A West Virginia University graduate student has earned high honors from an international research organization for the second year in a row.

Swamy K. Tripurani, who is pursuing a doctorate degree in genetics and developmental biology in WVU’s Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design, is trying to understand the link between genes and early embryonic development in livestock.

Early embryonic loss is a major contributing factor to failure of pregnancy in cattle. However, the molecular mechanisms that are critical for early embryonic development in cattle are not completely understood.

“New knowledge gained through his research could facilitate the development of potential biomarkers to predict the quality of embryos for enhanced reproductive success in cattle,” said Jianbo Yao, an associate professor in the Davis College’s Division of Animal and Nutritional Sciences, who is Tripurani’s advisor.

Increasing the reliability of cattle reproduction would increase livestock producers’ profitability and the predictability of their income.

Tripurani won first prize in the student research competition at the 37th Annual Conference of the International Embryo Transfer Society held in Orlando, Fla., Jan. 8-12. Tripurani was one of six finalists who competed at the meeting. Competition was based on oral and poster presentations of their research. The up-and-coming geneticist was also honored for his research at last year’s IETS meeting.

The International Embryo Transfer Society was formed in 1974 in Denver, Colorado to serve as a professional forum for the exchange of information among practitioners, scientists, educators, regulatory officials, livestock breeders, suppliers of drugs and equipment, and students.

The purpose of the IETS is to further the science of animal embryo transfer by promoting more effective research, disseminating scientific and educational information, fostering high standards of education, maintaining high standards of ethics, and cooperating with other organizations having similar objectives.

Members of the Society are engaged in the practice of embryo transfer in a variety of species, and in research on embryo production, transgenesis and cloning, on mechanisms regulating embryo development, and on development following embryo transfer. Species studied include domesticated and laboratory animals, and endangered species.

-WVU-

dw/02/17/11

CONTACT: David Welsh, Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design
304-293-2394; David.Welsh@mail.wvu.edu

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