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New IVF breakthrough

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have discovered a chemical that can mature small eggs to healthy, mature eggs, offering new hope for women struggling with infertility. The breakthrough could provide an alternative method to preserving fertility in girls who have not yet reached puberty.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 24, 2012

Primate study adds to evidence of BPA harming human reproduction

A new study by WSU geneticist Patricia Hunt and colleagues reveals BPA can damage chromosomes, disrupt egg development, and increase the risk of miscarriages and birth defects in rhesus monkeys. The research bolsters earlier findings on reproductive effects in rodents and raises concerns about human exposure to this common chemical.

SourceWashington State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 24, 2012

Bees that go 'Cuckoo' in others' nests

Recent research reveals five new species of cuckoo bees from the Cape Verde Islands, demonstrating the region's rich biodiversity and evolutionary diversity. The discovery highlights a phenomenon known as 'island gigantism,' where isolated populations exhibit increased body size.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateAug 30, 2012

A new method for picking the 'right' egg in IVF

Researchers have identified a new method for picking the 'right' egg in IVF by analyzing genes expressed in cumulus cells surrounding the eggs. This non-invasive approach may help avoid abnormal eggs with incorrect chromosomal make-up, increasing the chances of successful IVF cycles.

SourceYale University·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateJun 1, 2012

Warm, dry El Nino weather puts baby sea turtle at risk

Research published in PLOS ONE found that warmer, drier conditions associated with El Niño led to higher mortality rates for leatherback turtle eggs and hatchlings. Climate models project that these conditions will become more common, threatening the already endangered species.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 23, 2012

Color of robins' eggs determines parental care

A study found that male robins care for their young more when the eggs laid by their mate are brighter blue. The researchers replaced artificial eggs with baby robins in nests to test this theory, and results showed males feeding their babies twice as much when eggs were brightest blue.

SourceQueen's University·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateMay 14, 2012

Waking embryos before they are born

Researchers discovered that embryo brains exhibit waking-like activity up to 20% into the final stage of embryonic life, followed by emergence of sleep patterns. This finding may have significant implications for understanding complex fetal learning and developmental consequences in premature infants.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 3, 2012

Eggs of enigmatic dinosaur in Patagonia discovered

A team of researchers has made a groundbreaking discovery in Patagonia, uncovering fossilized bones and unique eggs of an enigmatic birdlike dinosaur. The finding provides new insights into the evolution and diversity of basal alvarezsaurids, revealing that these creatures persisted in South America until Latest Cretaceous times.

SourceUppsala University·JournalCretaceous Research·DateApr 10, 2012

Risks of pregnancy via egg donation similar for women over age 50 as for younger women

A study published in the American Journal of Perinatology found that women over 50 who undergo egg donation have similar rates of obstetrical complications as younger recipients. Despite concerns about increased risks, the research suggests thorough medical screening is essential for all pregnant women regardless of age.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Perinatology·DateJan 31, 2012

Ancient dinosaur nursery oldest nesting site yet found

A 190-million-year-old dinosaur nesting site has been found in South Africa, providing significant insights into the evolution of reproductive behavior in early dinosaurs. The discovery includes clutches of eggs, embryos, and tiny footprints, shedding light on the complex behaviors of these ancient creatures.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 23, 2012

Ancient dinosaur nursery -- the oldest nesting site ever found

A team of researchers has discovered a 190-million-year-old dinosaur nesting site in South Africa, revealing the oldest evidence of complex reproductive behavior in early dinosaurs. The site yielded multiple nests with eggs and embryos, as well as tiny footprints, suggesting that hatchlings remained at the site to double in size.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 23, 2012

Going with the flow

Researchers at Stowers Institute for Medical Research discovered that oocytes rely on an intracellular flow to push the meiotic spindle into place, setting the stage for asymmetric cell division. This finding may lead to improvements in selecting promising oocytes for in-vitro fertilization.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateAug 28, 2011

Maternal fat has negative impact on embryo development

Research found that embryos exposed to high levels of saturated fatty acids have fewer cells, altered gene expression, and impaired metabolic activity. This study suggests a link between maternal obesity and diabetes and reduced fertility, highlighting the importance of pre-pregnancy health for successful conception.

SourceUniversity of Hull·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 17, 2011

Nevada School of Medicine researcher finds caffeine consumption, female infertility link

Researchers at the University of Nevada School of Medicine discovered that caffeine inhibits the actions of pacemaker cells in Fallopian tube walls, reducing egg movement and potentially leading to infertility. This finding provides an explanation for why women with high caffeine consumption tend to take longer to conceive.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Reno·JournalBritish Journal of Pharmacology·DateJul 20, 2011

Why caffeine can reduce fertility in women

Research found that caffeine inhibits specialized pacemaker cells in the Fallopian tubes, which coordinate muscle contractions and egg movement. This discovery provides a possible explanation for why women with high caffeine consumption take longer to conceive.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Pharmacology·DateMay 26, 2011

Squid pheromone sparks extreme aggression on contact

A new study in Current Biology found that male squid become aggressively after contacting a chemical on female eggs, revealing the first detailed evidence of an aggression-inducing pheromone in any aquatic animal. This discovery challenges previous theories on aggression and highlights the complex communication system of squid.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 10, 2011