Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Science
Nicola Davis Science correspondent

Protein discovery on human eggs may shed light on unexplained infertility

A human egg surrounded by sperm.
A human egg surrounded by sperm. Photograph: Rich Frishman

A fundamental step in human fertilisation has been discovered by researchers who say it may offer new insights into unexplained infertility.

Experts have identified a new protein that is found on the surface of human eggs. Nicknamed Maia, after the Greek goddess of motherhood, the protein appears to be involved in the fusion of sperm and eggs.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.