# Blocking Protein Extends Fertility in Mice Aging ovaries remain soft, preserving fertility. - **Source:** [Reddit Science](https://brifing.si/source/1294ffb3-9f44-431d-8cd2-05584c8d9014) - **Published:** 2026-07-14 - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/f435d834-d9ba-4245-8b1a-98a926a18e7b ## Impact of Protein Blocking New research shows that blocking a specific protein keeps aging ovaries soft in mice, potentially extending fertility. ## Aging and Ovaries As ovaries age, they harden, negatively affecting fertility. Protein blocking prevents this hardening, maintaining ovarian health. ## Research Process Researchers inhibited the activity of a specific protein in mice. This intervention preserved ovarian structure and extended fertility. ## Molecular Mechanism The blocked protein controls molecular processes that cause ovarian hardening. Blocking this protein halts these processes, keeping ovaries soft. ## Potential Applications These findings could have similar effects in humans, leading to new treatments to extend fertility. ## Future Research Researchers plan further studies to test if these findings apply to humans, potentially advancing fertility treatments. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.reddit.com/r/science/comments/1uw3tjl/blocking_one_protein_keeps_aging_ovaries_soft_and/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._