Calay News
In a groundbreaking development, scientists have successfully created mice with two biological fathers by generating eggs from male cells. This could pave the way for treatments for severe forms of infertility and potentially allow same-sex couples to have a biological child together in the future.
The lead researcher, Katsuhiko Hayashi, who presented the development at the Third International Summit on Human Genome Editing, believes that it will be technically possible to create a viable human egg from a male skin cell within a decade. While some experts believe this timeline is optimistic, it’s clear that the development marks a significant advance in the field of lab-grown eggs and sperm.
Previously, scientists had created mice that technically had two biological fathers through genetic engineering. However, this is the first time viable eggs have been cultivated from male cells, which is a significant step forward. Hayashi’s team is now attempting to replicate this achievement with human cells, although there are significant hurdles to overcome before lab-grown eggs can be used for clinical purposes, including establishing their safety.
The breakthrough is expected to lead to new possibilities for reproduction and could provide hope for couples struggling with infertility. While same-sex couples would still require a surrogate to carry the child, the ability to have a biological child with genetic material from both parents is an exciting prospect.
The development is also significant because it challenges the traditional notion of biological parenthood, which has historically been tied to reproductive organs and gender. With the ability to generate eggs from male cells, the potential for non-traditional forms of parenthood and family structures becomes more feasible.
The creation of mice with two biological fathers is a remarkable achievement that opens up new possibilities for the future of reproductive medicine. While there are still significant hurdles to overcome, the potential benefits for individuals and families struggling with infertility are immense. The development also challenges traditional notions of biological parenthood and could pave the way for more inclusive and diverse forms of family structures.
