Issue 367 (17 July 2006)

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How will artificial sperm success affect further research?

17 July 2006 - by Dr Anna Smajdor

The success achieved by Professor Karim Nayernia et al in obtaining offspring from 'artificial sperm' has been widely reported over the past week. The research may shed light on the complex developmental processes involved in gamete formation. It has also been suggested that in the future, therapeutic cloning in conjunction...[Read More]

Two thirds of US babies get newborn screening tests

14 July 2006 - by Dr Jess Buxton

Nearly two-thirds of all babies born in the US this year will be screened for more than 20 life-threatening conditions, according to a new report by the March of Dimes. It follows last year's call from the charity for all states to carry out a battery...[Read More]

Stem cell sperm success

17 July 2006 - by Heidi Nicholl

Scientists have for the first time managed to create sperm from mouse stem cells capable of fertilising eggs and resulting in live births. A team led by Professor Karim Nayernia, now Professor of Stem Cell Biology at Newcastle University, began with mouse embryonic stem cells (ES cells)which...[Read More]

Electronic tags for IVF embryos

17 July 2006 - by Heidi Nicholl

A trial is taking place to electronically tag IVF embryos to prevent mistakes in clinics such as implanting the wrong embryos or fertilising eggs with the wrong sperm. The current system in the UK relies on staff monitoring each other but there have been a number of...[Read More]

Questions raised over IUI fertility technique

17 July 2006 - by Dr Jess Buxton

By Dr Jess Buxton: A technique commonly used to treat couples with unexplained fertility problems is ineffective for many of them, say Dutch researchers. A team based at the Academic Medical Centre and Vrije Universiteit Medical Centre in Amsterdam has shown that 30 per cent of those treated with intrauterine...[Read More]

US Senate debates stem cells

17 July 2006 - by Dr Kirsty Horsey

The US Senate has begun debating a bill on embryonic stem cell ES cell) research that will, if passed, extend the provision of federal funding for such research. The bill - known as the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005 (HR 810) - is being debated alongside two...[Read More]

Australian states may go their own way on stem cells

17 July 2006 - by Dr Kirsty Horsey

State premiers in Australia have issued a direct challenge to Prime Minister John Howard's decision to maintain the status quo on embryonic stem (ES) cell research in the country. They used last week's COAG (Council of Australian Governments) meeting in Canberra to tackle Howard on his...[Read More]

UK fertility law to drop 'need for a father'; ban sex selection?

17 July 2006 - by Dr Kirsty Horsey

UK Health Minister Caroline Flint has told an evidence session of the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee (STC) that there is 'probably not a case' for maintaining the part of the law that says that clinics must take into account the potential child's 'need...[Read More]