We are licenced by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority| to undertake specific projects which are important for the continuing development of treatment
Our research projects aim to:
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investigate how to improve the success rates of IVF
Immature eggs, or eggs that have failed to fertilise, and poor quality embryos, are examined for the presence of potential defects. It is hoped to develop sensitive tests which in the future will more easily be able to identify embryos which are most likely to implant.
Research paper: Mitochondrial DNA turnover occurs during preimplantation development and can be modulated by environmental factors |(PDF)
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gain more information about preimplantation diagnosis for genetic disease
Immature or unfertilised eggs or poor quality embryos which would normally be discarded, are used to improve the specialised techniques used for PGD. We aim to:
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increase the number of genetic disorders that we can offer PGD for
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check the accuracy of each of the new tests and
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develop better, simpler and more techniques
Research paper: Proof of principle and first cases using preimplantation genetic halotyping - a paradigm shift for embryo diagnosis |(PDF)
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understand how stem cells develop from early embryos
Research paper: Preimplantation genetic diagnosis as a novel source of embryos for stem cell research| (PDF)
Stem cells are very special cells that are found within the early embryo and can be isolated from an embryo which has grown for five days. These cells have the potential to grow into all the different types of tissues that make up the human body. To access these cells for research, it is necessary to separate them from the other cells and by doing this, the potential for further development as an embryo is destroyed.
The process of separating and growing the stem cells in a laboratory is a difficult process and is not successful in many cases. We try to encourage any stem cells that do grow in the laboratory to form very particular cells, for example, skin cells, muscle cells, nerve cells etc, which we can study further. Those that are developed from embryos which carry clinically relevant genetic diseases are particularly useful as it allows us to study the defective cells at the very earliest stages of their development, which can aid in the development of drugs or other means of slowing or changing the condition.
You are under no obligation to donate your spare eggs, sperm or embryos to research. Your decision will not:
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affect your acceptance for treatment or
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change in any way how your treatment is carried out.
Our research and your details
Our research is done annonymously - any information that could identify you is removed. Although the research might not directly benefit you, it aims to improve our understanding of human development and genetic disease; ultimately improving the success of this type of treatment.
All research is strictly regulated by the HFEA| and has to have the approval of the National Research Ethics Service. Research on early human embryos can be carried out only when they have been assessed as unsuitable for use in current or future (via freezing) treatment.
Taking part in research
Before we can use your spare eggs, sperm and/or embryos for research, you must sign a consent form for each research project to confirm that you agree to take part. If you have any questions or concerns about any of the research projects, please ask any of the medical, embryological or nursing staff for more information. You may decide that you wish to consent to some but not all of the research projects and this can be indicated on the consent forms.
Eggs, sperm and embryos donated to research are never used to treat other patients.