Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery by filming human embryo implantation for the first time. This achievement sheds new light on the complex process that occurs deep within the uterus, which is crucial for fertility treatments.
Before this breakthrough, scientists could only observe the early stages of embryo development, typically watching the first five days in the lab. However, the newly developed uterine model allows researchers to study implantation beyond this stage, providing a clearer understanding of how human embryos interact with their surroundings.
The experiments showed that human embryos penetrate a collagen-based matrix more aggressively than mouse embryos, creating a cavity for growth and connection. This invasive process is critical, as 60% of failed pregnancies occur during implantation or shortly after.
The new model, developed by scientists Samuel Ojosnegros and Amélie Luise Godeau, recreates the right environment for donated embryos to implant, allowing researchers to pinpoint where the embryo exerts force. This technology also enables the testing of compounds that might improve implantation rates.
This study opens a window into a previously hidden stage of development, providing valuable insights for fertility treatments and potentially leading to new breakthroughs in human reproduction.
Source: https://www.sciencealert.com/world-first-scientists-film-the-exact-moment-a-human-embryo-implants