A groundbreaking study by Nankai University in Tianjin has uncovered a new biological target linked to female infertility, providing a potential breakthrough for women struggling with age-related or unexplained infertility. Published in *Cell Reports Medicine*, the research identifies excessive ribosomal activity in oocytes and surrounding cumulus cells as a key factor in declining fertility after age 34. Ribosomes, often referred to as the ‘protein synthesis factories’ of cells, were found to disrupt normal cell function when overactive, accelerating ovarian aging and reducing embryonic quality. The study, led by Professor Liu Lin, highlights that this ribosomal hyperactivity not only affects oocytes but also causes degenerative changes in cumulus cells, further impairing fertility. To address this, the team tested rapamycin, a drug known to regulate cell growth, in mouse models. The treatment successfully restored protein balance, improved the ovarian microenvironment, and enhanced egg quality. Clinical trials confirmed that short-term, low-dose rapamycin administration enabled women with previous in vitro fertilization failures to achieve successful pregnancies and deliver healthy babies, with no observed negative effects on fetal or neonatal development. Wu Xueqing from Shanxi Children’s Hospital praised the findings as a significant step forward in understanding and treating age-related infertility. However, researchers emphasize the need for large-scale randomized controlled trials to validate the drug’s efficacy and optimize treatment protocols for individual patients.