Prox1 gene linked to memory

A gene called Prox1 has a crucial role in an area of the brain involved in creating new memories, US scientists have discovered. The researchers focused on a region of the brain called the dentate gyrus, a small structure which is important for learning, memory and spatial navigation...[Read More]

New method to create mature egg cells discovered

Immature mouse eggs have been successfully matured and fertilised in the laboratory for the first time. Eggs from women undergoing cancer therapy were also successfully matured using the new method, offering hope for some women suffering infertility such as cancer patients made infertile by treatment...[Read More]

Ovarian transplants an elixir of youth, for mice

When ovaries from young mice were transplanted into aging females, the old mice lived longer and changed their reproductive behaviour, scientists from Japan have found. The findings raise the question of whether a similar effect may be seen in women receiving ovarian transplants...[Read More]

Identification of bowel cancer gene getting closer, say scientists

US scientists have identified a region of DNA, which may contain a novel gene responsible for the progression and spread of colorectal (bowel) cancer....[Read More]

Fertile and infertile sperm could soon easily be distinguished

German researchers have developed a new way of measuring the quality of human sperm cells by creating a chemical 'signature'...[Read More]

First use of whole genome scan to tailor medicine and lifestyle choices

Whole genome analysis has been used for the first time to gather clinically-useful information about the risk of developing diseases later in life. Stephen Quake, an apparently healthy, middle-aged professor of bioengineering at Stanford University in California, volunteered to have his entire genetic code screened. He was found to be at increased risk of developing diabetes, some cancers and of having a heart attack...[Read More]

Soft drinks linked to sperm quality

Consuming large volumes of soft drinks may lower mens' sperm count, suggest the results of a new Danish study....[Read More]

Acupuncture does not increase IVF success rate: new guidelines

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine do not provide any benefit to women trying to become pregnant, the British Fertility Society (BFS) has found after reviewing the available evidence. The new guidelines, published in the journal Human Fertility, state that there is 'currently no evidence' that these methods increase the success rate of assisted conception, when used in conjunction with IVF (in vitro fertilisation)....[Read More]

Genetic test to improve breast cancer treatment

Scientists have developed a way to identify six key genes which, if faulty, can prevent particular chemotherapy drugs from working in patients with breast cancer. The findings bring cancer therapy one step closer to the promise of targeted treatments for patients, based on the genetic characteristics of their tumours....[Read More]

IVF linked to increased risk of stillbirth

Women who undergo fertility treatment are four times more likely to have a stillborn baby than those who conceive naturally or use other methods, according to a new study...[Read More]