Just a little too much weight can affect IVF success
Being just slightly overweight can affect the chance of having a baby through IVF, according to a study at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust....
BioNews
Blastocyst
A mammalian embryo in the first stage of development, when the fertilised egg has grown into a hollow ball made up of a few hundred cells.
160 articles
First mammalian stem cells grown with only one set of chromosomes
UK researchers have for the first time created mouse embryonic stem cells using just one set of chromosomes. Most mammalian cells, except sperm and eggs, are diploid, meaning they contain two sets of chromosomes. The ability to produce haploid cells, that contain only one set of chromosomes, may prove helpful in revealing the different functions of our genes....
Embryo's survival can be predicted based on egg's movement
Rhythmic activity detected in newly fertilised mouse eggs may provide a novel and non-invasive screening method for identifying embryos most likely to survive a full-term pregnancy, according to research published in Nature Communications...
Moving pinboard boosts IVF success
Scientists have increased the quality of embryos developed for IVF - by culturing them on a bed of pins. Currently, embryos are fertilised in a dish, and left there to culture for a few days before being implanted. However, Professor Gary Smith, a researcher on the project, says this doesn't mimic how embryos naturally gestate...
Stem cells, pigs and replacement organs
Scientists in Japan have reported the production of mice that have rat's organs. They suggest that one day this technique could be used to grow spare human organs in another species such as pigs, easing organ shortages and reducing long waiting times for transplants...
Transferring single embryos: Education ain't enough
When asked why having twins isn't a good idea, I struggle. I start trotting out the party line, the obstetric risks and risks to the babies themselves, and then begin to shuffle my feet. It's complicated, I say, hoping they will move onto another topic...
Harrow PCT reverses decision to suspend IVF
Harrow Primary Care Trust (PCT) has reversed its decision to suspend IVF treatment and has adopted a unified policy across neighbouring PCTs in North West London to offer one full cycle of IVF to eligible patients....
Mice bred with two dads
American researchers have for the first time created mice with genetically two male parents. In a three-step process, utilising stem cell technology to create induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS)...
New screening technique may boost IVF success rates
UK-based researchers have developed a new screening technique which could double or triple IVF success rates. The new test allows for any chromosomal abnormalities to be detected in embryos before they are implanted into the mother....
New PGD technology guidelines published for the genetic testing of IVF embryos
The European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) has published an updated set of best practice guidelines for fertility clinics on the use of preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) techniques...