A team of researchers with members from Taiwan, the U.S., China and Japan has found that mitochondrial DNA from sperm that makes its way into an embryo begins to self-destruct before autophagosomes in the cytoplasm can reach it. In their paper published in the journal Science, the researchers describe their study involving the close monitoring of male mitochondrial DNA activity immediately after an embryo has been fertilized and as it is subsequently destroyed—they also offer some theories regarding why this occurs.
Tag: China
Bioethics in China: No Wild East
The first and only published papers to describe genome modification in human embryos have come from Chinese laboratories. For some, this is another signal of China’s successful transformation from a closed society focused on farming and the manufacturing of commodities to a world leader in innovation. For others, these studies are the latest in a list of feats reported over the past decade that reflect the country’s lax regulation or cultural indifference to fundamental ethical tensions.
China’s Call to Young Men: Your Nation Needs Your Sperm
If you’re a man in China between 20 and 45, the government has a message for you: For the sake of your country, please donate sperm. China’s sperm banks are facing severe shortages, for a variety of political and cultural reasons. Comparatively few Chinese men offer to donate, and a study found that almost half of those who do volunteer are screened out. Now that government policy allows more Chinese couples, including older couples, to have a second child, officials are concerned that the sperm shortages will get much worse — and they are doing everything they can to find new recruits.
Chinese Scientists Genetically Modify Human Embryos for the Second Time
Scientists in China have reported genetically modifying human embryos in what is only the second published experiment of its kind. Last year, a different team of Chinese researchers edited human embryos in an attempt to remove genes responsible for a dangerous blood disorder. In this new research, scientists from Guangzhou Medical University tried to add a mutation to embryos instead, attempting to make them HIV-resistant. In both cases, the experiments were only partially successful, and were carried out using non-viable human embryos that were incapable of growing into adults.
Gene Causes Rare Form of Infertility in Women
Chinese researchers have identified genetic mutations that cause infertility in a small number of women. Mutations in the TUBB8 gene appear to cause defects that prevent the women’s eggs from maturing properly. Scientists are not certain how many women are affected by infertility caused by persistent immature eggs, but it is thought to be rare – it has been reported to be as low as 0.1 percent of women who seek fertility treatment in China.
Some Mothers do ‘ave ’em: Mice with Two Mums Bred in China
Researchers unlock some of the mysteries of reproduction in an experiment that created healthy mouse pups from two female sources
China Exclusive: Two-child Policy Puts Pressure on Sperm Banks
China’s sperm banks are already facing a dearth of donors, and a government proposal to end the country’s decades-old one-child policy may put more pressure on the institutions.
China Bans Egg Freezing in Single Women to Preserve Fertility
China has banned single women using “assisted reproductive technology” to preserve their fertility for future following reports of its misuse.
China has Fertility Woes so Alibaba is Buying Sperm
Thanks to Alibaba, China’s answer to eBay, more 20,000 men just made a very quick buck. From July 15 to 17, the e-commerce giant advertised a special deal offering 5,000 yuan — about $800 — to sperm donors. The initiative was an attempt to help restock Chinese sperm banks, which are currently going weathering a bit of a drought.
China Cracks Down on Surrogate Births, Even as Infertility Rises
The central government has said it will take a tougher stance on surrogacy, a practice that has grown underground in China as infertility has increased.