Researchers have uncovered a genetic mutation linked to the neurodegenerative condition, Parkinson's disease, which affects one in five hundred people in the UK, mainly over the age of 60....
Women who conceived by IVF face higher risk of death during pregnancy and birth, a Dutch study has found. The reason is likely to be higher multiple births by IVF and older mothers using donor eggs...
A couple who spent more than £100,000 on IVF treatment have had a baby on the eighth attempt. Sarah Francis, 33, and husband Darren, 38, were told that they couldn't have children...
Scientists have found evidence to support a relationship between genetic make-up and emotional response to childhood bullying....
Research scientists from Bristol University have received funding from Catholic parishioners, to use adult stem cells for therapeutic applications, reports the BBC....
Genetic counselling for women and parents undergoing Fragile X syndrome (FXS) screening needs improvement, according to a recent review. The review also called for more studies into the benefits of population-wide screening for FXS...
Stem cells created from a patients' own tissue are subtly different from those derived from embryos in ways that may affect their therapeutic potential, two independent research groups have found. Both studies found induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) retain an 'epigenetic memory' of their tissue of origin...
Scientists announced that they have completed the genetic sequencing of Otzi the iceman, discovered by Alpine hikers in 1991, who is believed to have died aged 46, after being shot with an arrow....
Biotechnology company Geron has been given the all clear for the world's first clinical trial involving human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). This comes a year after the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) placed the study on hold amid safety fears...
Birthing a mother is a study of surrogacy arrangements in Israel. Elly Teman describes the complexity of these arrangements, paying particular attention to the relationship that develops between surrogates and intended mothers...
Stay up-to-date on all the latest developments in the fields of human fertility and genomics. And be the first to hear about upcoming events and other announcements.
Comment
The demise of the HFEA - don't lament (or celebrate) too soon, it may never happen
by Dr Evan Harris
In its quick review of Arm's Length Bodies, published last week, the Government announced the HFEA would be disbanded. The news was welcomed by some, criticised by others and the HFEA put out a fairly terse statement...
Use of acupuncture before and after embryo transfer
by Nick Dalton-Brewer
Sarah Guy's bold statement 'acupuncture does not increase the chance of IVF success' is based on the conclusions of a study which is arguably flawed in many ways...
Why the MRC did not fund the first test-tube baby
by Professor Sarah Franklin and 2 others
In 1971, reproductive biologist Dr Robert Edwards and gynaecologist Mr Patrick Steptoe applied to the UK Medical Research Council (MRC) requesting funding for research into human in vitro fertilisation and embryo transfer. Their application was rejected...