Foundation scientists are deriving new stem cell lines from fertilized mouse eggs in fully defined, protein-free culture medium, GEM (Gamete Embryo Medium). GEM is a specialized fluid that simulates fluids in the womb. The goal of these experiments is to improve the efficiency of deriving new stem cell lines from testis biopsies. By studying time lapse videos of…
A noninvasive imaging method for predicting how human embryos will develop may improve the success and safety of in vitro fertilization. Humans may be the least fertile mammals on earth 1,2. Although in vitro fertilization (IVF) technology has helped many couples—an estimated 3 million IVF babies had been born worldwide by 2002—its success rates are low (~25% per procedure), and it…
June, 2010: The second report by Bedford scientists about cell division appeared, as the cover story of the JOURNAL OF ASSISTED REPRODUCTION AND GENETICS. The work builds on the previous report of CLOCK genes that indicate early stem cells may be under the control of circadian rhythms (see report at bedfordresearch.org). These novel findings about…
In recent years, there has been an explosion of interest in stem cells, not just within the scientific and medical communities but also among politicians, religious groups and ethicists. Here, we summarize the different types of stem cells that have been described: their origins in embryonic and adult tissues and their differentiation potential in vivo…
Purpose To understand cell cycle controls in the 8-Cell human blastomere. Methods Data from whole human genome (43,377 elements) microarray analyses of RNAs from normal 8-Cell human embryos were compiled with published microarrays of RNAs from human fibroblasts, before and after induced pluripo- tency, and embryonic stem cells. A sub database of 3,803 genes identified…
PURPOSE: To understand the molecular pathways that control early human embryo development. METHODS: Improved methods of linear amplification of mRNAs and whole human genome microarray analyses were utilized to characterize gene expression in normal appearing 8-Cell human embryos, in comparison with published micro-arrays of human fibroblasts and pluripotent stem cells. RESULTS: Many genes involved in…
Objective: To detect and identify bacteria in semen by sequencing polymerase chain reaction (PCR)–amplified ribosomal RNA gene regions (rDNAs). Design: BacterialrDNAsweredetectedbyPCRamplificationofsemenDNA.Conditionswereadjustedtodetect only abundant organisms, no fewer than 20,000 bacteria/mL of semen. Setting: Clinical andrology laboratory and academic research laboratories. Patient(s): Men undergoing fertility evaluation (n 1⁄4 29) or vasectomy (n 1⁄4 5). MainOutcomeMeaure(s): FrequencyofbacterialrDNA–positivespecimens,relationshipofrDNAstobacteriain GenBank,…
Objective: To report on the development of human parthenogenetic blastocysts and an in vitro attachment that was generated from noninseminated cryopreserved human oocytes for the first time. Design: Prospective study. Setting: Department of reproductive medicine in a medical institute in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Patient(s): Five healthy fertile donors. Intervention(s): Artificial activation of noninseminated cryopreserved human…
Department of Reproductive Medicine, CER Medical Institute, School of Medicine, Buenos Aires University, Buenos Aires, Argentina. OBJECTIVE: To report on the development of human parthenogenetic blastocysts and an in vitro attachment that was generated from noninseminated cryopreserved human oocytes for the first time. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: Department of reproductive medicine in a medical institute…
New funding announced today will allow the Bedford Stem Cell Research Foundation near Boston, Massachusetts, to resume its stem cell research on unfertilized human eggs, the first such program in the United States. The research has been interrupted four times because of lack of funding.