Basic research could lead to fertility improvements...Voucher Deals Spread the word for £100 (/estate-agents/property-search/northwood-cambridge/business-26180623-detail/business.html)

March 27th 2015Place an advert (/bookanad)

Buy a photo (/buyaphoto)

Local Projects (/localprojects)

Win! (http://cambridge.comptown.uk)

Like us (https://www.facebook.com/cambridgenews)Follow us (https://twitter.com/CambridgeNewsUK)Pinterest (http://www.pinterest.com/cambridgenews/)

Login (https://register.thisis.co.uk/login.html?site=http%3A%2F%2Fbeta.cambridge-news.co.uk&origin=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cambridge-news.co.uk%2FBasic-research-lead-fertility-improvements-says%2Fstory-26023244-detail%2Fstory.html) Register (https://register.thisis.co.uk/register.html?site=http%3A%2F%2Fbeta.cambridge-news.co.uk&origin=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cambridge-news.co.uk%2FBasic-research-lead-fertility-improvements-says%2Fstory-26023244-detail%2Fstory.html)

(http://adclick.g.doubleclick.net/aclk?sa=L&ai=BKrinXB0VVZqlB4P77AbcvoGQBMCSobUGAAAAEAEgyJaWHDgAWMCR5arWAWC7vpyD0AqyARh3d3cuY2FtYnJpZGdlLW5ld3MuY28udWu6AQlnZnBfaW1hZ2XIAQnaAXBodHRwOi8vd3d3LmNhbWJyaWRnZS1uZXdzLmNvLnVrL0Jhc2ljLXJlc2VhcmNoLWxlYWQtZmVydGlsaXR5LWltcHJvdmVtZW50cy1zYXlzL3N0b3J5LTI2MDIzMjQ0LWRldGFpbC9zdG9yeS5odG1smAKgnAGpAlyOhOog17g-wAIC4AIA6gIxLzU3NjUvY2FtYnJpZGdlX25ld3MvY2FtYnJpZGdlX25ld3NfbmV3c2hvbWVfaG9tZfgChdIekAPQBZgD0AWoAwHgBAGgBh_YBwA&num=0&sig=AOD64_3VmJyABX8BZkYhdGhEeeBLyj6qWg&client=ca-pub-3711291450444968&adurl=http://www.camcab.co.uk/)(http://adclick.g.doubleclick.net/aclk?sa=L&ai=BKrinXB0VVZqlB4P77AbcvoGQBMCSobUGAAAAEAEgyJaWHDgAWMCR5arWAWC7vpyD0AqyARh3d3cuY2FtYnJpZGdlLW5ld3MuY28udWu6AQlnZnBfaW1hZ2XIAQnaAXBodHRwOi8vd3d3LmNhbWJyaWRnZS1uZXdzLmNvLnVrL0Jhc2ljLXJlc2VhcmNoLWxlYWQtZmVydGlsaXR5LWltcHJvdmVtZW50cy1zYXlzL3N0b3J5LTI2MDIzMjQ0LWRldGFpbC9zdG9yeS5odG1smAKgnAGpAlyOhOog17g-wAIC4AIA6gIxLzU3NjUvY2FtYnJpZGdlX25ld3MvY2FtYnJpZGdlX25ld3NfbmV3c2hvbWVfaG9tZfgChdIekAPQBZgD0AWoAwHgBAGgBh_YBwA&num=0&sig=AOD64_3VmJyABX8BZkYhdGhEeeBLyj6qWg&client=ca-pub-3711291450444968&adurl=http://www.camcab.co.uk/)

(/)

(http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/weather)

Fri5 °CSunny

Site Directory

(/)News (/news)Sport (/sport)Business (/business-news)Lifestyle (/lifestyle)What's On (/whats-on-leisure/choice)Jobs (http://jobs.cambridge-news.co.uk)Property (/property)Cars (/motors)Directory (/directory/landing)Easter (/easter-2015)Notices (/notices)Dating (http://datelocally.cambridge-news.co.uk)ALL (/sitemap.html)

Basic research could lead to fertility improvements, says Cambridge scientist Dr Melina SchuhBy CambridgeNews (http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/people/CambridgeNews/profile.html) | Posted: February 17, 2015

By Freya Leng

Report this article

Read more from Cambridge News

PreviousNext

PreviousNext

Comments (0)The Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) in Cambridge is one of the world's leading medical research institutes.

Based in a state-of-the-art building on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, next to Addenbrooke's Hospital, LMB scientists are studying

biology on a tiny scale, with the goal of understanding complex biological processes , such as how cells divide, the immune system and the brain.

This molecular knowledge is key to solving human health problems like cancer, asthma and Alzheimer's disease and shows the importance of fundamental science to improving human health.

Related content

Cambridge researchers: lack of exercise could be twice as deadly as obesity (/Cambridge-researchers-lack-exercise-twice-deadly/story-25854025-detail/story.html)Simon Oberst from Cambridge Cancer Centre on why the city is world leading in cancer biology, treatment and detection (/Simon-Oberst-Cambridge-Cancer-Centre-city-world/story-25986998-detail/story.html)Scarlet fever symptoms: What to look for (/Scarlet-fever-symptoms-look/story-26038759-detail/story.html)

One area scientists are investigating is helping us to understand pregnancy loss and disorders such as Down's syndrome.

Dr Melina Schuh has been a scientific group leader at the LMB since 2009.

She and her group are researching how fertilisable eggs develop in mammals, and what happens when the egg fails to develop properly. Miscarriages and genetic disorders such as Down's syndrome are often caused by errors when the egg develops from a more basic cell called an oocyte.

"Almost all human cells have 23 pairs of chromosomes, one half of a pair comes from the egg cell, the other half from a sperm cell," said Dr Schuh.

"To become a fertilisable egg, an oocyte cell has to separate away and remove chromosomes, so that after fertilisation the embryo will end up with the right number of chromosomes.

"Most egg defects come from problems during this chromosome separation, which can result in embryos that have the wrong number of chromosomes.

"Defects in chromosome separation in oocytes are the leading causes of miscarriages, and several genetic disorders such as Down's Syndrome. Despite the huge importance of this process, our current understanding of it is still very limited."

She added: "My group is trying to understand the causes of these defects. We are using cutting edge microscopy techniques to study the oocyte cells, and analyse how they develop into eggs.

"With the powerful scientific tools available at the LMB, we are finding what controls this development. Our long-term goal is to identify and analyse mechanisms that lead to abnormal eggs and pregnancy loss in mammals and we hope that our research will help to improve or develop new fertility treatments in the future. I think this emphasises the value of publically funded medical research."

To help the public understand the process of cell division, an exhibition ‘Lens on Life’ is displaying works of art in London’s Lethaby Gallery.

These art works were developed by unique collaborations between artists and scientists and Dr Melina Schuh was paired with the porcelain and glass artist Rob Kesseler.

‘Lens on Life’ is running until February 27.

ola.com/en/popup?template=colorbox&taboola_utm_source=northcliffe-cambridgenews&taboola_utm_medium=bytaboola&taboola_utm_content=grid-4x2:grid-4x2:)

ola.com/en/popup?template=colorbox&taboola_utm_source=northcliffe-cambridgenews&taboola_utm_medium=bytaboola&taboola_utm_content=grid-4x2:grid-4x2:)

From the Web

(http://eu.athleticgreensspecialoffer.com/personaltrainerweightloss?AFID=217&SID=217+AGSO+TA+DESKTOP+UK+PTWtLossAdTest2+image+0003-

(http://www.timetobreak.com/199711/13-heartbreaking-photos-that-should-give-you-some-perspective

(http://www.carbuyer.co.uk/reviews/ford/galaxy/mpv/review?utm_source=taboola&utm_medium=cpc&

(http://blogglez.com/10-celebs-who-make-way-more-thank-their-degrees-are-worth/?utm_source=taboola&

(http://www.answers.com/browse/click.php?source=tb&param3=www.answers.com/article/1191327/10-historical-films-

(http://ads2.williamhill.com/redirect.aspx?pid=183726933&lpid=908300452&bid=908371202&var3=en/nui/C30-

(//www.taboola.com/popup?template=colorbox&taboola_utm_source=northcliffe-cambridgenews&taboola_utm_medium=bytaboola&taboola_utm_content=grid-4x2:grid-4x2:)(//www.taboola.com/popup?template=colorbox&taboola_utm_source=northcliffe-cambridgenews&taboola_utm_medium=bytaboola&taboola_utm_content=grid-4x2:grid-4x2:)

MORE NEWSTensions mount over Cambridge students going 'absolutely crazy' in high-density h…(http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Tensions-mount-Cambridge-students-going/story-26106077-detail/story.html)

Body found near Cambridge City Cemetery(http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Police-called-death-man-near-Cambridge-City/story-26159927-detail/story.html)

Heart stopping footage of flight over Cambridge - video(http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Heart-stopping-flight-Cambridge-camera-video/story-26120475-detail/story.html)

Vile Cambridge football violence website exposed as United fan fights for life afte…(http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Vile-Cambridge-football-violence-website-probe/story-26224001-detail/story.html)

Drugs lords pushing heroin and crack in Cambridge area caught in massive police…(http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Drugs-lords-pushing-heroin-crack-Cambridge-area/story-26180533-detail/story.html)

Dramatic pictures of bizarre crash near Curry's PC World in Cambridge after car …(http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Dramatic-pictures-bizarre-crash-near-Curry-s-PC/story-26125060-detail/story.html)

'Bad parking disaster awards’ handed to Cambridge drivers - pictures(http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/8216-WTF-bad-parking-disaster-awards-8217-handed/story-26201928-detail/story.html)

Work on building new £165 million hospital in Cambridge to start straight a…(http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Work-building-new-165-million-hospital-Cambridge/story-26163048-detail/story.html)

Cyclist used bike as weapon to ram driver in road rage attack near Cambridge(http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Cyclist-used-bike-weapon-ram-driver-road-rage/story-26202140-detail/story.html)

Police called to A14 at Milton after car crashes into central reservation(http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Police-called-A14-Milton-car-crashes-central/story-26231412-detail/story.html)

by Taboola (//www.taboola.com/en/popup?template=colorbox&taboola_utm_source=northcliffe-cambridgenews&taboola_utm_medium=bytaboola&taboola_utm_content=organic-text-links-b:Below Article Text Links:)

Dr Melina Schuh, LMB scientist

Basic research could lead to fertility improvements, says Cambri... http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Basic-research-lead-fertility-...

1 of 4 27/03/2015 09:21

by Taboola (//www.taboola.com/en/popup?template=colorbox&taboola_utm_source=northcliffe-cambridgenews&taboola_utm_medium=bytaboola&taboola_utm_content=thumbnails-a:Right Rail Thumbnails:)

(/Waterbeach-set-new-bike-shop-C6-Bikes-prepares/story-26238695-detail/story.html)

Waterbeach to get new bike shop as C6 Bikes prepares to open (/Waterbeach-set-new-bike-shop-C6-Bikes-prepares/story-26238695-detail/story.html)

(/Black-Cat-Radio-wins-community-broadcasting/story-26236874-detail/story.html)

Black Cat Radio wins community broadcasting licence for St Neots (/Black-Cat-Radio-wins-community-broadcasting/story-26236874-detail/story.html)

(/Saffron-Walden-Building-Society-announces-record/story-26238697-detail/story.html)

Saffron Walden Building Society announces record results for 2014 (/Saffron-Walden-Building-Society-announces-record/story-26238697-detail/story.html)Do you have something to say? Leave your comment here...

(4000 characters remaining) submit

Comments

NewestOldestBest Rated

YOUR COMMENTS AWAITING MODERATION

MORE NEWS HEADLINES

Cambridge United land a massive shirt sponsorship deal with Mick... (/Cambridge-United-land-massive-shirt-sponsorship/story-26238007-detail/story.html)Man dies after fatal collision on B1043 in Godmanchester (/Man-dies-fatal-collision-B1043-Godmanchester/story-26242036-detail/story.html)David Cameron sends condolences to father of gifted 12A*student... (/David-Cameron-sends-condolences-father-gifted-12A/story-26242017-detail/story.html)Dubai World Cup night tips: Solow to hit the heights at Meydan (/Dubai-World-Cup-night-tips-Solow-hit-heights/story-26238698-detail/story.html)Racing tips: Back Baraweez in the Betway Lincoln at Doncaster (/Racing-tips-Baraweez-Betway-Lincoln-Doncaster/story-26238666-detail/story.html)

Most Recent Most Commented Most Read

From The Web Promoted Links (//www.taboola.com/en/popup?template=colorbox&taboola_utm_source=northcliffe-cambridgenews&taboola_utm_medium=bytaboola&taboola_utm_content=thumbnails-a:Right Rail Thumbnails:)(https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/emergency-savings-how-much-is-enough?utm_source=d-tabo&utm_medium=disp&utm_term=ntwk&utm_content=d-budget-planner_new-content_desktop&utm_campaign=d-taboola)

Emergency savings – how much is enough? - Money Advice Servi…Money Advice Service

(https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/emergency-savings-how-much-is-enough?utm_source=d-tabo&utm_medium=disp&utm_term=ntwk&utm_content=d-budget-planner_new-content_desktop&utm_campaign=d-taboola)(http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/social_housing/applying_for_social_housing/who_gets_priority?utm_source=taboola&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=mob_council_priority_v01&utm_campaign=always_advice)

Ever Wondered Just Who Gets Priority On Council Housing?Shelter

(http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/social_housing/applying_for_social_housing/who_gets_priority?utm_source=taboola&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=mob_council_priority_v01&utm_campaign=always_advice)(http://ww1.hightechvip.com/url.php?campaign_id=4000&aff_id=2971&source=C055_ttr011_img022)

Uk public snaps up bargains using “bizzarre” online tri…Swoggi

(http://ww1.hightechvip.com/url.php?campaign_id=4000&aff_id=2971&source=C055_ttr011_img022)(http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Tensions-mount-Cambridge-students-going/story-26106077-detail/story.html)

Tensions mount over Cambridge students going 'absolutely crazy' in high-densit…

(http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Tensions-mount-Cambridge-students-going/story-26106077-detail/story.html)


2 of 4 27/03/2015 09:21

Voucher Deals

Spread the word for £100 (/estate-agents/property-search/northwood-cambridge/business-26180623-detail/business.html)

Property Search (/estate-agents/property-search) Print voucher (/voucher-details.html?id=26194862)

Love Video? (/business-services/video-production-companies/cambridge-video-production-company/business-26040471-detail/business.html)

Video Production Companies (/business-services/video-production-companies) Print voucher (/voucher-details.html?id=26069408)

Free EPC, Gas Safety... (/estate-agents/property-search/radcliffe-rust/business-21367189-detail/business.html)

Property Search (/estate-agents/property-search) Print voucher (/voucher-details.html?id=23230394)

Related Links

News (/news)Cambridge (/cambridge)Cambourne (/cn_cambourneweb)Haverhill (/haverhill)Huntingdon, St Ives & St Neots (/huntingdon-st-ives-st-neots)Politics (/politics)Crime (/crime)University news (http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/education/universities)Saffron Walden (/saffron-walden)Royston (/royston)Newmarket (/newmarket)

Sport (/sport)Football (/sport/football)Rugby (/sport/rugby)Cricket (/sport/cricket)Hockey (/sport/hockey)Motorsport (/sport/motorsport)Cambridge University sport (http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Cambridge-University-sport)Youth Sport (http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/youth-sport)National League 2S (http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/national-league-25)Cambridge City (http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/sport/cambridge-city)Cambridge United (http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/sport/cambridge-united)

Entertainment (/entertainment-news)Celebrity (http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/celebrity)Events (http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/events)Now Booking (http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/whats-on-leisure/now-booking)TV news (http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/whats-on-leisure/tv-news)Film news (http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/whats-on-leisure/movies)Reviews (http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/whats-on-leisure/reviews)Family (http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/whats-on-leisure/family)Books (http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/whats-on-leisure/books)Art (http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/whats-on-leisure/art)

Lifestyle (/lifestyle)Health (/health)Beauty (/beauty)Food & Drink (/food-and-drink)Technology (/lifestyle/technology)Nature (/homes-and-gardens/nature)Nostalgia (/news/nostalgia)Training (/training)Homes & Gardens (/homes-and-gardens)Education (/education/education-news)

Services (/services)Builders and construction (http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/builders-and-construction)Cleaners (http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/cleaners)Electricians (http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/electricians)Gardening (http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/gardening)Painters and decorators (http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/painters-and-decorators)Pets (http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/pets)Taxis and vehicle hire (http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/taxis-and-vehicle-hire)Repairs and restoration (http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/repair-and-restoration-specialist)Removals and storage (http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/removals-and-storage)Plumbers (http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/plumbers)

Places (/place)Cafes (http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/cafes)Care homes (http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/care-homes)Childcare (http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/childcare)Education (http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/education)Estate agents (http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/estate-agents)Hairdressers (http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/hairdressers)Takeaways (http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/takeaways)Restaurants (http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/restaurants)Pubs and bars (http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/pubs-and-bars)Hotels and travel (http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/hotels-and-travel)

Copyright © 2015 Local World. All Rights Reserved. (http://www.localworld.co.uk)

Contact Us (/contactus.html)Privacy & Cookies (/privacypolicy.html)Terms & Conditions (/termsandconditions.html)House Rules (/houserules.html)

ADVERTISEMENT


3 of 4 27/03/2015 09:21

(https://www.facebook.com/cambridgenews) (https://twitter.com/CambridgeNewsUK)


4 of 4 27/03/2015 09:21

Documents

Basic research could lead to fertility improvements...Voucher Deals Spread the word for £100 (/estate-agents/property-search/northwood-cambridge/business-26180623-detail/business.html)