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Scientists develop new artificial ovary prototype

Belgian researchers have created a new artificial ovary prototype that resembles human ovarian tissue in terms of architecture and rigidity. The fibrin-based design could be used for ovary transplant, providing alternatives for women with infertility or cancer patients unable to conceive after treatment.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics·DateDec 13, 2017

Estrogen discovery could shed new light on fertility problems

Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison discover estrogen produced in brain is necessary for ovulation in monkeys, potentially revealing cause of infertility problems and pointing to new methods of birth control. The discovery challenges traditional understanding of hormonal cascade leading to egg release from ovaries.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 12, 2017

3-D printed ovaries produce healthy offspring

Researchers at Northwestern University have created bioprosthetic mouse ovaries using 3D printing, which not only ovulate but also give birth to healthy pups. The study's findings suggest that scaffold architecture plays a crucial role in follicle survival, paving the way for potential human applications.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 16, 2017

Ovary removal may increase the risk of colorectal cancer

A new study suggests that removing the ovaries may increase the risk of colorectal cancer in women. Among 195,973 Swedish women who underwent ovary removal between 1965 and 2011, a 30% higher rate of colorectal cancer was found compared to the general population. The risk was even higher for women who had both ovaries removed.

SourceWiley·JournalBJS·DateMay 4, 2016

Why fraternal twins run in families

Researchers identified two genes associated with twinning, including one linked to higher levels of FSH that may lead to multiple eggs being released at once. The findings have implications for infertility treatments and may help predict how women respond to fertility treatments.

SourceCell Press·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateApr 28, 2016

Standard treatment better than proposed alternative for unexplained infertility

A new study published by the NIH finds that clomiphene is more effective than letrozole for treating unexplained infertility, resulting in more live births. The study compared over 900 couples undergoing fertility treatment and found that clomiphene resulted in higher pregnancy rates and fewer multiple pregnancies.

Physical training helps women with polycystic ovary syndrome

A new study shows that physical resistance training significantly improves sexual function, desire, arousal, and lubrication in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Additionally, it decreases anxiety and depression, suggesting a useful intervention for these individuals.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Journal of Sexual Medicine·DateMay 18, 2015

Orb-weaving spiders living in urban areas may be larger

A study found that orb-weaving spiders living in urban areas tend to have larger bodies and increased reproductive abilities compared to those in natural environments. The spiders' size is associated with the level of urbanization, with larger bodies found in areas with more hard surfaces.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 20, 2014

Chinese scientists map reproductive system's evolution as dinosaurs gave rise to birds

Researchers have discovered a single-ovary reproductive system in the basal bird Jeholornis and derived enantiornithine birds from China, indicating that this adaptation occurred gradually during the evolution of dinosaurs and basal birds. This finding supports the hypothesis that birds lost one ovary due to energetic pressures of flight.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateMay 30, 2014

Which way is up?

A new UCSB study shows that the protein E-cadherin promotes collective cell migration by guiding cells to move and migrate. The researchers used innovative experimental tools to measure forces on E-cadherin molecules, revealing a non-perturbing approach to understanding tissue morphology.

Stanford-developed technique induces egg growth in infertile women, and 1 gives birth

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have developed a technique that induces egg growth in some infertile women, allowing five of them to produce viable eggs for in vitro fertilization. The successful pregnancy and birth represent a breakthrough for women with primary ovarian insufficiency, who often rely on egg donation.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 30, 2013

Adults lack stem cells for making new eggs

Researchers at Carnegie Institution find that adult mice ovaries lack germ-line stem cells for egg production, debunking previous claims of continuous follicle turnover and resupply by adult stem cells. The study uses lineage-tracing technique to show primordial follicles are highly stable, with no detectable stem cell activity.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 29, 2013

Anti-Muellerian hormone predicts IVF success

A recent study found that women with high anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels are 2.5 times more likely to have a successful IVF cycle than those with low levels. High AMH levels also signal increased chances of pregnancy and live birth, regardless of the number of eggs retrieved.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateFeb 12, 2013