San Francisco East Bay, CA (October 30, 2012) – Dr. Evan Rosenbluth of Reproductive Science Center has received an “In-Training Award for Research” presented by The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) for his work that utilizes non-invasive techniques to detect genetic defects and live birth potential of human embryos. This testing breakthrough has the potential to improve pregnancy outcomes of in vitro fertilization, a core element of infertility treatment.

Dr. Rosenbluth’s research, conducted in conjunction with four other researchers at the University of Iowa, involved a novel non-invasive technique to detect whether human embryos possessed an incorrect number of chromosomes, a condition known as aneuploidy. Aneuploidy is the leading cause of IVF failure. The most common example of aneuploidy is Down syndrome.

The award recognizing outstanding research is one of only five such in-training awards given by ASRM. Dr. Rosenbluth’s research was honored and presented at the 2012 ASRM conference in San Diego.

“Not only did Dr. Rosenbluth do a fantastic job presenting his research at the ASRM annual meeting; his research won an award for some of the best research submitted to the meeting,” says Dr. Louis N. Weckstein, IVF and Medical Director of Reproductive Science Center. “This is no small feat considering there were more than 500 research studies evaluated. Congratulations to Dr. Rosenbluth!”

Dr. Rosenbluth and associates evaluated microRNAs, noncoding RNA, detected in embryo media cultures. They found that microRNA-191, which was more highly secreted into the culture media from embryos with chromosomal abnormalities, was also significantly higher in culture media from failed IVF cycles when compared to those leading to live birth. Several other microRNAs also correlated with pregnancy outcomes and have the potential for greatly improving IVF success in the future.

Joining Reproductive Science Center less than six months ago, Dr. Rosenbluth has also done extensive award-winning research on the causes of endometriosis, a common cause of infertility that affects nearly 6.3 million women.

He completed his residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Utah Health Sciences Center, followed by a fellowship in reproductive endocrinology and infertility at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. He has received several research and patient care awards in both his residency and fellowship.

For nearly 30 years Reproductive Science Center has helped thousands of couples begin their families. RSC is responsible for the nation’s second successful birth of a baby from a frozen embryo and has been recognized as a pioneering fertility practice in the San Francisco Bay Area.