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Parents seeking sex abandon 1 in 3 offspring

A study published in Journal of Evolutionary Biology found that penduline tit parents frequently abandon 1 in 3 clutches of eggs to pursue new mates. This unique breeding strategy allows for improved reproductive success but also poses risks for the young.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalJournal of Evolutionary Biology·DateJul 30, 2007

Cracking the egg

Researchers identify 5,400 active genes in mouse eggs, including unique ones specific to egg cells, and find evidence of rapid change in critical mammalian genes. This study provides new information on the transition from unfertilized egg to fertilized embryo.

SourceJackson Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateOct 2, 2006

Scientists crack genetic secrets of human egg

Researchers at Michigan State University have identified 5,331 unique genes in the human egg, which may hold the key to understanding fertility issues and developing new stem cell therapies. The discovery could also pave the way for the creation of healthy stem cells without the need for fertilized embryos.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 5, 2006

A surprising pair of proteins help make healthy eggs

Biologists at Brown University and the University of California–Berkeley have discovered a critical role for two proteins – TAF4b and c-Jun – in the growth and nurturing of granulosa cells that surround eggs. The finding provides important new information about fertility and may lead to better in-vitro fertilization therapies.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 15, 2006

Nitric oxide could extend fertility

Researchers found that exposing egg cells to nitric oxide can slow the hardening of their outer shells and increase the release of cortical granules, potentially extending their fertilizable time window. This could lead to improved fertility in women and reduce the risk of chromosomal abnormalities during early embryonic development.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalBiochemistry·DateSep 7, 2005

Micro RNAs play role in egg making

Researchers have discovered that microRNAs are involved in the process of oogenesis, a complex regulatory mechanism controlling protein abundance. The findings suggest that miRNA dysfunction may contribute to certain forms of infertility.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 8, 2005

Why being a teenage mum could be good for you!

Scientists at the University of Manchester studied the mating behaviour of dusky roaches to understand the mechanisms behind age-related decline in female fertility. The research suggests a natural biochemical reaction is to blame, where perfectly healthy eggs begin to die due to delayed reproduction.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalEvolution & Development·DateJun 16, 2005

Babies born after surgery on eggs

Researchers use nuclear transfer to add women's own mitochondria to eggs, preventing inherited diseases caused by mitochondrial mutations. The technique involves adding the woman's own mitochondria to her eggs, reducing controversy and potential health risks compared to using donor mitochondria.

'Junk' DNA may be very valuable to embryos

Research suggests that retrotransposons, previously considered 'junk DNA', can initiate synchronous gene expression in mouse eggs and early embryos. This discovery may contribute to the reprogramming of the mammalian embryonic genome.

SourceCell Press·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateOct 11, 2004

JCI Table of Contents, 15 July 2004

Researchers discovered that human stem cells can replenish muscle fibers in mice with Duchene muscular dystrophy, offering a potential treatment. In contrast, elevated cyclic AMP levels halted egg maturation in females, while HIV protease inhibitors impaired osteoclasts leading to bone loss.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 15, 2004

Female infertility cAMP

Researchers created a mouse model with increased cAMP levels in eggs, leading to infertility. By blocking another protein, egg maturation was completed, revealing potential new contraceptive targets.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 15, 2004