Recent research from labs in Vienna and Berlin, published in Cell, reveals that human cells can respond to diapause triggers, suggesting a dormant capacity for diapause in humans.

The study focused on the potential to induce a 'pause button' in human development by investigating stem cells and their response to specific signaling pathways.

By modulating the mTOR signaling pathway, researchers successfully created a dormant state in human cells that mimics embryonic diapause, characterized by reduced cell division and slower development.

This induced diapause state is reversible; normal development resumes once the mTOR pathway is reactivated, allowing for flexibility in developmental timing.

The findings imply that humans may possess an inherent mechanism to slow down development, potentially an evolutionary remnant.

Nicolas Rivron, one of the study authors, suggested that this dormant capacity may indicate that humans still retain the potential to enter a state of dormancy.

Embryonic diapause is a natural phenomenon observed in many mammals, allowing them to temporarily halt development at the blastocyst stage to enhance survival chances.

While humans do not utilize diapause during pregnancy, the ability to control developmental timing could significantly enhance reproductive technologies, particularly in vitro fertilization (IVF).

The results of this research could improve IVF success rates by providing a longer time window for embryo health assessment and synchronization with the mother's cycle.

This discovery holds promise for advancing reproductive health treatments, particularly in enhancing the efficacy of IVF procedures.

Researchers are optimistic about future studies that will further explore the implications of these findings on human reproductive health.

The collaboration among researchers highlights the importance of teamwork in addressing complex biological questions and advancing scientific understanding.