Compositions and methods are provided for making rat pluripotent and totipotent cells, including rat embryonic stem (ES) cells. Compositions and methods for improving efficiency or frequency of germline transmission of genetic modifications in rats are provided. Such methods and compositions comprise an in vitro culture comprising a feeder cell layer and a population of rat ES cells or a rat ES cell line, wherein the in vitro culture conditions maintain pluripotency of the ES cell and comprises a media having mouse leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) or an active variant or fragment thereof. Various methods of establishing such rat ES cell lines are further provided. Methods of selecting genetically modified rat ES cells are also provided, along with various methods to generate a transgenic rat from the genetically modified rat ES cells provided herein. Various kits and articles of manufacture are further provided.

The present invention relates to methods of and compositions comprising cytokines for, improving the success rate of embryo implantation and the success rate of pregnancy rates in females, by providing an immunopermissive uterine environment prior to insemination or implantation of embryos. The methods of the present invention are used to make the uterus more receptive or less hostile to, for example, transferred embryos, sperm or other allografted tissue.

The present invention relates to methods of and compositions comprising cytokines for, improving the success rate of embryo implantation and the success rate of pregnancy rates in females, by providing an immunopermissive uterine environment prior to insemination or implantation of embryos. The methods of the present invention are used to make the uterus more receptive or less hostile to, for example, transferred embryos, sperm or other allografted tissue.

Microfluidic systems are configured to process liquid samples that include cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs), such as raw follicular fluid, in an automated and continuous manner to produce oocytes separate or “denuded” from surrounding cumulus cells. The systems include a substrate and a channel that can have two or more sub-channels. Each channel includes an inlet, an outlet, and one or more stages arranged in series. Each of the stages includes one or more expansion units and one or more constriction units. At least one stage includes constriction units having jagged internal surfaces, e.g., teeth, that help remove the cumulus cells from the COCs.

Microfluidic systems are configured to process liquid samples that include cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs), such as raw follicular fluid, in an automated and continuous manner to produce oocytes separate or “denuded” from surrounding cumulus cells. The systems include a substrate and a channel that can have two or more sub-channels. Each channel includes an inlet, an outlet, and one or more stages arranged in series. Each of the stages includes one or more expansion units and one or more constriction units. At least one stage includes constriction units having jagged internal surfaces, e.g., teeth, that help remove the cumulus cells from the COCs.

Intravaginal culture (IVC) container for intravaginal fertilization and culture of mammalian, and in particular human, oocytes, featuring an increased volume, and a method of using the same.

Intravaginal culture (IVC) container for intravaginal fertilization and culture of mammalian, and in particular human, oocytes, featuring an increased volume, and a method of using the same.

There is provided a system and method for following and conducting laboratory procedures for preventing errors and fatigue of the user. The system involves input means, such as a microscope, and a camera connected to the input means, while the camera creates images of the input means. A computer is connected to the camera, and it processes the images so that augmented reality glasses which are also connected to the computer, are capable of having those images projected thereon. The computer also has laboratory protocol files installed thereon, and it projects images of the protocols onto the glasses. The projected images do not interfere with a user's natural vision.

There is provided a system and method for following and conducting laboratory procedures for preventing errors and fatigue of the user. The system involves input means, such as a microscope, and a camera connected to the input means, while the camera creates images of the input means. A computer is connected to the camera, and it processes the images so that augmented reality glasses which are also connected to the computer, are capable of having those images projected thereon. The computer also has laboratory protocol files installed thereon, and it projects images of the protocols onto the glasses. The projected images do not interfere with a user's natural vision.

Technologies for cryopreserving ungulate embryos for implantation into recipient females are described.