IVF sparks debate in Kenya
The birth of the first two babies following the use of IVF in Kenya earlier this month has sparked criticism and debate on the use of assisted reproductive technologies in the country...
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Genetic trait inherited through RNA
A team of scientists have found evidence that RNA in the sperm of mice is able to transmit a trait that is not coded for in the animal's DNA. The team, working at the University of Nice, France, were studying a gene called Kit. This gene occurs...
Assisted reproduction increases risk of placenta disorder
Researchers at St Olav's University Hospital in Trondheim, Norway, have discovered a link between assisted reproduction and an increased risk of placenta praevia - a dangerous complication of pregnancy where the placenta covers all or part of the cervix. The condition normally affects around three in 1000 births...
Three siblings diagnosed with rare genetic disease
A British couple have spoken of their heartbreak at having had three young sons diagnosed with the same rare terminal genetic condition. Scott and Nicola Smith, from Eyres Monsell, Leicester, have spoken to the press about discovering their sons' incurable brain disorder. Eight-year old Connor, six-year...
Final human chromosome mapped
After 10 years of work, 150 British and American scientists have completed a genetic map of human chromosome one, the largest of the 23 bundles of genetic material in the human body. Chromosome one makes up about eight per cent of the total human genome, and...
'Twins' born 16 years apart
UK newspapers have reported on the story of 'twin' girls born 16 years apart following IVF treatment. Jane and Alan Davis began IVF treatment in March 1989. Thirty-three eggs were collected, and fertilised with Mr Davis' sperm, producing a number of viable embryos. Three were implanted...
Unknown US sperm donor passes genetic disorder to five children
Doctors have discovered that a sperm donor in the US has passed on a rare genetic disease to five children born to four couples who used his sperm to conceive. The disease, severe congenital neutropenia (SCN), can be fatal in children if untreated but is so...
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National Infertility Day - what is it? And why?
by Clare Lewis-Jones
National Infertility Day (NID) 2006 will take place on 10 June. The venue will once again be the New Connaught Rooms in central London. So what is National Infertility Day and why do it? I know that when myself and my colleague, Sheena Young, first started talking to people back...