HUMAN REPRODUCTION

As in all other organisms reproduction is the formation of new individuals of the same species. Sexual

reproduction is the only method of reproduction in our species. Sexual reproduction involves the fusion of specialised haploid sex cells. The fusion of sperm and egg cell is called fertilisation. Fertilisation results in the formation of a diploid zygote from which a new individual develops.

Reproductive Structures

Both the male and female reproductive structures have 3 levels of organisation:

1. Production of sex cells.

2. Transport tubes.

3. Glands to secrete hormones.

The Male Reproductive System

The gonad is the name for the organ that produces sex cells in organs. The male gonads are called the testes.

The testes are contained in the scrotum.

The testes produce the sperm cells by meiosis. The temperature must be lower than body temperature for this to occur. There are tubules that are lines with sperm producing cells. Testosterone, the male sex hormone, is also produced in the testes. Once the sperm are produced they mature in the epidymis. This structure is located outside of the testis. If they are not released within about 6 weeks they are broken down and released to the bloodstream by a process called resorption. The sperm are carried to the urethra by the sperm duct. The urethra carries both sperm and urine.

The sperm cells are carried within a liquid called semen. The semen is produced by the seminal vescicles, the

prostate gland, and Cowpers glands. The semen also contains nourishment for the sperm cells.

Sperm cells are released by ejaculation. About 50-300 million sperm cells are released at one time.

Sperm cells, also called spermatozoa, are haploid containing 23 chromosomes. Their production begins at puberty.

The penis is adapted to place sperm cells into the female. The tip is called the glans. Erection occurs when blood rushes into the penis.

THE STRUCTURE OF THE SPERM CELL

Watch an animation about sperm production.

Take some online quizzes on the male reproductive parts.

Quiz # 1

Quiz # 2

Quiz # 3

Quiz # 4

MALE HORMONES

Male hormones are produced by the pituitary gland during puberty. They are:

TESTOSTERONE

During the period of pregnancy testosterone causes the development of primary male sex characteristics. These include the development of the penis and the other male reproductive parts.

Later in life, at puberty, testosterone causes the enlargement of the reproductive parts as well as the development of secondary sexual characteristics. These are characteristics that distinguish males from females.

Male secondary sexual characteristics included:

2. enlarged larynx producing a deeper voice

3. wider shoulders

4. greater skeletal muscular development

5. growth in height and weight

MALE INFERTILITY

The most common cause of male infertility is the low production of sperm. There are many causes of low sperm production. Stress, alcohol and drug abuse, high temperature of the testes, and low testosterone production are all causes.

THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

OVARIES

Ovaries produce eggs and female hormones. At puberty there are about 40,000 diploid eggs. Each egg is enclosed in a group of cells called a follicle. About 20 haploid eggs are produced each month. Usually all but one die. The haploid egg cell is called the ovum and is surrounded by the Graafian follicle which produces the female hormone called oestrogen. Ovulation is the release of the egg from the follicle. This occurs when the follicle bursts.

FALLOPIAN TUBES

The fallopian tubes are about 12 cm long and have ends that are funnel shaped. These ends collect the egg after ovulation. Cilia and peristalsis move the egg along the tube. The egg will die in the tube if it is not fertilised.

UTERUS

The uterus, also known as the womb, is made of involuntary muscle. It is lines with the endometrium. This lining thickens with cells and blood every month. This happens in order to nourish the embryo (if present). The opening of the uterus is called the cervix.

VAGINA

The vagina is a muscular tube which allows the sperm to enter the female as well as the baby to exit. It is lined with mucous secreting cells. The uretrhra opens near the vagina. The vagina is protected by folds of skin called the vulva. The hymen partially blocks the entrance of the vagina. It is broken by sexual intercourse or with the use of tampons.

Take some short online quizzes on the female reproductive parts:

Quiz # 1

Quiz # 2

Quiz # 3

Quiz # 4

Quiz # 5

THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE

The menstrual cycle occurs every 28 days from puberty to menopause (the end of the females reproductive life). It occurs only if fertilisation of the egg has not taken place.

The typical events of the menstrual cycle are:

Day 1 to day 5-

a. The endometrium breaks down and is shed from the body. This is called menstruation.

b. Meiosis occus in the ovary to produce a new egg surrounded by the Graafian follicle.

Day 6 to day 13-

a. Oestrogen is produced by the Graafian follicle. Oestrogen also stimulates the endometrium to thicken again. One Graafian follicle with one egg develops.

b. Oestrogen stimulates the production of LH (leuteinising hormone)

Day 14-

a. The surge of LH stimulates ovulation.

b. The egg enters the funnel of the Fallopian tube. It can be fertilised for the next 48 hours.

Day 15 to day 26-

a. The corpus luteum (yellow body) develops from the remains of the Graafian follicle. This produced progesterone and some oestrogen. The progesterone causes the endometrium to continue to thicken. It also prevents new eggs from forming.

b. The egg that was released at day 14 will die if it is not fertilised.

c. If fertilisation did not take place the corpus luteum begins to degenerate.

Day 26 to day 28-

a. Oestrogen and progesterone levels decline.

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HUMAN REPRODUCTION - leavingbio.net

The Center for Human Reproduction is the longest standing fertility center on Long Island and is a leader in reproductive and infertility medicine, as well as research into the reproductive sciences. The center is nationally respected for its high success rates and internationally recognized for its scientific achievements. The highly trained physicians are board-certified specialists in reproductive medicine.

The center is located on the Manhasset campus of North Shore University Hospital and is home to state-of-the-art procedure and recovery rooms, as well as the areas most advanced and secure andrology and embryology laboratories. The center provides complete clinical services, the most current surgical techniques, and the full spectrum of assisted reproduction technologies, including in-vitro fertilization (IVF), preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and a donor egg program, in a single, convenient location. The center also has office locations in Manhattan, Queens and throughout Long Island.

Learn more by watching the video below and visitingthe Center for Human Reproduction website.

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Unlike the male, the human female has a reproductive system located entirely in the pelvis. The external part of the female reproductive organs is called the vulva, which means covering. Located between the legs, the vulva covers the opening to the vagina and other reproductive organs located inside the body.

The fleshy area located just above the top of the vaginal opening is called the mons pubis. Two pairs of skin flaps called the labia (which means lips) surround the vaginal opening. The clitoris, a small sensory organ, is located toward the front of the vulva where the folds of the labia join. Between the labia are openings to the urethra (the canal that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body) and vagina. Once girls become sexually mature, the outer labia and the mons pubis are covered by pubic hair.

A female's internal reproductive organs are the vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.

The vagina is a muscular, hollow tube that extends from the vaginal opening to the uterus. The vagina is about 3 to 5 inches (8 to 12 centimeters) long in a grown woman. Because it has muscular walls, it can expand and contract. This ability to become wider or narrower allows the vagina to accommodate something as slim as a tampon and as wide as a baby. The vagina's muscular walls are lined with mucous membranes, which keep it protected and moist.

The vagina serves three purposes:

A thin sheet of tissue with one or more holes in it called the hymen partially covers the opening of the vagina. Hymens are often different from female to female. Most women find their hymens have stretched or torn after their first sexual experience, and the hymen may bleed a little (this usually causes little, if any, pain). Some women who have had sex don't have much of a change in their hymens, though.

The vagina connects with the uterus, or womb, at the cervix (which means neck). The cervix has strong, thick walls. The opening of the cervix is very small (no wider than a straw), which is why a tampon can never get lost inside a girl's body. During childbirth, the cervix can expand to allow a baby to pass.

The uterus is shaped like an upside-down pear, with a thick lining and muscular walls in fact, the uterus contains some of the strongest muscles in the female body. These muscles are able to expand and contract to accommodate a growing fetus and then help push the baby out during labor. When a woman isn't pregnant, the uterus is only about 3 inches (7.5 centimeters) long and 2 inches (5 centimeters) wide.

At the upper corners of the uterus, the fallopian tubes connect the uterus to the ovaries. The ovaries are two oval-shaped organs that lie to the upper right and left of the uterus. They produce, store, and release eggs into the fallopian tubes in the process called ovulation. Each ovary measures about 1 to 2 inches (4 to 5 centimeters) in a grown woman.

There are two fallopian tubes, each attached to a side of the uterus. The fallopian tubes are about 4 inches (10 centimeters) long and about as wide as a piece of spaghetti. Within each tube is a tiny passageway no wider than a sewing needle. At the other end of each fallopian tube is a fringed area that looks like a funnel. This fringed area wraps around the ovary but doesn't completely attach to it. When an egg pops out of an ovary, it enters the fallopian tube. Once the egg is in the fallopian tube, tiny hairs in the tube's lining help push it down the narrow passageway toward the uterus.

The ovaries are also part of the endocrine system because they produce female sex hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.

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Female Reproductive System - KidsHealth

Dear Colleagues, The International Academy of Human Reproduction (IAHR) will host the next World Congress on Human Reproduction 2015 in Berlin. We invite you to mark the date, location and themes of this prestigious conference. Starting in 1974 in Rio de Janero, the IAHR has held successful World Congress every three years in Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas and Australia. The IAHR Scientific Program Committee will put together a phenomenal program including presentations by international experts on a range of subjects. The Berlin Congress in 2015 will focus on state of the art and innovative topics, looking forward to the future of human reproduction. The more scientific-specific themes will address the new challenges posed by globalization and new technologies.

These, combined with more complex ethical, clinical, social norms, religious beliefsand costs are areas which clinicians and scientists must tackle on a daily basis. Learning new skills has always been the Academys role and we shall intensify this in the 2015 Berlin Congress. Today modern Berlin is the open-minded scientific and cultural melting pot of East and West Europe. Berlin is an exciting city of contrasts. Thousands of restaurants, hundreds of theatres, operas, and museums are waiting for you. Every year, millions of people from all over the world are enjoying one of the most interesting cities of Europe.

Herzlich Willkommen in Berlin 2015! Welcome to Berlin 2015!

President of the CongressMettler Liselotte (DE) Holzgreve Wolfgang (DE) Local Organizing Committee Beier Henning (DE) Birkhauser Martin (CH) Buchholz Tina (DE) Dietrich Klaus (DE) Ebert Andreas (DE) Egarter Christian (AT)Halis Guelden (DE) Huber Johannes (AT) Kentenich Herbert (DE) Kiesel Ludwig (DE) Mechsner Sylvia (DE) Rabe Thomas (DE) Tandler-Schneider Andreas (DE) Stumm Markus (DE) Thaler Christian (DE) Tinneberg Hans (DE)Tunn FR. (DE)

President Joseph G. Schenker (IL)

Executive Andrea R. Genazzani (IT) Liselotte Mettler (DE) John Sciarra (US) Martin Birkhuser (CH)

Members * Elected in 2014 Adamyan Leyla (RU) Barri Pedro (ES) Benagiano Giuseppe (IT) Beier Henning (DE) Ben-Rafael Zion (IL) Buchholz Tina (DE)* Coutifaris Christos (US) Creatsas George (GR) De Cherney Alan (US) Devoto Luigi (CL) Diedrich Klaus (DE) Di Renzo Gian Carlo (IT) Giudice Linda (US)* Gomel Victor (CA) Holzgreve Wolfang (CH) Khomasuridze Archil (GE) Klimek Rudolf (PL) Kovacs Gabor (AU) Kupesic Sanja (US)* Kurjak Asim (HR) Laufer Neri (IL) Naftolin Frederick (US) Patrizio Pasquale (US) Regan Lesley (GB)* Shoham Zeev (IL) Simoncini Tommaso (IT)* Strauss Jerome F. (US) Tan Lin Seang (CA) Taylor Hugh (US)* Trounson Alan (AU) Vartej Petrache (RO)

Honorary members * Elected in 2014 Arulkumaran Sabaratnam (GB)* Biran Affandi (ID) Bitzer Johannes (DE)* Bongso Ariff (SG) Brosens Ivo (BE)* Chervanek Frank (US)* Coutinho Elsimar (BR) Donnez Jacques (BE)* Driscoll Debra (US)* Fathalla Mahmoud (EG) Frydman Rene (FR) Gedis Grudzinskas (GB)* Hamberger Lars (SE) Jacobs Howard (GB) Jones Jr Howard (US) Mori Takahide (JP) Seppala Markku (FI) Simpson Joe Leigh (US)* Serour Gamal (EG)* Skouby Sven (DK)* Stuart Campbell (GB) Suzuki Shuetsu (JP) Wallach Edward (UD) Wei -Xiong L. (CN)

1st 1974 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 2nd 1979 Tel Aviv, Israel 3rd 1981 Berlin, Germany 4th 1983 Bombay, India 5th 1985 Athens, Greece 6th 1987 Tokyo, Japan 7th 1990 Helsinki, Finland 8th 1993 Bali, Indonesia 9th 1996 Philadelphia, USA 10th 1999 Salvador, Brazil 11th 2002 Montreal, Canada 12th 2005 Venice, Italy 13th 2009 Venice, Italy 14th 2011 Melbourne, Australia 15th 2013 Venice, Italy

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Presentation | World Congress on Human Reproduction 2015

The human reproductive system usually involves internal fertilization by sexual intercourse. During this process, the male inserts his erect penis into the female's vagina and ejaculates semen, which contains sperm. The sperm then travels through the vagina and cervix into the uterus or fallopian tubes for fertilization of the ovum. Upon successful fertilization and implantation, gestation of the fetus then occurs within the female's uterus for approximately nine months, this process is known as pregnancy in humans. Gestation ends with birth, the process of birth is known as labor. Labor consists of the muscles of the uterus contracting, the cervix dilating, and the baby passing out the vagina (the female genital organ). Human's babies and children are nearly helpless and require high levels of parental care for many years. One important type of parental care is the use of the mammary glands in the female breasts to nurse the baby.[1]

The female reproductive system has two functions: The first is to produce egg cells, and the second is to protect and nourish the offspring until birth. The male reproductive system has one function, and it is to produce and deposit sperm. Humans have a high level of sexual differentiation. In addition to differences in nearly every reproductive organ, numerous differences typically occur in secondary sexual characteristics.

The male reproductive system is a series of organs located outside of the body and around the pelvis region of a male that contribute towards the reproduction process. The primary direct function of the male reproductive system is to provide the male sperm for fertilization of the ovum.

The major reproductive organs of the male can be grouped into three categories. The first category is sperm production and storage. Production takes place in the testes which are housed in the temperature regulating scrotum, immature sperm then travel to the epididymis for development and storage. The second category are the ejaculatory fluid producing glands which include the seminal vesicles, prostate, and the vas deferens. The final category are those used for copulation, and deposition of the spermatozoa (sperm) within the male, these include the penis, urethra, vas deferens, and Cowper's gland.

Major secondary sexual characteristics includes: larger, more muscular stature, deepened voice, facial and body hair, broad shoulders, and development of an adam's apple. An important sexual hormone of males is androgen, and particularly testosterone.

The testes release a hormone that controls the development of sperm. This hormone is also responsible for the development of physical characteristics in men such as facial hair and a deep voice.

The human female reproductive system is a series of organs primarily located inside of the body and around the pelvic region of a female that contribute towards the reproductive process. The human female reproductive system contains three main parts: the vagina, which leads from the vulva, the vaginal opening, to the uterus; the uterus, which holds the developing fetus; and the ovaries, which produce the female's ova. The breasts are involved during the parenting stage of reproduction, but in most classifications they are not considered to be part of the female reproductive system.

The vagina meets the outside at the vulva, which also includes the labia, clitoris and urethra; during intercourse this area is lubricated by mucus secreted by the Bartholin's glands. The vagina is attached to the uterus through the cervix, while the uterus is attached to the ovaries via the fallopian tubes. Each ovary contains hundreds of egg cells or ova (singular ovum).

Approximately every 28 days, the pituitary gland releases a hormone that stimulates some of the ova to develop and grow. One ovum is released and it passes through the fallopian tube into the uterus. Hormones produced by the ovaries prepare the uterus to receive the ovum. The lining of the uterus, called the endometrium, and unfertilized ova are shed each cycle through the process of menstruation. If the ovum is fertilized by sperm, it attaches to the endometrium and the fetus develops.

The development of the reproductive system and urinary systems are closely tied in the development of the human fetus. Despite the differences between the adult male and female reproductive system, there are a number of homologous structures shared between them due to their common origins within the fetus. Both organ systems are derived from the intermediate mesoderm. The three main fetal precursors of the reproductive organs are the Wolffian duct, Mllerian ducts, and the gonad. Endocrine hormones are a well known and critical controlling factor in the normal differentiation of the reproductive system.[2]

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Human reproductive system - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Human cloning is the creation of a genetically identical copy of a human. The term is generally used to refer to artificial human cloning, which is the reproduction of human cells and tissue. It does not refer to the natural conception and delivery of identical twins. The possibility of human cloning has raised controversies. These ethical concerns have prompted several nations to pass laws regarding human cloning and its legality.

Two commonly discussed types of theoretical human cloning are: therapeutic cloning and reproductive cloning. Therapeutic cloning would involve cloning cells from a human for use in medicine and transplants, and is an active area of research, but is not in medical practice anywhere in the world, as of 2015. Two common methods of therapeutic cloning that are being researched are somatic-cell nuclear transfer and, more recently, pluripotent stem cell induction. Reproductive cloning would involve making an entire cloned human, instead of just specific cells or tissues.

Although the possibility of cloning humans had been the subject of speculation for much of the twentieth century, scientists and policy makers began to take the prospect seriously in the 1960s.

Nobel Prize-winning geneticist Joshua Lederberg advocated cloning and genetic engineering in an article in The American Naturalist in 1966 and again, the following year, in The Washington Post.[1] He sparked a debate with conservative bioethicist Leon Kass, who wrote at the time that "the programmed reproduction of man will, in fact, dehumanize him." Another Nobel Laureate, James D. Watson, publicized the potential and the perils of cloning in his Atlantic Monthly essay, "Moving Toward the Clonal Man", in 1971.[2]

With the cloning of a sheep known as Dolly in 1996 by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), the idea of human cloning became a hot debate topic.[3] Many nations outlawed it, while a few scientists promised to make a clone within the next few years. The first hybrid human clone was created in November 1998, by Advanced Cell Technology. It was created using SCNT - a nucleus was taken from a man's leg cell and inserted into a cow's egg from which the nucleus had been removed, and the hybrid cell was cultured, and developed into an embryo. The embryo was destroyed after 12 days.[4]

In 2004 and 2005, Hwang Woo-suk, a professor at Seoul National University, published two separate articles in the journal Science claiming to have successfully harvested pluripotent, embryonic stem cells from a cloned human blastocyst using somatic-cell nuclear transfer techniques. Hwang claimed to have created eleven different patent-specific stem cell lines. This would have been the first major breakthrough in human cloning.[5] However, in 2006 Science retracted both of his articles on clear evidence that much of his data from the experiments was fabricated.[6]

On January 2008, Dr. Andrew French and Samuel Wood of the biotechnology company Stemagen announced that they successfully created the first five mature human embryos using SCNT. In this case, each embryo was created by taking a nucleus from a skin cell (donated by Wood and a colleague) and inserting it into a human egg from which the nucleus had been removed. The embyros were developed only to the blastocyst stage, at which point they were studied in processes that destroyed them. Members of the lab said that their next set of experiments would aim to generate embryonic stem cell lines; these are the "holy grail" that would be useful for therapeutic or reproductive cloning.[7][8]

In 2011, scientists at the New York Stem Cell Foundation announced that they had succeeded in generating embyronic stem cell lines, but their process involved leaving the oocyte's nucleus in place, resulting in triploid cells, which would not be useful for cloning.[10][11]

In 2013, a group of scientists led by Shoukhrat Mitalipov published the first report of embryonic stem cells created using SCNT. In this experiment, the researchers developed a protocol for using SCNT in human cells, which differs slightly from the one used in other organisms. Four embryonic stem cell lines from human fetal somatic cells were derived from those blastocysts. All four lines were derived using oocytes from the same donor, ensuring that all mitochondrial DNA inherited was identical. A year later, a team led by Robert Lanza at Advanced Cell Technology reported that they had replicated Mitalipov's results and further demonstrated the effectiveness by cloning adult cells using SCNT.[3][12]

In somatic cell nuclear transfer ("SCNT"), the nucleus of a somatic cell is taken from a donor and transplanted into a host egg cell, which had its own genetic material removed previously, making it an enucleated egg. After the donor somatic cell genetic material is transferred into the host oocyte with a micropipette, the somatic cell genetic material is fused with the egg using an electric current. Once the two cells have fused, the new cell can be permitted to grow in a surrogate or artificially.[13] This is the process that was used to successfully clone Dolly the sheep (see section on History in this article).[3]

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Celebration Party of Serbian Human Reproduction Society Annual Meeting 2014 -
Diner Party in BELGRADE December 5th 2014 Annual Scientific Meeting Serbian Human Reproduction Society.

By: Nebojsa Radunovic

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Celebration Party of Serbian Human Reproduction Society Annual Meeting 2014 - - Video

Bill Morgan The Miracle of Human Reproduction part 1

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Bill Morgan The Miracle of Human Reproduction part 3

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Bill Morgan The Miracle of Human Reproduction part 3 - Video

Bill Morgan The Miracle of Human Reproduction part 2

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Nat #39;l Geo Human Reproduction
I wrote this for the National Geographic #39;s CD-ROM series. Written and produced in the late 1980s. I #39;m really pleased to have been able to insert in this sex-...

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Nat'l Geo Human Reproduction - Video

God #39;s Early Sketches of Human Reproduction
Bill Plympton Cartoon.

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God's Early Sketches of Human Reproduction - Video

I.Zhordania institute of human reproduction (slideshow)

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Muhammad Explains Human Reproduction (Islam and Science, Part Two)
http://www.answeringmuslims.com Many Muslim speakers and apologists assert that the Qur #39;an contains scientific miracles, and that Muhammad made claims about ...

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VFS Centre For Human Reproduction, an ISO 9001-2008 certified ART Centre offers a comprehensive range of infertility services under one roof and we are known for our innovation, integrity,...

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VFS Centre For Human Reproduction, an ISO 9001-2008 certified ART Centre offers a comprehensive range of infertility services under one roof and we are known for our innovation, integrity,...

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As if Pregnant women didn't have enough to worry about, many are now facing into added stress and uncertainity due to the coronavirus.

Since the first outbreak in China, the information available to pregnant women on how the virus affects unborn babies or whether mams-to-be are more susceptible to catching it in the first place, has been extremely limited.

So what do you need to know? The health experts are still unclear as to how exactly COVID-19 affects pregnant women and their babies.

One of the biggest risks of the virus according to the HSE is a High temperature, they explain: "One of the symptoms of coronavirus is fever (high temperature). This can increase the risk of complications during the first trimester (week 0 to 13)."

They urge pregnant women if you have a high temperature and you are pregnant, phone your GP or midwife.

When you are pregnant, your body naturally weakens your immune system. This is to help your pregnancy continue successfully. It means that when you are pregnant you may pick up infections more easily.

All pregnant women should get the flu vaccine. This will protect you and your baby from the flu, not from coronavirus.

The HSE advise that if you have coronavirus, there are extra precautions they will need to take before, during and after your baby's birth. Your obstetrician or midwife should talk to you about the safest way and time for your baby to be born.

Other expert doctors may also be involved in your care. These might include a doctor who specialises in infectious diseases and a neonatologist. This is a doctor who specialises in the care of newborn babies.

You may be in an isolation room with en-suite facilities during labour. You may need to stay in this room throughout your hospital stay.

You will not have to wear a facemask during labour and birth. But you will need to wear a surgical mask when youre outside your room.

Other than your doctor or midwife, only one other person may stay with you for the delivery. This could be a partner or family member. They will need to wear protective equipment to minimise the risk of infection.

If you have coronavirus, your doctor or midwife will discuss your options for after your baby is born.

One option may be to arrange for someone else to care for your baby while you wait for coronavirus to pass. This is to protect your baby from catching the virus.

A family member or a healthcare worker can provide this care. This could be provided at home or in the hospital. How long this lasts for will vary. The advice will depend on your symptoms and the results of any tests you have had.

If you choose to care for your baby after the birth, your doctor or midwife will explain the risk.

You and your baby will then be isolated in a single room with an en-suite bathroom. Your baby will be in an enclosed incubator in your room. An incubator is a special crib made of plastic, it keeps your baby warm. You will be able to see your baby in the incubator.

When your baby is outside the incubator for breastfeeding, bathing or caring you will need to:

Your baby should be observed for signs of infection. This will be for at least 14 days after the last contact with you. If your baby develops any signs of infection, they will need to be tested.

You will be advised about how many visitors you and your baby can have. In some cases, this might be just you and your partner. All visitors will need to wear protective equipment to wear.

If you have coronavirus and you are caring for your baby, you will be encouraged to breastfeed as normal.

You may decide to express breast milk so that someone else can feed your baby. This is usually your partner or a close family member. You might do this if you feel too unwell to breastfeed. Your healthcare team may also advise you that this is the safest way to feed your baby.

If you breastfeed

According to the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology there is no strong evidence of any negative effects of Covid-19 infection on pregnancies, especially those at early stages.

There are a few reported cases of women positive for Covid-19 who delivered healthy infants free of the disease.

However, they add that some of medical treatment given to severely infected patients may indicate the use of drugs which are contraindicated in pregnant women.

Therefore as a precautionary measure they advise all fertility patients considering or planning treatment should avoid becoming pregnant at this time.

For those patients already having treatment, they suggest considering deferred pregnancy or embryo freezing for later embryo transfer.

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What you need to know about Coronavirus and pregnancy in Ireland - RSVP Live

US Scientists Just Edited a Human Embryo for the First Time. (Yes, People Are Freaking Out.)Ben Birchall/Associated Press

For the first known time in the United States, scientists used a gene-editing technique called CRISPR to modify early-stage human embryos, according to a report published Wednesday in MIT Technology Review.

Since the development several years ago ofCRISPR, a tool that allows scientists to change sequences of DNA within a cell, scientists have speculated about its potential to free families of genetic disease or stop the spread of other diseases like malaria, among other possibilities. But the technology also raises major ethical questions.

Heres a quick rundown of the latest breakthroughand how it could change the way we think about humanreproduction and, well, humans themselves.

How did the experiment work?

According to MIT Technology Reviews report, a team of researchers at Oregon Health & Science University, led by geneticist Shoukhrat Mitalipov, used CRISPR to correct disease-causing genes in human embryos. Its not yet clear whether these were viable embryosembryos that could, theoretically, grow into humans.

A wide range of diseaseslike Huntingtons, sickle-cell anemia, and Tay-Sachs, for exampleare caused by mutations in genes. Its also not clear what genes Mitalipov and his team edited in their experiment. But regardless, it appears that their study was successful in a couple ways: First, they reportedly edited a greater number of embryos than scientists had in previous studies. Second, Mitalipov and his team claim they did so without causing as manyerrors as previous scientists.

CRISPR has been used to edit human embryos a few times before; Chinese scientists did it in March. But in prior experiments, scientists ran into problems when CRISPR edits were taken up only by some of the cells in an embryo. This is called mosaicism:it means that the child that develops from the embryo could still inherit the disease that scientists tried to edit away.

According to MITs report, Mitalipov reduced the occurrence of mosaicism and seemed to largely avoid off-target edits (another kind of CRISPR error, wherein scientists accidentally alter a gene other than the one they aim to change).

Why is this important?

A couple reasons. First, its the only known attempt to use CRISPR to edit human embryos in the United States. More on the legality of that below.

Second, if this attempt really was successful, its big news for people whose families carry genetic disease. In theory, using this technique, scientists could edit not just our offspring, but our offsprings offspring. This is called human germline editing. When scientists edit the DNA in an embryo, the changes will theoretically be inherited by each successive generation, permanently fixing the germlinethe genetic inheritanceof a family.

This seems ethically complex.

Right. The ethics and laws surrounding human germline editingare murky. Scientists in favor of human germlinemodification often argue that the techniquewill help us reduce the occurrence of genetic diseases.

But criticsdisagree.This is just not needed for preventing inheritable disease, said Marcy Darnovsky, Executive Director of the Center for Genetics and Society. There are [other techniques that] can already be used safely to prevent the births of children with serious genetic diseases in almost every case. One example of such a technique is preimplantation diagnosis, commonly referred to as PGD, which allows parents to screen embryos for certain disease-causing genes before implanting them through in vitro fertilization (IVF). But its not always effectiveif someone carries two copies of a defective gene, for example, all their embryos would carry that gene, as well.

Darnovsky also worries about safety. Despite whatever the claims are about safety, [like] no mosaicism, we still dont know if that would mean its safe to create a new human being and anyone who tried it would be taking an enormous and unacceptable risk with that future persons life.

Another concern: Right now, scientists aresupposed to stick to editing disease-causing genes. But the technology opens up the possibility of editing genes for enhancementallowing parents to edit for certain kinds of physical and behavioral characteristics in their children. Darnovsky worries that this would usher in an era of genetic discrimination. That would be layering new forms of inequality and discrimination onto the ones we already live with, she said.

Is this legal?

Probably.In 2015, Congress passed a law forbidding the Food and Drug Administration from reviewing applications for germline editing of human embryos, meaning no clinical trials can move forward with FDA funding. We dont yet knowhow Mitalipov funded his project, but assuming it was funded privately, its perfectly legal.

That wouldnt be the case in many other countries. The Center for Genetics and Society reports that over 40 countries, including most with established biotech sectors, have established legal prohibitions on germline modification for human reproduction. An international treaty also prohibits it. The United States has no such policy.

Whats next?

Well know more once the study is released, but its worth noting that in February of this year, the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy published a report that said human germline editing could be permitted in the future. It outlined criteria for germline editing, recommending that it only be used for disease prevention. The authors of the report wrote that editing for the enhancement of human traits and capacities should not be allowed at this time. But the report didnt eliminate the possibility of editing for enhancement in the future.

Reactions to the report were mixed. Some experts, like Darnovsky, feel that human germline modification should not be done for any purpose. But in an interview with Science, Eric Lander, president and founding director of MIT and Harvards Broad Institute, a genomics research center, said he thought the report struck the right balance of optimism and caution. They want to put friction tape on the slope so the slope isnt slippery, Lander said. Whether and for how long the tape will hold is an open question.

More:
US Scientists Just Edited a Human Embryo for the First Time. (Yes, People Are Freaking Out.) - Mother Jones

Do you want to participate to the translation of a research idea in a real commercial solution? Do you want to improve methods for animal research and reduce the use of animals in research? Are you excited about contributing to scientific research in fertility? Are you able to manage a multicentre project, connect with international users and analyse their feedback?

We are looking for a proactive individual to join our multidisciplinary team in Leeds and to validate our new technology with end users and define a commercial product.

Our group is focused on the development of new techniques and devices for improving for diagnosis and treatment of infertility. In our team we couple our knowledge and experience in engineering and entrepreneurship with reproductive science and assistive reproductive technology to propose new solutions to current limitation in animal and human reproduction.

This vacancy is created by an NC3Rs Medical Research Council (MRC) Business Growth Scheme (BGS) grant awarded to Dr. Pensabene which aims to complete the validation of a microfluidic device for mouse embryo culture, to complete a thorough stakeholder and market analysis in preparation for the commercialization of the technology. You will work on theBGS project(From challenge to solution: definition of the characteristics of a new disposable product to improve murine embryos handling and transfer procedures) managing the full project and all the activities.

The manufacturing will be conducted by an external company, that will be instructed by you in terms of device characteristics, materials and delivery time. The external validation will be carried out at the Francis Crick Institute and at the University of Oxford and you will coordinate the experiments and analyse the results. A final phase will be dedicated to the definition of the end users needs and the optimization of the product for commercialization purpose.

Holding a PhD (or close to completion) in Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, Material Science, Biology, Physics or related disciplines, you will have a proven laboratory experience and track-record in biotechnology, cell culture and microscopy, together with a proactive, enthusiastic approach to research and innovation.

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:

Virginia Pensabene, PhD, University Academic Fellow in Electronic and Electrical Engineering

Tel: +44 (0) 771 3371521 or email:v.pensabene@leeds.ac.uk

Further information

The Schools in the Faculty of Engineering & Physical Sciences are proud to have been awarded theAthena SWANBronzeorSilverAwardfromthe Equality Challenge Unit, the national body that promotes equality in the higher education sector. Ourequality and inclusion webpageprovides more information.

Location: Leeds - Main CampusFaculty/Service: Faculty of Engineering & Physical SciencesSchool/Institute: School of Electronic & Electrical EngineeringSection: The Pollard InstituteCategory: ResearchGrade: Grade 7Salary: 33,797 to 40,322 p.a. pro rataWorking Time: 50% full time equivalentPost Type: Part TimeContract Type: Fixed Term (Up to one year, available from 15 January 2020, to end by 14 January 2021)Release Date: Wednesday 04 December 2019Closing Date: Sunday 05 January 2020Interview Date: To be confirmedDownloads: Candidate Brief

Original post:
Research Fellow in Microfluidic Medical Devices job with UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS | 188671 - Times Higher Education (THE)

If you care about the rights of women to make their own reproductive choices, 2020 is the year that matters.

Its too late to do anything about the current makeup of the court except, of course, for women and the people who love them to be very, very loud in our support of abortion rights, and signal that there will be a serious cost if the court overturns or scales back Roe.

But abortion rights supporters need to understand that the anti-abortion movement will not be content to simply overturn Roe. Nor will they be content with what they say is their goal to let the states decide. They will campaign not just at a state level but at a federal one to outlaw abortion wholesale in the United States.

This is the very real threat of 2020: Not just the end of Roe, which itself would be catastrophic, but an end to safe, legal abortion anywhere in the United States of America.

Democratic candidates, and voters, must face this threat head-on.

That means, yes, expecting that a Democratic president will do as Trump has done and appoint as many federal judges as possible the younger the better. If Roe is overturned, it will throw state abortion laws into chaos, and lawsuits over abortion rights (and abortion restrictions) will proliferate. Federal appeals courts will have the final say in most of these cases. Good judges who are not rightwing ideologues will be crucial to retain any semblance of basic human rights for women.

It also means a president who understands abortion rights are not safe in the courts alone, and require proactive protective measures. A federal law enshrining the right of all women to make intimate decisions about reproduction, including a right to abortion and contraception, is more necessary than ever.

Refreshingly, several Democratic candidates, including Elizabeth Warren, Cory Booker, Pete Buttigieg and Bernie Sanders, support such a law. Kamala Harris has even suggested an abortion rights version of the Voting Rights Act, requiring states with a history of misogynist anti-abortion laws to get federal approval before they are permitted to enact new abortion restrictions.

That codifying abortion rights into federal law is no longer a fringe Democratic position is a testament to the good work of abortion rights groups, who have spent decades pushing politicians to be proactive on abortion, not just reactive to restrictions. But offering rhetorical support for a position is easy. One question pro-choice voters should ask all candidates: is protecting reproductive freedom a very top priority?

There is a long list of other ideas progressive Democratic candidates should be putting on their agendas. Repealing the Hyde amendment, which restricts federal Medicaid dollars from paying for elective abortions, has already been embraced if not prioritized by most of the Democratic field. They should all pledge to repeal the Helms amendment, too, which places similar restrictions on US dollars spent on health and development overseas. A Democratic president should push Congress to permanently repeal the Global Gag Rule, which restricts not just abortion but even speech about abortion outside of US borders.

The US also lags in access to abortion medication, thanks to a spate of state restrictions; a federal abortion rights law should address that, too, and offer protections for women who self-induce their own abortions because they dont have access to a safe, legal, affordable option. Abortions are also largely relegated to clinics because many hospitals wont perform them. Any hospital that receives federal funds should be required to offer patients a full slate of reproductive healthcare, including contraception, emergency contraception and abortion. Insurance companies, too, should be required to fully cover abortion and contraception and if the leftiest of Democratic candidates wins and their universal healthcare plans come to fruition, abortion must be treated like any other medical procedure and covered accordingly.

If Donald Trump (or any Republican) wins in 2020, it could signal the end of abortion rights as we know it. Its more crucial than ever to have a Democrat in office who wont just pay the usual lip service to womens rights, but prioritize and push forward a plan to secure abortion access for all American women no matter what the supreme court does.

View post:
2020 could see an end to safe, legal abortion anywhere in America - The Guardian