell development and has implications for understanding childhood diseases.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateAug 17, 2023

Automated medical imaging framework revolutionizes schistosomiasis diagnosis

Researchers developed an innovative optical tool, the Schistoscope, to capture microscopy images of urine samples for efficient detection of Schistosoma haematobium eggs. A two-stage diagnostic framework using deep learning accurately identified and counted eggs in field settings with high sensitivity, specificity, and precision.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Medical Imaging·DateAug 7, 2023

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

Opting to freeze eggs can help women have babies when they are older, but many do not use their frozen eggs

A study found that more than 40% of women who froze their eggs in their 30s were able to have babies when they returned to the fertility clinic. However, many didn't return or used other fertility treatments. Women who used frozen eggs had a lower miscarriage rate compared to those using fresh eggs.

Cheap and safe hormone treatment shows promise for couples with unexplained infertility

A small study suggests that vaginal progesterone treatment can increase the chances of conception in couples with unexplained infertility. The treatment, which is safe and low-cost, showed more than double the birth rate among treated women, but further research is needed to confirm these results.

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

Researchers urge caution in gene editing early human embryos following findings that it could have unexpected and dangerous consequences Further research to refine gene editing technology is needed

Researchers have discovered that gene editing technologies may introduce unintended mutations and damage to DNA in early human embryos. The study found that most cells repair breaks in the DNA using non-homologous end joining, which can lead to additional genetic abnormalities.

Fertility may decline early in women treated for Hodgkin lymphoma in childhood, but most who try for babies when they are young are successful

Research found that women treated for childhood Hodgkin lymphoma may experience declining fertility and longer wait times to become pregnant, but overall success rates are high. The majority of women in the study who had tried to become pregnant were successful, with some being able to conceive at a younger age.

Do warmer temperatures make turtles better mothers?

New research from Duke University reveals that warmer temperatures increase the number of germ cells, which play a crucial role in determining the sex of turtles. This finding may explain why temperature-dependent sex determination persists in many animals, despite seeming like a risky strategy.

SourceDuke University·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 23, 2023

Ancient breeding of scarlet macaws

Researchers discovered evidence of scarlet macaw breeding in Old Town, New Mexico, dating back to the early 1100s. The findings suggest that macaw breeding was occurring north of its known range and may shed light on the practice of breeding and keeping these birds in the Americas.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJun 13, 2023

Cutting breakfast carbs can benefit people with Type 2 diabetes

Researchers at UBC Okanagan found that a low-carb breakfast can significantly reduce blood sugar swings and improve glucose control. Participants who followed a low-carb breakfast plan showed lower glycemic variability and some were able to reduce their glucose-lowering medication.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 31, 2023

Sexing chicken eggs by scent

A new method for sexing chicken eggs by scent has been developed by researchers at UC Davis, allowing for early identification of male embryos. The technology relies on detecting volatile organic compounds emitted by the developing embryo, which can be analyzed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 22, 2023

Happy worms have healthy eggs

A new study found that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) improved the quality of aging females' egg cells in roundworms by reducing embryonic death and chromosomal abnormalities. Replication in fruit flies confirmed the findings, suggesting a shared signaling system between species.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalDevelopmental Biology·DateMay 4, 2023