Showing 20 articles starting at article 1
Categories: Fertility, Pregnancy and Childbirth
Published Human embryo-like models created from stem cells to understand earliest stages of human development



Scientists have created a stem cell-derived model of the human embryo in the lab by reprogramming human stem cells. The breakthrough could help research into genetic disorders and in understanding why and how pregnancies fail.
Published Research challenges current thinking on the genetic causes of very early menopause



The genetic causes of very early menopause will have to be reconsidered after researchers found that nearly all women who carried variations thought to cause the condition in fact had their menopause at an older age.
Published One in five women become pregnant naturally after having a baby conceived with IVF



New research analyzed data from 11 studies of over 5,000 women around the world between 1980 and 2021, to evaluate how common it is to get pregnant naturally after having a baby conceived by fertility treatment. Around 20% of women who needed fertility treatment, such as IVF, to conceive their first child are likely to get pregnant naturally in the future, finds a new study.
Published Scientists discover new embryonic cell type that self-destructs to protect the developing embryo



Scientists have uncovered a new quality control system that removes damaged cells from early developing embryos.
Published Pregnancy hormone repairs myelin damage in MS mouse model



A new study has identified a treatment that could repair myelin in the cortex, undoing some of the damage caused by MS.
Published Technique restores healthy bacterial balance in C-section babies



Newborns delivered by cesarean section who are swabbed with the vaginal fluid of their mothers after birth have beneficial bacteria restored to their skin surface and stools, according to a new study. In the first randomized study of its kind, a team of researchers found the process, known as vaginal seeding, definitively engrafted new strains of maternal bacteria in the babies' bodies.
Published New diagnostic finds intact sperm in infertile men



Researchers develop new diagnostic tool to visualize protein biomarkers of well-developed sperm to determine if surgical sperm extraction may be successful for certain infertile men.
Published Elimination of type of bacteria suggests treatment for endometriosis



A research group has discovered that using an antibiotic to target Fusobacterium, a common bacterium that causes inflammation, improved the symptoms of endometriosis. Their findings suggest an alternative treatment for the disease.
Published Exposure to 'forever chemicals' during pregnancy linked to increased risk of obesity in kids



Exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) during pregnancy was linked to slightly higher body mass indices and an increased risk of obesity in children, according to a new study.
Published Researchers successfully induce primate oocytes in the lab



The many types of cells in the human body are produced through the process of differentiation, in which stem cells are converted to more specialized types. Currently, it is challenging for researchers to control the differentiation of stem cells in the lab (in vitro). Of particular interest are oocytes, which are female germ cells that develop into eggs. Understanding their development could have far-ranging impacts, from infertility treatment to conservation of endangered species. A new study has successfully induced meiotic (dividing) oocytes from the embryonic stem cells of cynomolgus monkeys, which share many physiological traits with humans. By establishing a culture method for inducing the differentiation of meiotic oocytes, the researchers aimed to shed light on germ cell development in both humans and other primates.
Published Happy worms have healthy eggs



Researchers have exposed roundworms (a well-established model organism in biological research) to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a class of drugs used for treating depression and anxiety. Surprisingly, this treatment improved the quality of aging females' egg cells.
Published Scientists discover the dynamics of an 'extra' chromosome in fruit flies



Most chromosomes have been around for millions of years. Now, researchers have revealed the dynamics of a new, very young chromosome in fruit flies that is similar to chromosomes that arise in humans and is associated with treatment-resistant cancer and infertility. The findings may one day lead to developing more targeted therapies for treating these conditions.
Published Labor induction doesn't always reduce Caesarean birth risk or improve outcomes for term pregnancies



Findings conflict with previous national trial results: Women who underwent elective induction were more likely to have a cesarean birth compared with those who underwent expectant management (30% versus 24%.)
Published Impact of maternal stress during pregnancy on child's health



New research examines the impact that maternal stress during pregnancy has on the neuro-development of babies.
Published Drinking alcohol while breastfeeding impacts health of newborns



What are the consequences of mothers consuming alcohol while breastfeeding? A research team at the University of California, Riverside, performed a mouse study to find out.
Published Exposure to air pollution during pregnancy increases risk for flu



A new study shows that exposure to ultrafine particles (UFPs) during pregnancy enhances respiratory viral infection risk. According to the researchers, it is imperative that pregnant women in urban cities, where influenza and UFPs are more prevalent, are provided vaccinations and preventive measures limiting UFP exposure to protect maternal health.
Published Diet high in fruit and vegetables linked to lower miscarriage risk



A preconception and early-pregnancy diet that contains lots of fruit, vegetables, seafood, dairy, eggs and grain may be associated with reducing risk of miscarriage, a new review of research suggests.
Published Early signs that may help predict ADHD risk



Information available at birth may help to identify children with higher likelihood of developing ADHD, according to new research.
Published New genetic target for male contraception identified



Discovery of a gene in multiple mammalian species could pave the way for a highly effective, reversible and non-hormonal male contraceptive for humans and animals. Researchers identified expression of the gene, Arrdc5, in the testicular tissue of mice, pigs, cattle and humans. When they knocked out the gene in mice, it created infertility only in the males, impacting their sperm count, movement and shape.
Published Assisted reproduction kids grow up just fine -- but it may be better to tell them early about biological origins, twenty-year study suggests



Landmark study finds no difference in psychological wellbeing or quality of family relationships between children born by assisted reproduction (egg or sperm donation or surrogacy) and those born naturally at age 20. However, findings suggest that telling children about their biological origins early -- before they start school -- can be advantageous for family relationships and healthy adjustment.