Researchers at the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) and Dexeus University hospital have made a groundbreaking discovery by capturing human embryo implantation in real-time footage. The footage, which also provides 3D images, shows the process of how an embryo attaches to the uterus’s lining.
The study, led by principal investigator Samuel Ojosnegros, reveals that human embryos exert considerable force during implantation to invade the uterine tissue and become fully integrated. This process is more invasive than previously thought, with women often experiencing abdominal pain and slight bleeding during implantation.
The researchers developed a platform that allows embryos to implant outside the uterus in controlled conditions, enabling real-time imaging and analysis of the embryo’s interactions. They compared human and mouse embryo implantation processes and found that human embryos penetrate the uterine tissue completely before growing from the inside out.
The study also discovered that human embryos release enzymes that break down surrounding tissue and exert traction forces on their environment. These findings could have a significant impact on fertility rates, particularly in addressing the failure of implantation process, which accounts for 60% of miscarriages.
By improving understanding of the implantation process, this research aims to contribute to developing new treatments for infertility.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/aug/15/scientists-capture-first-footage-of-human-embryo-implanting-in-a-uterus