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People say they would not want to test embryos for traits like low IQ. But if given the information, they act on it

A study of over 2,000 people in the US and China found that the distinction between medical and non-medical traits does not match public preferences. When given information, people decide not to implant embryos with a raised chance of low IQ or antisocial behavior about as often as they decide not to implant embryos with a raised chanc...

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeSurvey·DateAug 26, 2026

European survey reveals broad support for fertility care, embryo research and genome editing, alongside opportunities for greater public engagement

A new Europe-wide survey found broad public support for fertility treatment and reproductive research in the UK, Netherlands, Spain, and Italy. The study suggests that public understanding and opinion on these topics continue to develop, with areas where public views are not yet settled identified.

Cell movement in the embryo

Researchers at ISTA uncovered why keratin plays an essential part in embryonic cell movement and organization. Without keratin, the process slows dramatically, leading to tissue collapse and loss of cellular alignment. Keratin helps maintain the structural integrity and cohesion of cells during early development.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2026

Chemicals found in tap water could harm embryos

A study by Adelaide University found that even low levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in tap water can disrupt female fertility, leading to cellular damage, DNA damage, and impairing embryo viability. The study also showed that exposure to PFAS chemicals can be passed on to future generations.

SourceAdelaide University·JournalEnvironmental Research·TypeObservational study·DateApr 13, 2026

Geometry shapes life

Researchers at ISTA have found that the zebrafish embryo's geometry is essential for its development, guiding cell division and gene activation. The study's findings could improve IVF embryo assessments by understanding how the embryo interprets its geometry.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2026

Unveiling the mechanism behind sea urchin twinning

Using advanced microscopy and molecular biology, researchers visualized axis reconstruction in sea urchin embryos, tracking cellular movements and gene activation to understand self-organizing ability. This discovery sheds light on the long-standing question of monozygotic twinning emergence from one fertilized egg.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 5, 2025

Why male embryos grow faster: Study reveals genetic clues

Researchers at Cornell University have discovered genetic triggers that cause male and female bovine embryos to develop differently. Male embryos prioritize genes associated with energy metabolism, leading to faster growth, while female embryos emphasize genes related to sex differentiation and inflammatory pathways.

SourceCornell University·JournalCell & Bioscience·DateAug 29, 2025

Dysregulated epigenetic memory in early embryos offers new clues to the inheritance of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

A recent study found that women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have embryos carrying a unique 'epigenetic memory' that could explain why the condition often runs in families. Treating affected embryos with certain inhibitors showed promise in restoring normal gene activity, suggesting a potential therapeutic avenue.

Study explores effects of climatic changes on Christmas Island’s iconic red crabs

A new study by the University of Plymouth investigated the effect of changing global climate conditions on Christmas Island's red crab embryos. The researchers found that lower salinity levels did not delay embryonic development, but emphasized the need for further research to understand the species' response to environmental stressors.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 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

Chromosome copying errors pinpointed in embryo development

Researchers at RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics found multiple specialized types of DNA replication in early-stage embryos, including a period of instability prone to chromosomal copying errors. This discovery could lead to improved methods of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and better strategies for minimizing chromosomal abnormalities.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature·DateAug 28, 2024

Mediterranean diet ‘a straightforward approach’ among many nutritional options for improving the chance of success in IVF

A Mediterranean diet has been found to be a straightforward and effective approach for improving IVF success rates, with high intakes of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids. The diet's benefits were seen in both embryo development and pregnancy outcomes, even after just six weeks of implementation.

SourceReproductive BioMedicine Online·JournalReproductive BioMedicine Online·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 20, 2023

Newly identified cardiac progenitor cells shed light on diversity in complexity of heart formation

Researchers have identified specific progenitor cells in mouse embryos that differentiate into left ventricle cardiomyocytes, highlighting the complexity of early heart formation. The discovery provides insights into congenital heart disease mechanisms and may lead to improved treatments for left ventricle-related issues.

SourceNational Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 5, 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

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

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.

Scientists' use of hydrogel materials leads to stem cells developing like human embryos

Researchers at UNSW Sydney have successfully induced a gastrulation-like event in human pluripotent stem cells, mimicking the early stages of embryonic development. This breakthrough could lead to new approaches for studying human development and creating personalized body tissue or organs using hydrogel materials.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2022

Should obese, smoking and alcohol-consuming women receive assisted reproduction treatment?

Women with severe obesity may receive assisted reproduction treatment if they can achieve significant weight loss. Smoking is also a concern, as it reduces fertility and increases the risk of miscarriage. The ESHRE Task Force on Ethics and Law suggests balancing patient autonomy with societal responsibilities and future child safety.