In Vitro Pregnancy Rates Improve With New Device That Mimics Motions In The Body

Researchers at the University of Michigan have created a device that is able to gently rock embryos grown in vitro in a way very similar to what they would experience inside the body. The motion of the movement of the egg through the Fallopian tubes to the uterus is simulated to closely match in vivo conditions. Dr. Shu Takayama explains, "By making the cells feel more at home, we get better cells, which is the key to having better infertility treatment." The device is composed of a funnel the size of a thimble that allows nutrients to reach the embryo and for waste to flow out. This process is powered by rows of Braille pins that pulse with an electric current similar to that of the muscles of the human body. Mouse embryos grown in this device were twenty two percent more likely to result in a lasting pregnancy than embryos grown statically in a dish. This method, if proven effective for human embryos, could increase the current in vitro fertilization success rate of thirty five percent. One in six couples struggle with infertility problems, and this innovation could not only increase the likelihood of having a successful pregnancy, but it could also allow less embryos to be implanted so that multiples such as twins and triplets occur less often.

Article: http://insciences.org/article.php?article_id=8132

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