Stem Cells Make Precursors For Sperm, Eggs Oct 29, 2009
They found that one family member, DAZL, functions very early in germ cell development, while two others, DAZ1 and BOULE, stimulate the then-mature germ cells to divide to form gametes ... By charting the milestones of gamete development, they hope to identify potential problems that would lead to infertility or fetal disability ... "Although most of our birth defects are caused by problems in the development of eggs or sperm," said Reijo Pera, "it's not clear why there are so many errors. This... (Science Daily)
Sperm donor passes heart defect to 9 offspring Oct 21, 2009
The researchers said the case calls for improved genetic screening guidelines for gamete donors and a national database of donor information. "This case series underscores the potential risk for transmission of inherited cardiovascular diseases through voluntary sperm donation, a problem largely unappreciated by the medical community and agencies regulating tissue donation," they said. (Xinhuanet, China)
Who's the daddy? Sep 19, 2009
" SatisfactionThe government-funded National Gamete Donation Trust (NGDT) admits raising the limit might counter the grey market. "In light of the current shortage of sperm we shouldn't just be looking at increasing the number of donors, but also how we can make most effective use of the sperm available," said NGDT chairman Laura Witjens. "We should therefore review the legal limit of 10 families per donor, an arbitrary figure not backed up by research or even anecdotal evidence. " John denies... (BBC News -- Health)
Sperm from human bone marrow Jul 8, 2009
The findings were presented at an international fertility conference and are published in Gamete Biology: Emerging Frontiers on Fertility and Contraceptive Development. 1) Stem cells isolated from bone marrow of male volunteers 2) In laboratory, stem cells cultured and identified. (BBC News -- Health)
Common Assisted Reproductive Techno... May 26, 2009
Advanced infertility treatments now include in vitro fertilization, gamete intrafallopian transfer, zygote intrafallopian transfer and intracytoplasmic sperm injection ... Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT) ... GIFT is actually a variation of IVF. In the procedure, the egg and sperm (both medically known as gametes) are combined in a dish in a laboratory. (Suite101.com)
Fertility-treatment twins face extra problems May 25, 2009
CAUTIONS: The study relied on records of births from only three kinds of assisted reproductive technology - in vitro fertilization, gamete intra-fallopian transfer, and intracytoplasmic sperm injection of eggs followed by in vitro fertilization - excluding such treatments as ovulation induction or intrauterine insemination. WHERE TO FIND IT: Human Reproduction, online May 20. (Boston Globe)
Treating Infertility May 20, 2009
These advanced assisted conceptions methods include in vitro fertilization (IVF), gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT), zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The biggest advantage of using ART is that a couple can conceive using their own eggs and sperm instead of donated eggs and sperm. (Suite101.com)
Carotenoids Are Cornerstone Of Bird's Vitality Feb 26, 2009
McGraw's new work expands the scope of research on carotenoids to include many other behavioral and physiological benefits they may provide, including superior color perception and gamete formation ... Carotenoids may also affect the male gametes, sperm. (Science Daily)
Re-shaping The Family: What Happens When Parents Seek Siblings Of Their Donor-conceived Children Feb 25, 2009
In particular, it is crucial that donor siblings are incorporated into discussions about the regulation of gamete donation, with a key consideration being the number of donor offspring to be conceived using any one donor ... " Dr Freeman added: "Donor siblings have rarely been mentioned in policy discussions about the regulation of gamete donation, beyond concerns about the possibility of unwitting 'incestual' relationships between people conceived with the same donor. (Science Daily)
