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Articles by David Cansfield
Epigenetic reprogramming aids development of human gametes
For the first time, human stem cells that were originally skin cells have been reprogrammed into early-stage sperm and egg precursors. Published in Nature, by a team of Japanese researchers at Kyoto University, the study describes the method used to produce large quantities of early-stage sperm and egg cells from stem cells by erasing the epigenetic 'memory' that determines which genes are expressed.
HFEA to increase compensation for UK sperm and egg donors
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) has recommended that the compensation given to UK sperm and egg donors is raised for the first time in over a decade. Sperm donors are in line to receive £10 more per donation, as the recommended rate for compensation rises from £35 to £45 per donation, following a decision made at an Authority Meeting of the HFEA on 20 March 2024.
Studies cast further doubt on indiscriminate use of ICSI
No improvement was found by using intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) for non-severe male factor infertility or when male factor fertility is not the cause of couples failing to conceive, two papers have concluded. The first paper, published in The Lancet, reported results from a randomised control trial that compared the efficacy and safety of ICSI versus conventional IVF in over 2000 couples with non-severe male factor infertility.
Male age has more impact on IVF birth rate than previously thought
Advanced paternal age has been found to influence IVF live birth rates more than previously thought. Research presented in the recent and Embryology shows that having a male partner aged over 40 years significantly reduces the live birth rate for women aged between 35-39 years. These findings challenge the common belief that maternal age is the primary consideration for couples trying to conceive or undergoing fertility treatment.
3D printing used to create testicular tubules
3D printing used to create testicular tubules 4 April 2022 Appeared in BioNews 1139 Testicular tubules have been created using a 3D printing technique for the first time ever, which may provide hope for men with infertility. Researchers at the University of British Columbia, Canada studied the feasibility of growing testicular tissue in the laboratory and its potential to create sperm cells.
DNA replication occurs more slowly in totipotent stem cells
DNA replication occurs more slowly in totipotent stem cells 14 March 2022 Appeared in BioNews 1136 Totipotent stem cells appear to have a slower rate of DNA replication than other cell types, which may be linked to their efficiency at differentiating. Totipotent stem cells are present in very early-stage embryos and have the ability to differentiate into any type of cell in an organism.
Discoveries could lead to better stem cell treatments
Discoveries could lead to better stem cell treatments 31 January 2022 Appeared in BioNews 1130 Two recent blood stem cell discoveries could improve the safety and efficacy of stem cell therapies. In one study, published in the journal Nature Communications, US-based researchers from the Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre, California and University of California, Los Angeles, investigated the poorly understood mechanism that controls bone marrow regeneration.
Francis Collins steps down as NIH director after 12 years
Francis Collins steps down as NIH director after 12 years 20 December 2021 Appeared in BioNews 1126 Former head of the Human Genome Project, physician and geneticist, Dr Francis Collins has resigned from his role of the head of the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland. Collins has spent more than 12 years heading the NIH, the world's biggest public funder of biomedical research.
Artificial intelligence interprets gene variants' potential to lead to disease
Artificial intelligence interprets gene variants' potential to lead to disease 1 November 2021 Appeared in BioNews 1119 An artificial intelligence (AI) model has been developed that accurately predicts the disease-risk associated with human gene variants. The sequencing of the human genome has revealed substantial genetic variation. However, for 98 percent of gene variants, the clinical implications are unknown.
American organisations join together to develop gene therapies
American organisations join together to develop gene therapies 1 November 2021 Appeared in BioNews 1119 The National Institutes for Health (NIH), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and 15 pharmaceutical and non-profit organisations have joined together to accelerate the development of gene therapies in the USA. Taken together, rare diseases affect an estimated 30 million Americans.
Artificial intelligence shows how the X chromosome folds and unfolds
Artificial intelligence shows how the X chromosome folds and unfolds 18 October 2021 Appeared in BioNews 1117 The three-dimensional structure of the X chromosome and how it is silenced in female cells has been demonstrated by a new computational method. Using artificial intelligence, US scientists have been able to probe the 3D structure of the X chromosome and investigate how RNA causes the chromosome to fold and unfold in female embryos, leading to X inactivation.
Bio-Rad and 10x Genomics settle multiple patent rows
Bio-Rad and 10x Genomics settle multiple patent rows 2 August 2021 Appeared in BioNews 1106 Two rival biotechnology companies have settled a long-running patent dispute. Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc and 10x Genomics Inc, both based in California, have settled their disputes over patents related to single-cell analysis and microfluidics. The global settlement resolves multiple lawsuits between the two companies and dismisses all infringement claims.
Artificial intelligence predicts structure of human proteins
Artificial intelligence predicts structure of human proteins 26 July 2021 Appeared in BioNews 1105 Three-dimensional (3D) human protein structures have been predicted using artificial intelligence (AI). A new AI tool called AlphaFold correctly predicted the 3D structure of over 98 percent of all human proteins.
Alterations to 3D structure of sperm genome can impact fertility
Alterations to 3D structure of sperm genome can impact fertility 1 June 2021 Appeared in BioNews 1097 Changes to the three-dimensional (3D) structure of sperm chromosomes during sperm development can affect fertility in mice, it has been revealed. Sperm and egg development, also known as gametogenesis, involves recombination, the shuffling of genes between chromosomes.
New algorithm developed to improve personalised cancer therapy
New algorithm developed to improve personalised cancer therapy 4 May 2021 Appeared in BioNews 1093 A new algorithm could improve the personalisation of cancer medicine by recognising which tumours may be sensitive to specific treatments. Designed by researchers at the University of Cambridge, the algorithm, known as MMRDetect, was developed using data obtained through the NHS 100,000 Genomes Project (see BioNews 979).
Algorithm maps gene expression within tissues
Algorithm maps gene expression within tissues 26 April 2021 Appeared in BioNews 1092 A new algorithm can map three-dimensional patterns of gene expression. Scientists in Switzerland, have developed a new technique that can reveal the spatial pattern of gene expression inside the body without the need for imaging equipment. Named 'Tomographer', it may enable better understanding of how gene expression patterns vary across different cell types and locations within organs and tissues.
How sperm transfer epigenetic memories to the embryo
How sperm transfer epigenetic memories to the embryo 22 March 2021 Appeared in BioNews 1088 The mechanism by which environmental factors are transferred from sperm to embryo has been identified. Researchers from Canada's McGill University have discovered how epigenetic changes in sperm can transmit information to the embryo by non-DNA means. These alterations to the gene expression in sperm were caused by dietary changes, researchers found.
Crying human tear glands grown from stem cells
Crying human tear glands grown from stem cells 22 March 2021 Appeared in BioNews 1088 Human tear gland organoids, which actually produce tears, have been grown in the lab from stem cells and transplanted into mice. Tear glands are located in the upper inner corner of each eye and produce tears, which keep the eyes lubricated. When they are not working properly, as in conditions such as Sjögren's syndrome and dry-eye syndrome, this can lead to damage to the surface of the eye.
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