Genomes of identical twins start to diverge in the womb
Appeared in BioNews 1078
Identical twins may not in fact be genetically identical at birth, according to a new study by researchers in Iceland.
Researchers found that twin-specific genetic mutations could occur while embryos were still developing inside the womb. The team were also able to pinpoint at which stage in development the mutations occurred, by searching for them in relatives of the twins. The study provides new insights into how monozygotic or identical twins form from a single egg cell. These are exciting times that allow us to use mutations to shed light on the development of humans at these first stages, said Dr Kári Stefánsson, joint senior author and CEO of deCODE Genetics in Reykjavik, Iceland, where the research was carried out.
Warrensburg Animal Shelter Saved
Warresnburg Animal Rescue (WAR), the group formed to save Old Drum and Friends Animal Shelter in Warrensburg is set to take over the shelter on January 1.
On Monday December 14 the Warrensburg City Council passed an ordinance authorizing an agreement to ensure the continuation of animal shelter operations. The agreement ensures the shelter will remain open through the end of 2021 with Warrensburg Animal Rescue providing animal services to the community and region. In exchange the City will allow Warrensburg Animal Rescue to use the current facilities of the shelter at not cost.
As part of the agreement, a county-wide measure to finance the shelter beyond 2021 will be on the April General Municipal Election ballot. If it passes, the animal shelter will be funded for the foreseeable future.
Acoustic waves used to select high-quality sperm in IVF
Appeared in BioNews 1076
A new approach which uses sound waves to filter sperm for IVF has been developed by Australian researchers.
The research team combined acoustic waves with fluid dynamics to sort high-quality sperm from semen samples, which they hope could eventually improve IVF success in patients. The method selects sperm cells on the basis of size, shape, and DNA integrity, rather than just motility. Sperm preparation or selection is a key step in assisted reproduction, being performed right before fertilising the egg, said Dr Reza Nosrati, joint senior author at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. Our process aims to select better sperm within a faster time frame, so hopefully this can lead to improved outcomes in assisted reproduction.