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Sci-Fly study explores how lifeforms know to be the right size

Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that the size and patterning accuracy of an embryo depend on the amount of reproductive resources invested in by mothers before eggs leave the ovary. The study used fruit flies to develop a mathematical model, TEMS, which links core pieces of the developmental picture. ...

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 26, 2015

Letting go of the (genetic) apron strings

Researchers have discovered that a specific set of molecules, known as transcription factors, trigger DNA errors and slow down cell division in embryos. This finding provides new insight into the mechanism behind the 'midblastula transition', where the embryo takes control of its genetic expression.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalCell·DateMar 20, 2015

How do vertebrates take on their form?

French scientists have discovered that vertebrate formation is guided by a pattern present from early development stages, with folds along boundaries of elastic contrast forming the final shape. This finding explains how complex structures like vertebrates emerged during evolution.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateFeb 18, 2015

Mutation detection in human in vitro fertilized embryos using whole-genome sequencing

Researchers used a new whole-genome sequencing method to detect potential disease-causing mutations in human IVF embryos, detecting 82% of single base de novo mutations. The technique, which uses DNA barcodes and advanced sequencing technology, can help identify the cause of congenital disorders such as intellectual disability and autism.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenome Research·DateFeb 11, 2015

Possible cause of IVF failure in some women identified

Researchers at the University of Manchester have identified a possible cause of IVF failure in some women, which may be treated with therapies targeting microRNA-145 and its effects on IGF1R. The study's findings suggest that manipulating this biological process could lead to improved rates of embryo attachment during implantation.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalJournal of Cell Science·DateFeb 2, 2015

Preterm births, multiples, and fertility treatment

Research finds that fertility treatments increase the risk of multiple births and prematurity, leading to health complications and significant healthcare costs. Experts propose six policy changes to mitigate these risks, including expanding insurance coverage for IVF and improving doctor-patient communication.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalFertility and Sterility·DateApr 16, 2014

Ancient reptile birth preserved in fossil

A new fossil specimen of the ancient Mesozoic marine reptile Chaohusaurus has revealed evidence of a live birth, suggesting that live births in land reptiles may have appeared much earlier than previously thought. The discovery provides the oldest vertebrate fossil to capture the moment of live-birth.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 12, 2014

First live births with a novel simplified IVF procedure

A novel simplified IVF procedure has been shown to achieve similar fertilization and implantation rates as conventional methods, enabling more affordable access to IVF for a larger global population. The study results in 16 successful live births using the new method, with potential to reduce laboratory costs.

SourceElsevier·JournalReproductive BioMedicine Online·DateFeb 4, 2014

Cells in the early embryo battle each other to death for becoming part of the organism

In early mammalian development, embryonic cells undergo a battle for survival between days 3 and 7. Cells with higher levels of Myc protein eliminate those with lower levels through an optimization mechanism. This study reveals that this process does not waste cellular resources but instead benefits the embryo.

Reproductive BioMedicine Online publishes study on assisted reproduction

A recent study published in Reproductive BioMedicine Online examines the outcomes of assisted reproduction treatment for same-sex male couples and single men. The research found that high success rates can be achieved, particularly among persistent individuals, with most men successful in realizing their dream of fatherhood.

SourceElsevier·JournalReproductive BioMedicine Online·DateJul 3, 2013

Researchers demonstrate oldest dinosaur embryos

Researchers from the University of Bonn have found the oldest known dinosaur embryos in China, shedding light on the rapid growth and high reproductive rate of these ancient animals. The discoveries provide valuable insights into the biology of dinosaurs, including their development and behavior.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature·DateApr 11, 2013

Sync to grow

Researchers discovered that embryo growth is controlled by oscillating gene expression in neighboring cells, resulting in well-proportioned animals. The speed of this wave determines the size of future vertebrae, with faster waves indicating larger vertebrae.

Survival of the females

A study by Jana Beckelmann found that female horse embryos produce more insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF1) than male embryos, which may help explain the uneven sex ratio of equine births. This discovery sheds light on a previously unknown mechanism driving sexual dimorphism in horses.

Freezing all embryos in IVF with transfer in a later non-stimulated cycle may improve outcome

A meta-analysis suggests that freezing all embryos for later transfer in a non-stimulated cycle may improve implantation and pregnancy rates, reducing the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) associated with fresh embryo transfers. The study found a relative risk of 1.31 for clinical pregnancies, with higher ongoing pregnan...

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

Hormone may help predict tubal ectopic pregnancy

Researchers discovered that low adrenomedullin levels may contribute to slower muscle contractions and ciliary beating, favoring embryo retention in the oviduct. Administering adrenomedullin reversed this effect, suggesting it could be a useful predictor for tubal ectopic pregnancy.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMay 3, 2012

When one side does not know about the other one

Scientists study the impact of asymmetrical light input on cerebral hemispheric specialization and interhemispheric cooperation in bird embryos. The results show that information exchange is impaired without light-stimulation, which may help understand developmental disorders like ADHD or autism.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 1, 2012