It seems increasingly plausible that humans will colonize space. But to continue the human race as we know it, we would have to reproduce in space. Up until now, scientists weren’t sure that was possible—one 2009 study conducted in simulated zero gravity, and another done in 1996 in which NASA scientists sent embryos to space, did not see any mammalian embryos develop.
Month: April 2016
Should Students Learn About Declining Fertility?
Mentioning the topic of declining fertility is surprisingly controversial — partly because of political arguments over sex education in schools. But there are also different ideas about whether a policy priority of avoiding teenage pregnancy clashes with teaching students how to preserve their fertility.
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.
Future of Sperm Donor Anonymity Threatened by Growth of Genetic Testing
The rise of personal genetic testing and growth of international DNA databases could put an end to anonymous sperm and egg donation as donor-conceived individuals may unintentionally discover biological relatives, according to UCL researchers.
6 Things You Should Know About The Morning-After Pill, As Told By A Gyno
Buying emergency contraception can be one of the most embarrassing experiences for a woman, especially for a single woman. No matter how old you are, there is something embarrassing about publicly admitting you have sex. Having a complete stranger acknowledge that fact (while exchanging currency) can ignite a spiral of shame.
Senator Pushes to Fund Fertility Services at VA
An amendment added to the Veterans Affairs appropriations bill Thursday would allocate $88 million to VA to cover fertility treatments and counseling for veterans who can’t have children as a result of wartime injuries.
Ovary-Sparing Hysterectomy May Accelerate Menopause Onset
Ovary-sparing hysterectomy raises the risk for accelerated menopause, according to a study published online April 4 in Obstetrics & Gynecology.
CDC Says It’s ‘Now Clear’ That Zika Virus Causes Microcephaly
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said Wednesday evening that new data suggests the mosquito-borne Zika virus is a cause of birth defects like microcephaly, a costly and life-threatening condition that is ravaging Brazil and has impacted nearly 5,000 children in the country.
Expanding Insurance for Single-Embryo IVF Could Improve Pregnancy Outcomes
Expanding insurance coverage for a type of in vitro fertilization known as elective single-embryo transfer could lead to improved health outcomes and lower health care costs, according to a newly published study that included researchers from the University of Colorado School of Medicine.
More Babies, Fewer Multiple Births, Are Resulting From Assisted Reproduction
2014 saw the birth of more babies than ever who got their start in the petri dish of a fertility clinic in the United States. In its yearly review, the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology reported a total of 65,175 live births resulting from a variety of procedures — up from 63,286 in 2013.