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Characterizing a Pivotal Time in Mammalian Embryonic Development

Many of life’s secrets are hidden in the initial stages of embryonic development. Unraveling these mysteries can aid in the understanding of early development and birth abnormalities, as well as the creation of innovative regenerative medicine treatments.

31 May 2023

Gene-Silencing Complexes Work Together to Render X Chromosomes Inactive

Two protein complexes are involved in the mysterious process of shutting off one X chromosome in female mammals, according to a new study from RIKEN. This result could aid in the understanding of how specific tumors in women develop.

21 Apr 2023

A protein in the lung forms a natural protective barrier against SARS-CoV-2 infection

University of Sydney scientists have discovered a protein in the lung that blocks SARS-CoV-2 infection and forms a natural protective barrier in the human body.

10 Feb 2023

MicroRNA’s influence on lupus disease inflammation

Researchers from Nagoya University’s Graduate School of Medicine in Japan have uncovered how microRNA (miRNA) affects inflammation in mice with lupus. They discovered two downregulated miRNAs in the disease along with a rare circumstance where several miRNAs control the same set of genes.

27 Jan 2023

The detrimental effects of alcohol consumption during pregnancy

For the first time, researchers at the University of Helsinki in Finland examined the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on the epigenome and gene function of the placenta. The epigenome is a molecular coating on a DNA strand that controls how genes are expressed.

4 Jan 2023

A new outlook on sow breeding using dietary nucleotides

The primary fetal organ systems’ growth and development are strongly influenced by the nutrition status of the mother. Late gestation is when fetal growth is rapidly accelerated, and the nutritional needs of sows rise dramatically as a result of the fetus’ rapid growth and the placenta’s quick expansion.

26 Oct 2022

The exchange of nutrients between the mother and fetus mirrored by ‘placenta-on-a-chip’

Plasmodium falciparum infections can result in placental malaria, which can have serious consequences for both mother and child. Nearly 200,000 newborn fatalities annually from placental malaria, primarily as a result of low birth weight, as well as 10,000 maternal deaths.

27 Sep 2022

Rumen-protected lysine improves uterine health

Boosting milk yield when included in the diet at sufficient levels, lysine is an important amino acid for dairy cows. But how could lysine be advantageous for cows in other means? A new study by the University of Illinois reveals that rumen-protected lysine can enhance uterine health if given in the transition period.

20 Sep 2022

New study shows mother’s gut microbes may help in the healthy growth of the placenta

According to a recent study from the University of East Anglia, a mother’s gut microbes can aid in the formation of the placenta and the healthy development of the baby.

1 Jul 2022

New insights into early embryo development and origin of disease

The biochemical signals that determine the formation of the body pattern in the primate embryo have been found by scientists. This will direct research into human birth abnormalities and pregnancy loss.

17 Jun 2022

Researchers develop primitive endoderm stem cells in mice

RIKEN scientists have extracted and grown stem cells that give way to the mouse yolk sac for the first time in the laboratory, boosting the potential of generating mouse embryos from stem cells in the coming years.

23 May 2022

New BGI research lays groundwork for organ regeneration

Scientists declared the invention of a transgene-free and manageable method to transform pluripotent stem cells into bona fide 8-cell totipotent embryo-like cells.

23 Mar 2022

Cellular recycling system of autophagy likely to help in wound repair

In the fruit fly Drosophila, a team led by Maria Leptin discovered that autophagy, a stress response process in cells, plays a significant role in wound repair.

14 Mar 2022

Placenta plays an active role in the delivery of maternal vitamin D to the fetus

Scientists have shed new light on the role of the placenta in managing the relationships between maternal vitamin D and fetal development, according to a study published today in eLife.

9 Mar 2022

Researchers make new advances in connecting the evolution of pregnancy and cancer metastasis

Researchers from UConn Heath and Yale University have made new advances connecting the evolution of pregnancy and cancer metastasis.

8 Feb 2022

Exposure to phthalates may alter a hormone needed to sustain a healthy pregnancy

Exposure to phthalates-; a group of chemicals found in everything from plastics to personal care products to electronics-; may disrupt an important hormone needed to sustain a healthy pregnancy, according to a Rutgers study.

13 Jan 2022

Scientists examine key mechanisms underlying genomic imprinting

Hereditary diseases, along with cancers and cardiovascular diseases, may be linked to genomic imprinting.

13 Jan 2022

Genetic material found in blood samples can detect women at risk of pre-eclampsia

A study of pregnant women's blood RNA has found specific molecular profiles that identify women at risk of pre-eclampsia. These insights can identify complications before a woman experiences symptoms.

6 Jan 2022

Study reveals a tug-of-war between genes inherited from the father and the mother

Cambridge scientists have identified a key signal that the fetus uses to control its supply of nutrients from the placenta, revealing a tug-of-war between genes inherited from the father and from the mother. The study, carried out in mice, could help explain why some babies grow poorly in the womb.

28 Dec 2021

New method to generate embryo-like cell complexes from the stem cells of mice

Researchers at the University of Bonn have developed a method to generate embryo-like cell complexes from the stem cells of mice. The method provides new insights into embryonic development. In the medium term, it might also be suitable for developing tests for substances that could be harmful to fertility. The study is published in the prestigious journal Nature Communications.

17 Dec 2021