title: In vitro fertilization: four decades of reflections and promises.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In 2010, Robert Edwards was awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine for his pioneering work in the development of in vitro fertilization, a field that has touched millions of lives across the globe. Edwards dedicated his career to helping couples overcome infertility. He first established principles of early embryo development that served as the foundation for his later work. In the 1960s, he achieved the first human fertilized oocyte in vitro while at the Johns Hopkins Hospital. He then continued his work at Cambridge University. In 1978, the world witnessed the birth of the first "test tube baby". This achievement is a landmark not only in the reproductive sciences but also in the history of mankind's technological evolution.
  
  
  METHODS
  This article outlines the development and progression of IVF from its infancy to the refined and broadly utilized technology offered to patients today. We describe the evolution of the field and the current state of IVF, including its current technological and social challenges.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We congratulate Professor Edwards for his well-deserved recognition as Nobel Laureate in Medicine.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This article is a tribute to Edwards for his exceptional accomplishments in this specific and rewarding field of modern medicine.
authors: Department of Gyn/Ob, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins at Green Spring Station, Lutherville, MD 21093, USA. zhao1@jhmi.edu
authors: Yulian
authors: Y
authors: Zhao
authors: Paul
authors: P
authors: Brezina
authors: Chao-Chin
authors: CC
authors: Hsu
authors: Jairo
authors: J
authors: Garcia
authors: Peter R
authors: PR
authors: Brinsden
authors: Edward
authors: E
authors: Wallach