Scientists may be on the brink of a medical breakthrough that could significantly reduce the unpredictable nature of in vitro fertilisation (IVF)

Currently boasting a success rate of up to 40 percent, IVF faces challenges in embryo selection, typically relying on invasive methods like biopsies or visual assessments.

Researchers at the University of California San Diego have introduced a non-invasive technique to evaluate the quality of lab-grown embryos, aiming to avoid disruptions to the delicate IVF process. In its early stages, this method involves examining particles of genetic material, known as exRNAs, left behind in petri dishes where fertilised eggs are cultured.

Professor Irene Su, specialising in obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences, emphasised the current chance-driven aspect of IVF success. The new approach, resembling an archaeological study, analyses exRNAs to gain insights into embryonic development without directly interfering with the delicate IVF procedure.

The study identified around 4,000 different exRNA molecules for each of five embryo development stages, allowing for accurate measurement of morphology, including form, shape, and structure. Professor Sheng Zhong, a bioengineering expert, highlighted the surprising early production of exRNAs in embryonic development.

Published in the journal Cell Genomics, the researchers acknowledged the need for further research to validate the real-world applicability of their test. In 2021, approximately 55,000 Britons underwent IVF, with varying success rates and associated costs.

The study’s potential implications for improving IVF outcomes offer hope for couples facing fertility challenges.

“What are the chances of IVF working the first time around?”