"For the first time ever, scientists have successfully synthesized human sperm from bone marrow. With this new technology, a woman can have her own sperm created in a lab-no man needed. Does this make men obsolete?
The University of Newcastle upon Tyne (in Northern England) conducted this ground-breaking research. Researchers took adult stem cells from bone marrow and were able to create immature sperm cells. According to the researchers, a lot more research is needed and it could take three to five years to develop a process in which these cells develop into the mature sperm cells needed for reproduction.
"This finding is of interest but we really need to be very cautious about the interpretation," warns a leading British biologist (www.usatoday.com).
Karim Nayernia, of the University of Newcastle upon Tyne was the head researcher in this exciting study. She has already used artificial mouse sperm grown from stem cells to fertilize eggs and produce pups. While this success does not automatically translate into a guaranteed success in humans, it is a very hopeful step.
This new technology has many potential uses. Men who are sterile from testicular cancer or other ailments may be able to procreate. Single women will have yet another option for independent-insemination. Lesbian couples could now have their own child, without the current third-party donation.
Some ethicists raise questions over the similarity to human cloning. Stem-cell research in general is being threatened by some lawmakers.
No matter the final results, this new sperm-farming promises to be an interesting story to follow."
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/213762/will_men_soon_be_obsolete.html
View User's Journal
Things That I Want To Share......
Here are some things that I enjoy reading and would like to share.
 |
