It was recently reported that scientists have uncovered a vital component of female fertility. In 2005 Japanese scientists found a specific protein on the surface of a sperm which latches on to the ovum during fertilisation. They have now identified a protein named Juno named after the Roman Goddess of marriage and childbirth that sits on the surface of the ovum and is essential for sperm cells to latch on to. The specific protein molecules on the sperm and ovum bind to each other at the time of conception. Without this interaction fertilisation cannot take place. They report that an egg which lacks the Juno protein looks normal but impenetrable to the sperm rendering them sterile. This can be a reason for infertility in some women.

If this is the reason for infertility conventional IVF will fail. For the IVF to succeed in these women Intra cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) will be necessary. Scientists also believe that new contraceptive drugs or vaccine could be developed which will work by blocking Juno from interacting with the corresponding protein on the sperm.