Articles tagged with Embryos
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have successfully grown a model embryo with a brain, beating heart, and all other organs using mouse stem cells. This breakthrough could help understand why some pregnancies fail and develop a new approach for repairing synthetic human organs.
Researchers used multiple 'omics' techniques to evaluate spindle transfer, a new IVF option that avoids mitochondrial disease inheritance. The study found no significant differences in DNA copy number or RNA expression profiles between spindle transfer and control embryos.
A new study found that coral spawning events at deeper depths occur at lower intensities than those in shallow waters. The researchers suggest that deep reefs may more often rely on shallow-reef corals to survive.
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.
A large study analyzing over 4.5 million pregnancies found that frozen embryo transfers in IVF are associated with a substantially higher risk of hypertensive disorders, particularly pre-eclampsia, compared to naturally conceived pregnancies. The risk was roughly doubled for FETs, while fresh embryo transfers had similar outcomes.
A recent study published in PLOS Biology suggests that 'selfish chromosomes' may be the reason behind the high number of human embryo deaths. The research found that most fertilized eggs die early on due to chromosomal errors, and even those that survive may not reach term due to a process called centromeric drive. However, the study a...
A new study published in PLOS Biology found that IVF embryos often undergo genetic and metabolic changes that inhibit development. The researchers discovered that certain embryos enter a senescent-like state, but treating them with resveratrol can help overcome this arrest and promote further development.
Researchers have generated molecular maps of the second week of gestation, revealing the biochemical signals that control human embryo development. This breakthrough provides a crucial reference for studying birth defects and pregnancy loss in humans.
The study found that uterine transplantation is an effective method to remedy infertility, with a clinical pregnancy rate of 33% and cumulative live birth rate exceeding expectations. The procedure also showed positive health outcomes, including improved quality of life and low rates of anxiety and depression.
Researchers have developed a novel CRISPR-Cas9 method for gene editing in cockroaches, achieving efficiency rates of up to 22% and over 50% in the red flour beetle. The technique, named DIPA-CRISPR, allows for efficient and accessible gene editing without requiring expensive equipment or skilled laboratory personnel.
A study of 280 IVF patients found that COVID-19 vaccination has no effect on IVF cycle stimulation characteristics or clinical outcomes. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, suggests that vaccination is safe for patients undergoing IVF treatments.
Researchers at CRCHUM discover that cell division in mouse embryos occurs asymmetrically, with cytokinesis primarily pinched from one side. This finding challenges traditional textbook views of cell division and may have implications for embryo viability and human fertility.
Researchers developed a transgene-free method to convert human pluripotent stem cells into 8-cell totipotent embryo-like cells, paving the way for advances in organ regeneration and synthetic biology. These cells can be used to regenerate human organs, study human embryonic development, and prevent pregnancy loss.
UNIGE researchers developed a new approach combining genetics and cell biology experiments with physical modelling to simulate protein gradients. Their innovative model can explain complex mechanisms and be adapted to other biology systems.
Researchers at Rice University have discovered that the Lefty protein plays a crucial role in regulating Nodal signaling during embryonic development. By visualizing the interaction between Nodal and Lefty, they found that cells relay the signal to produce new Nodals, triggering a wave of differentiation. This study provides new insigh...
The use of polygenic risk scores in pre-implantation genetic testing is unproven and can lead to discrimination and stigmatization. ESHG argues that there is no evidence PRSs can predict disease likelihood in unborn children, making their application premature.
A rare dinosaur embryo discovered in southern China exhibits a bird-like posture before hatching, suggesting that oviraptorosaurs may have developed avian-like postures late in their incubation. This finding challenges current understanding of non-avian theropod behavior and opens up new avenues for research.
A survey of 121 fertility specialists in Australia, UK, and New Zealand found that endometrial scratching is still offered by 34% of clinics despite lack of evidence, primarily for psychological benefits. Many respondents considered the procedure's drawbacks, including pain and cost.
Researchers at University College London discovered that embryonic cells can navigate towards harder regions using chemical and mechanical signals, guiding the formation of facial features. This breakthrough could help prevent birth defects and infant mortality by improving understanding of cell migration mechanisms.
A new confocal platform using artificial intelligence and multiple lenses improves volumetric resolution by over 10-fold while reducing phototoxicity. The platform uses Deep Learning algorithms to distinguish between high-quality images with low signal-to-noise ratio and better images.
Researchers found that selecting the embryo with the lowest predicted risk score reduces disease risk more effectively than eliminating high-scoring embryos. However, polygenic embryo screening offers no guarantees about a baby's health and has limited effectiveness depending on factors like ancestry and age.
A breakthrough IVF method has been developed to significantly improve in-vitro fertilization (IVF) in cattle, reducing pregnancy issues and increasing overall meat and milk production. The new process improves live birth rates with a high accuracy rate, offering vast potential for the cattle breeding industry.
The removal of the 14-day rule from international guidelines on embryo research has sparked concerns among bioethicists about the lack of consideration for potential consequences. The authors argue that countries should not automatically amend their laws without thoughtful discussions involving stakeholders and citizens.
Belgian researchers have developed an all-in-one test to identify healthy embryos for transfer, reducing the risk of passing de novo genetic diseases. The test uses long read sequencing and can detect copy number variants and single nucleotide variants in a single workflow.
Researchers have developed a dye-free method to visualize blood flow in the brain, allowing for detailed mapping of small capillaries and assessing blood flow rates. The technique has potential applications in understanding cardiovascular diseases, tumor growth, and targeted drug delivery.
A study published in Developmental Cell reveals that lagging chromosomes contribute to an uneven chromosomal distribution, leading to aneuploidy and infertility. Researchers propose artificially slowing down cell division to limit aneuploidy, offering a potential solution for improving egg quality in older patients.
A team of scientists led by Assistant Professor Lae-Hyeon Cho identified a single mutation in the gene that codes for cytidine triphosphate synthase (CTPS), an enzyme crucial for early endosperm development. The study showed that overexpressing CTPS in genetically modified rice plants results in a larger endosperm, opening up opportuni...
The new MIC-Drop technology enables rapid evaluation of hundreds of genes in a single experiment, improving large-scale genetic studies. Researchers can identify essential genes for healthy heart development and function.
Researchers discovered three phases of growth that explain how cetaceans shift their nasal passage from a parallel to an angled orientation. This finding provides insight into the developmental process and could inform our understanding of cetacean evolution.
Researchers found that newly-hatched pterosaurs had strong bones capable of sustaining flight, but their wing size was smaller than adults, likely making them more agile fliers. This suggests they may have used their flying abilities to escape predators and chase prey in dense vegetation.
Researchers found that hatchling pterosaur wings were stronger than those of many adult pterosaurs, suggesting they could fly. Their wing dimensions were also more suited for agility and quick changes in direction, possibly allowing them to escape predators and catch nimbler prey.
Researchers developed novel imaging approach to visualize eggs and embryos in live animals, revealing complex dynamics of egg and embryo transport. The findings have important implications for studies of fertilization, embryogenesis, and in vitro fertilization.
A large cohort study found a higher risk of pre-eclampsia and hypertension in pregnancies derived from frozen-thawed embryos, particularly when hormone replacement therapies were used. The study suggests that preparation of the uterus with hormones may have harmful effects on vascular pathologies.
A multinational team of researchers warns that embryo selection based on polygenic scores may not be effective in selecting healthier embryos and could lead to unintended consequences such as altering population demographics. The study calls for responsible communication and regulation of the technology.
A retrospective observational study in the UK suggests that IVF clinics are retrieving an excessive number of oocytes, with some women having over 50 eggs collected during a single procedure. The high number of oocytes retrieved may lead to ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and emotional distress for patients.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes develop a three-dimensional human spinal cord organoid that mimics the earliest developmental steps of the nervous system in embryos. The organoid demonstrates how human spinal cord cells become oriented in an embryo, shedding light on potential impact of environmental exposures and toxins.
Researchers developed a technique to spatially track RNA molecules within cells, revealing ten times more genes with localized RNA than previously known. These genes are hard-wired into the fertilized egg cell, dictating cell differentiation and potentially influencing diseases like cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.
The study reveals that Meis transcription factors are crucial for the formation and antero-posterior patterning of limbs. Genetic deletion of all four family members showed that these proteins are essential for limb development.
Scientists conducted new experiments on carbon partitioning between metal and silicate using chondritic starting materials. The results suggest that planetary embryos may have had nearly saturated carbon content in their mantles, which could be a natural consequence of core-mantle partitioning during Earth's formation.
Researchers have discovered that embryos across various animal groups rely on acoustic signals to inform their development and adapt to environmental conditions. This phenomenon, known as acoustic developmental programming, suggests that sound plays a crucial role in shaping the lives of animals from the moment of birth.
Researchers at The Lundquist Institute have solved the long-standing debate on gamete and embryo transport within the Fallopian tube. Motile cilia are essential for oocyte pickup, while disruptions lead to female infertility and ectopic pregnancy.
A new microfluidics system automates the loading of cryoprotectants in IVF embryos before freezing them, reducing molecular damage caused by cryopreservation. This approach enables faster and more efficient embryo cryopreservation with lower concentrations of toxic chemicals.
A NIH study found that newborns conceived through IVF had certain chemical modifications to their DNA, but these changes were not seen in early childhood. The study also found no differences in growth and development for this group.
Researchers have discovered a unique regenerative property of human early embryo cells, allowing them to regenerate trophectoderm and produce placental cell types. This breakthrough may benefit assisted conception treatments and help understand causes of infertility and miscarriage.
A rare oviraptorid dinosaur fossil was found in southern China, showing the animal sitting on a nest of at least 24 eggs with well-developed embryos. The fossil provides significant insights into the reproductive biology of non-avian theropod dinosaurs.
A team of bioethicists and scientists proposes a cautious, stepwise approach to studying human embryos beyond the 14-day limit, potentially unlocking insights into early development disorders and therapies for infertility. The proposed research aims to serve important goals that cannot be adequately met by other means.
Children born through fertility treatment have different growth patterns than naturally-conceived children, but by age 17, they are similar in height, weight, and BMI. ART children grew more quickly in their first 18 months and showed a similar growth pattern as subfertile parents' children.
Researchers discovered that epithelial cells in developing embryos can recognize and destroy defective cells through a process called epithelial phagocytosis. This early immune response may aid efforts to understand embryonic developmental failure and lead to new clinical applications in treating infertility.
The current 14-day limit on human embryo research is being urged to be extended to 28 days, as technology and knowledge have advanced over the past 40 years. This could lead to discoveries of new treatments for recurrent miscarriage and developmental abnormalities.
Two new northern white rhino embryos were created in December 2020 using advanced assisted reproduction technologies. This brings the total number of viable embryos produced to five. The successful embryo creation is a result of a regular rhythm of repeated oocyte collections, which will continue if possible.
A team of biologists and mathematicians developed a new software tool to analyze cell migration processes in zebrafish embryos. The study identified physical barriers that influence cell migration and found a tissue-specific expression of green fluorescent protein, which serves as a reference structure for image registration.
Researchers found that trehalose 6-phosphate activates auxin biosynthesis, leading to increased embryo growth and reserve starch accumulation. The study used pea seeds, where a reduction in embryonic T6P content resulted in wrinkled seeds with impaired storage product accumulation.
A recent study published in Cell reveals that CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing can lead to undesirable outcomes, including the elimination of entire chromosomes or large sections in human embryos. The research warns against premature clinical application of this technology until further development and testing are conducted.
Researchers developed microscopic tracking devices to study cellular forces in mammalian cells, showing how development starts and potentially leading to understanding of aging and disease. The tiny devices measure forces exerted within the cell interior, providing unprecedented views into cellular behavior.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have discovered a key control mechanism that allows cells to self-organize in early embryonic development. By studying the expression of unique combinations of adhesion molecules, the team found that these 'adhesion codes' determine which cells prefer to stay connected and how strongly they do so.
A team of scientists has developed a novel optical design that enables fast imaging in 3D microscopy by converting lateral scanning into axial focusing. This technology accelerates axially swept light-sheet microscopy (ASLM) and raster scanning microscopes to multi-kHz rates, outperforming previous aberration-free focusing technologies.
Researchers at Oregon State University have found that vitamin E is crucial for the normal development of the brain and nervous system in embryos. The study used zebrafish as a model organism and found that those with a deficiency in vitamin E had malformed brains and nervous systems, leading to embryo death.
An artificial intelligence system developed by Brigham and Women's Hospital can differentiate and identify embryos with the highest potential for success better than trained embryologists. The system achieved an accuracy of 90% in choosing high-quality embryos, outperforming experts in this field.
Researchers from UNIGE have successfully demonstrated that cellular tissues deform through buckling, a phenomenon that could be crucial for understanding embryo development. By recreating the process in vitro and analyzing the mechanical properties of artificial embryos, the team provided quantitative proof of the hypothesis.
The discovery of the first near-intact embryonic skull of a sauropod sauropodomorph has revealed unexpected facial features. The study suggests that hatchlings may have had specialized features, such as a thickened prominence or single-horned face, that changed as they grew into adults.