Abstract: An embryo, gamete or stem cell culture medium comprising: a) acetyl-carnitine at a concentration of about 5 to about 50 ?M; and b) lipoic acid or a derivative thereof at a concentration of about 2.5 to about 40 ?M. The culture medium may optionally further comprises acetyl-cysteine at a concentration of about 5 to about 50 ?M.

Abstract: An oocyte retrieval needle is provided. The needle comprises a first tubular region in fluid communication with a second tubular region. The first tubular region comprises a sharp point leading end configured for insertion into a subject. The second tubular region comprises an open trailing end. The leading and trailing ends form respective opposite ends of the needle. Internal passages of the first and second tubular regions form a continuous open passage extending from the leading end to the trailing end. The first tubular region has an outer diameter which is less than an outer diameter of the second tubular region and the internal passage of the first tubular region has an inner, luminal diameter which is less than an inner diameter of the internal passage of the second tubular region. The oocyte retrieval needle is a double lumen needle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sampling needle, in particular to a needle suitable for oocyte retrieval from a human or animal subject, said needle comprising a first tubular region in fluid communication with a second tubular region, the first tubular region comprising a leading end for insertion into a subject and the second tubular region comprising a trailing end for fluid communication with a means for receiving a fluid, in which the first tubular region has an outer diameter which is less than the outer diameter of the second tubular region and the first tubular region has an inner diameter which is less than the inner diameter of the second tubular region. The invention also relates to a method of retrieving a sample, in particular an oocyte, from a human or animal subject.

Abstract: A composition and method for in vitro fertilization is provided which uses culture media comprising elevated concentrations of lipoic acid. More specifically, the invention provides culture media for developmental cells having a lipoic acid concentration of 5 ?M to 40 ?M. Culture media that include lipoic acid at concentrations within the identified range are able to provide blastocysts with increased survival, increased cell numbers, increased inner cell masses and/or increased percentage of the total mass made up by the inner cell compared to blastocysts cultured in a control medium.

Abstract: A composition and method for in vitro fertilization is provided which uses culture media comprising elevated concentrations of lipoic acid. More specifically, the invention provides culture media for developmental cells having a lipoic acid concentration of 5 ?M to 40 ?M. Culture media that include lipoic acid at concentrations within the identified range are able to provide blastocysts with increased survival, increased cell numbers, increased inner cell masses and/or increased percentage of the total mass made up by the inner cell compared to blastocysts cultured in a control medium.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sampling needle, in particular to a needle suitable for oocyte retrieval from a human or animal subject, said needle comprising a first tubular region in fluid communication with a second tubular region, the first tubular region comprising a leading end for insertion into a subject and the second tubular region comprising a trailing end for fluid communication with a means for receiving a fluid, in which the first tubular region has an outer diameter which is less than the outer diameter of the second tubular region and the first tubular region has an inner diameter which is less than the inner diameter of the second tubular region. The invention also relates to a method of retrieving a sample, in particular an oocyte, from a human or animal subject.

Abstract: A composition and method for in vitro fertilization is provided which uses culture media comprising elevated concentrations of lipoic acid. More specifically, the invention provides culture media for developmental cells having a lipoic acid concentration of 5 ?M to 40 ?M. Culture media that include lipoic acid at concentrations within the identified range are able to provide blastocysts with increased survival, increased cell numbers, increased inner cell masses and/or increased percentage of the total mass made up by the inner cell compared to blastocysts cultured in a control medium.