Abstract: A method of enhancing embryo implantation in a subject is disclosed which comprises administering to the uterine cavity of the subject a formulation comprising copper and/or zinc in an amount effective to stimulate endometrial production of leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and/or vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Alternatively, a device may be inserted into the uterine cavity of the subject, wherein the device comprises copper and/or zinc, for a period of time that is effective to stimulate endometrial production of LIF and/or VEGF. The method is suitable for use with women undergoing treatment by any of the assisted reproductive technologies, such as those involving the transfer of embryos such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and variants including IVF-ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) and in vitro maturation (IVM) treatments, as well as intrauterine-insemination (IUI) therapy.

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: 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 present invention provides methods and assays for assessing the presence, viability and/or developmental stage of an embryo. The present invention also provides method and assays for assessing the quality of an Assisted Reproduction Technology protocol.

Abstract: Instead of immersing human reproductive cells in a single culture medium throughout the various procedures used in IVF, a process is provided by which the reproductive cells may be moved through a sequence of distinct culture media as the various IVF procedures are carried out. In one implementation, the culture media specifically formulated to provide a physical environment similar to that found within the female reproductive tract and conducive to growth and development of human reproductive cells during the various stages of the IVF process. In this regard, specifically formulated culture media can be applied to support the reproductive cells in one or more of the following procedures: oocyte retrieval and handling; oocyte maturation; ordinary fertilization; oocyte, zygote and embryo examination and biopsy; embryonic development to the eight-cell stage; embryonic development to the blastocyst stage; embryo transfer, and cryopreservation.

Abstract: Instead of immersing human reproductive cells in a single culture medium throughout the various procedures used in IVF, a process is provided by which the reproductive cells may be moved through a sequence of distinct culture media as the various IVF procedures are carried out. In one implementation, the culture media specifically formulated to provide a physical environment similar to that found within the female reproductive tract and conducive to growth and development of human reproductive cells during the various stages of the IVF process. In this regard, specifically formulated culture media can be applied to support the reproductive cells in one or more of the following procedures: oocyte retrieval and handling; oocyte maturation; ordinary fertilization; oocyte, zygote and embryo examination and biopsy; embryonic development to the eight-cell stage; embryonic development to the blastocyst stage; embryo transfer; and cryopreservation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a supplement and a culture media useful for culturing mammalian gametes and embryonic tissue. The culture media comprises at least one of recombinant human albumin, fermented hyaluronan, and citrate. Because the constituents are produced from non-conventional sources, the culture medium is free from contaminants such as viruses, prions and endotoxins. Additionally, because the medium is completely defined, the medium is not subject to variations which can impair the development of mammalian cells and prevent meaningful comparisons of empirical studies.

Abstract: The present invention provides a supplement and a culture media useful for culturing mammalian gametes and embryonic tissue. The culture media comprises at least one of recombinant human albumin, fermented hyaluronan, and citrate. Because the constituents are produced from non-conventional sources, the culture medium is free from contaminants such as viruses, prions and endotoxins. Additionally, because the medium is completely defined, the medium is not subject to variations which can impair the development of mammalian cells and prevent meaningful comparisons of empirical studies.

Abstract: Instead of immersing human reproductive cells in a single culture medium throughout the various procedures used in IVF, a process is provided by which the reproductive cells may be moved through a sequence of distinct culture media as the various IVF procedures are carried out. In one implementation, the culture media specifically formulated to provide a physical environment similar to that found within the female reproductive tract and conducive to growth and development of human reproductive cells during the various stages of the IVF process. In this regard, specifically formulated culture media can be applied to support the reproductive cells in one or more of the following procedures: oocyte retrieval and handling; oocyte maturation; ordinary fertilization; oocyte, zygote and embryo examination and biopsy; embryonic development to the eight-cell stage; embryonic development to the blastocyst stage; embryo transfer; and cryopreservation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a supplement and a culture media useful for culturing mammalian gametes and embryonic tissue. The culture media comprises at least one of recombinant human albumin, fermented hyaluronan, and citrate. Because the constituents are produced from non-conventional sources, the culture medium is free from contaminants such as viruses, prions and endotoxins. Additionally, because the medium is completely defined, the medium is not subject to variations which can impair the development of mammalian cells and prevent meaningful comparisons of empirical studies.