Human embryo “pause button” could boost IVF success

Scientists have discovered a kind of “pause button” in early human development. This biological mechanism has long been known in other mammals, but its discovery in humans could aid IVF procedures.Continue ReadingCategory: Biology, ScienceTags: Cells, … Continue reading Human embryo “pause button” could boost IVF success

Male birth control breakthrough safely switches off fit sperm for a while

A non-hormonal, reversible and non-toxic male birth control could be a step closer, with scientists successfully targeting a protein that’s crucial in making fertile sperm. Knocking this protein out for a period of time would give men control over thei… Continue reading Male birth control breakthrough safely switches off fit sperm for a while

Mosquito-spreading drones could slash the spread of disease

If you’re trying to disperse 300,000 disease-fighting mosquitos per day, using a drone may well be your best bet for doing so. The technology has already been tested in Brazil, where it showed very promising results.Continue ReadingCategory: Drones, Te… Continue reading Mosquito-spreading drones could slash the spread of disease

Ultrasound waves spark movement in sleepy sperm by up to 266%

Scientists have boosted the motility of sluggish sperm by up to 266%, by blasting the cells with noninvasive, 40-MHz ultrasound waves to induce movement. Capturing the technique’s impact on individual sperm cells, the study opens the door to new non-in… Continue reading Ultrasound waves spark movement in sleepy sperm by up to 266%

Anti-aging breakthrough could boost female fertility in middle age

Women’s fertility tends to decline starting in their mid-30s, which can make it harder to have kids in middle age. Now scientists have identified a mechanism that seems to accelerate aging of the ovaries – and found a way, in mice at least, to slow it … Continue reading Anti-aging breakthrough could boost female fertility in middle age

Anti-aging breakthrough could boost female fertility in middle age

Women’s fertility tends to decline starting in their mid-30s, which can make it harder to have kids in middle age. Now scientists have identified a mechanism that seems to accelerate aging of the ovaries – and found a way, in mice at least, to slow it … Continue reading Anti-aging breakthrough could boost female fertility in middle age

Men should quit alcohol 3 months before starting a family, study suggests

A study has found that it takes longer than previously thought for the negative effects of alcohol consumption to leave a man’s sperm. Given the link between alcohol and birth defects, the findings are important for potential fathers to factor in when … Continue reading Men should quit alcohol 3 months before starting a family, study suggests

Eating at least two handfuls of nuts a day may improve male fertility

A research review has found that eating at least two handfuls of nuts a day may improve sperm quality – and, therefore, fertility – in young, healthy males. This simple strategy had positive effects without requiring any other changes to diet.Continue … Continue reading Eating at least two handfuls of nuts a day may improve male fertility