A molecular alarm clock awakens resting ovules

At the start of reproductive life an ovary contains, on average, several thousands of immature ovules in a resting state that can last for several decades. But how does each resting ovule know that it is time to prepare for ovulation? In a new study, researchers discovered in the fruit fly a molecular “alarm clock” that tells resting ovules when is the right time to wake up. Defects in this alarm clock result in female fertility problems.