A study of more than 2000 people trying to conceive naturally or by IVF and screened for carrier status of ten genes responsible for inheritable diseases identified 8.6% as carriers and 2.2% of passing on the disease.

Despite an abundance of case reports and much heterogeneity, a new systematic review of 80 publications and a total of 846 COVID-19 positive pregnant women plus 688 babies born to infected mothers suggests that vertical transmission is possible.

Following an assessment of proposals, updates to the EU’s directives are expected to be finalised between 2021 and 2022 to take account of technological, epidemiological and clinical developments in ART.

The multicentre E-freeze trial in the UK was designed to assess the clinical value and cost effectiveness of a freeze-all approach in IVF. In a ‘breaking news’ session, Laurentiu Craciunas reporting for Focus on Reproduction heard only about the challenges met along the way.

A large registry study from Denmark suggests that low ovarian reserve – as reflected in a poor response to IVF stimulation – is associated with a higher risk of age-related chronic disease.

Further testing for peripheral antibodies and nasopharyngeal PCR has added value to diagnosing COVID-19 patients formerly screened as negative based on exposure and symptoms. Laurentiu Craciunas reports on the diagnostic lessons learned from a COVID-19 session.

New recommendations from ESHRE concentrate on the practicalities of introducing a time-lapse system into IVF labs, not on its use solely to improve delivery rates.

Evidence presented from surveys of UK and Italian patients found that delays and uncertainties in treatment have been – and remain – a source of anxiety and depression for many. Priorities are proposed for resumed treatment.

The addition of data from China to ICMART’s global registry monitoring has propelled China to the top of the world’s ART nations; China is now completing the same number of cycles as the entire region of Europe.

An experimental study finds that fertility extended into older age is associated with longer leukocyte telomere length, which may thus be a marker of oocyte quality.