Twins born after fertility treatments may be susceptible to different — and fewer — birth defects than other twins, new research suggests. The study confirms that twins have a higher risk of birth defects than singletons, but it questions the notion that fertility treatments contribute to those abnormalities.
Tag: research
Study Indicates that More Than Half of the Population Carries Mutated Genes
56% of the population are carriers of genetic mutations susceptible of causing major hereditary diseases, according to a study published in the journal Human Mutation. The research, which has been awarded by the Spanish Fertility Society, proposes to offer, systematically, genetic screening tests for recessive mutations in reproductive medicine units.
Human-embryo Editing Now Covered by Stem-cell Guidelines
The international society that represents stem-cell scientists has updated its research guidelines in the wake of dramatic progress in several fields — in particular in research that involves the manipulation of human embryos. The authors hope that the updated guidelines will allay various ethical concerns, and avoid the need for strict government regulations that could impede the progress of science.
Control of Fertility: New Player Identified
Individual small RNAs are responsible for controlling the expression of gonadoliberin or GnRH (Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone), a neurohormone that controls sexual maturation, the appearance of puberty, and fertility in adults, new research shows. The involvement of microRNAs, transcribed from DNA, occurs around birth, and marks a key step in postnatal development.
Radiant Zinc Fireworks Reveal Human Egg Quality
A stunning explosion of zinc fireworks occurs when a human egg is activated by a sperm enzyme, and the size of these “sparks” is a direct measure of the quality of the egg and its ability to develop into an embryo, according to new research from Northwestern Medicine.
Gene-Editing Research in Human Embryos Gains Momentum
At the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Fredrik Lanner is preparing to edit genes in human embryos. It’s the kind of research that sparked an international frenzy in April last year, when a Chinese team revealed that it had done the world’s first such experiments.
‘Marijuana Receptor’ Helps Regulate Sperm Production, New Study Finds
New research appearing in the Journal FASEB suggests that the cannabinoid receptor, CB2, helps to regulate the production of sperm in men. CB2 is one of two G-protein coupled receptors that are influenced by the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Doctors Urge Congress to Fund Zika Research, Preparation
Dozens of organizations joined the March of Dimes on Tuesday in urging Congress to approve an emergency funding measure to protect pregnant women and to promote research on the Zika virus.
Early Fetal Abnormalities May Correct Themselves in Time
Abnormal cells in the early embryo may not necessarily mean that a baby will be born with a birth defect such as Down’s syndrome. Research published in Nature Communications suggests that abnormal cells can be eliminated and replaced by healthy cells, potentially leading to complete repair.
Childhood Chemo: How Does it Affect Fertility Later in Life?
Childhood cancer survivors have long been concerned about their future ability to reproduce. New research published in The Lancet Oncology puts some of these worries to bed but at the same time confirms others.