Embryo transfer preparation techniques not supported by evidence
Routine preparation techniques used before embryo transfer may not improve pregnancy rates, according to a Cochrane review...
BioNews
Embryo
A stage of development which, in humans, lasts for eight weeks after the fertilised egg first starts to divide.
3317 articles
Image by Alan Handyside via the Wellcome Collection. Depicts a human egg soon after fertilisation, with the two parental pronuclei clearly visible.
Semen microbiome may influence IVF success
A microbial imbalance in semen has been linked to lower live birth rates following IVF and ICSI, suggesting that male microbiome factors may play a greater role in reproductive outcomes than previously recognised...
A tribute to Professor Abha Maheshwari (1971-2026)
The director and deputy director of PET pay tribute to the late Professor Abha Maheshwari – clinician, clinic leader, researcher, journal editor and friend – and present highlights from her wide-ranging contributions to PET events...
Image by Bill Sanderson via the Wellcome Collection, © Wellcome Trust Ltd 1990. Depicts Laocoön and his family (from Greek and Roman mythology) entwined in coils of DNA.
In vitro gametogenesis: The case for an anticipatory approach
Lead author of the Regulatory Horizons Council's report on in vitro gametogenesis, Dr Andy Greenfield, argues that the UK should begin preparing now for emerging reproductive technologies, taking an anticipatory approach to regulation...
Image by the University of Edinburgh via the Wellcome Collection. Depicts cells with organelles (colour-enhanced electron micrograph of cells, showing nuclei in green and mitochondria in red).
Concerns raised over fertility clinics advertising mitochondrial donation
Fertility clinics have been criticised for advertising mitochondrial donation to women not affected by mitochondrial disease, claiming that it can boost their chances of IVF success...
Podcast Review: Your Best Baby
A review of the podcast Your Best Baby examines the growing commercialisation of PGT-P and the ethical questions raised by selecting embryos based on predicted traits and disease risks...
Germany's former health minister resigns over surrogate-born child
The parliamentary leader of Germany's governing party, Jens Spahn, has resigned after it emerged that he had a child via surrogacy in the USA...
Queensland sperm donor limit counts same-sex couples as separate families
Same-sex female couples in Queensland, Australia, have been told that they are not classed as one family for the purposes of sperm donation...
Image by K Hardy via the Wellcome Collection. Depicts a human embryo at the blastocyst stage (about six days after fertilisation) 'hatching' out of the zona pellucida.
Base editing in human embryos: Why patient voices matter
Behind every scientific breakthrough is a story. Dr Oliver Bower, the lead author of a recent Nature study, describes how listening to people affected by genetic disease reshaped his research and his perspective on the future of genome editing...
Image by K Hardy via the Wellcome Collection. Depicts a human embryo at the blastocyst stage (about six days after fertilisation) 'hatching' out of the zona pellucida.
Transformative embryo research: Who gets to contribute?
A landmark study highlights the importance of donated embryos and gametes in reproductive research. Dr Valerie Shaikly argues that more patients should have the opportunity to donate...