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FEATURES
13 Fertility in the 21st Century
Fertility is a diverse field of research that encompasses male and
female infertility, pregnancy complications, and environmental and
lifestyle influences that can affect the reproductive health not only of
future generations but also our native wildlife.
14 Brave New Embryology
New technologies are being developed to improve fertility, but the
effects on the embryo are uncertain.
17 Egg Supply and Demand
Understanding the relationship between the number of healthy eggs
stored in the ovaries and the length of the fertile lifespan will lead to
more accurate predictions about how long each woman will remain
fertile.
20 The Boys Are Not OK
Not only is male infertility a determining factor in a couple’s ability to
start a family, it is also associated with a higher risk of early death.
23 The Biggest Fertility Issue
Emerging evidence indicates that an obese mother or father
predisposes their child to obesity via nutritional signals conveyed
before birth.
26 Which Pregnant Women Are at Risk?
A new screening test can identify the risk of pregnancy complications
based on a genetic test in conjunction with lifestyle factors.
29 Born Too Soon
Each year a million babies die after premature birth, but researchers
have now identified a potential treatment.
32 The ART of Milk Production
Assisted reproductive technologies play an increasingly important role
in the genetic improvement of the highyielding dairy cow.
35 Reproductive Threats to Australia’s Marsupials
Chemicals used in agriculture, industry and household goods can have
effects on marsupial fertility as profound as sex reversal.
conSCIENCE
39 Bridging the Divide between Academia and Industry
The Science Next Collaborative is helping early and midcareer
researchers to make the leap from research to commercialisation.