Imaging embryos to detect chromosomal abnormalities without biopsies
Official title: Live embryo imaging for biopsy-free aneuploidy detection
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11144573 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to check for genetic issues in embryos using live imaging, which could help future parents by avoiding the risks of traditional testing methods that can harm embryos.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $732,372 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD115694-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11144573 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women of advanced reproductive age seeking assisted reproductive technology to conceive.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing assisted reproductive technology or those with no interest in embryo genetic testing may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a new method for detecting chromosomal abnormalities in embryos without the need for invasive biopsy procedures. By using live embryo imaging, the researchers hope to provide accurate information about the chromosomal status of embryos at the earliest stages of development. This approach could eliminate the risks associated with traditional preimplantation genetic testing, which often involves damaging the embryo. The study will initially focus on mouse embryos to assess the safety and effectiveness of this innovative technique.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve pregnancy outcomes for women undergoing assisted reproduction by providing safer and more accurate embryo assessments.
How similar studies have gone: While traditional methods of preimplantation genetic testing have shown success, this novel approach of live embryo imaging is largely untested and represents a new frontier in the field.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yu, Bo — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Yu, Bo
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.