Scientists Create Sperm From Stem Cells

AP News ^ | 12/10/03 | By RICK CALLAHAN, Associated Press Writer

[Jaded]

Scientists Create Sperm From Stem Cells

By RICK CALLAHAN, Associated Press Writer

Scientists say they have turned mouse embryonic stem cells into primitive sperm cells — and then used the sperm cells to fertilize eggs. The scientific team's work could offer insights into male infertility and boost human stem cell research.

The sperm cells were not fully developed sperm, but rather their tail-less precursors. When they were injected into eggs, the eggs developed into embryos. Scientists are now studying whether such embryos can develop into live-born mice.

The team was led by Dr. George Q. Daley of Harvard Medical School (news - web sites). Its findings were published online Wednesday by the journal Nature.

Embryonic stem cells can develop into virtually any kind of cell of the body, and scientists hope to use them someday to create replacement parts to treat illnesses such as Parkinson's disease (news - web sites) and diabetes. The new work also involved embryonic germ cells, which appear in early embryos and mature into either sperm or egg cells.

Recently, other scientists reported that they had turned mouse stem cells into egg cells. Hans R. Schoeler of the University of Pennsylvania, who led the team that created those mouse egg cells, said the new work is a "very careful and beautiful study" that complements his team's findings.

While Japanese researchers announced in September that they had also created sperm from stem cells, Schoeler said their work was conducted largely inside living mice, something he called cumbersome and labor-intensive.

"But here we have the example where everything has been done in the dish and you can really study it in this way because it's right in front of you," Schoeler said.

Dr. John Gearhart, a Johns Hopkins University stem cell researcher, said that the new research is intriguing but that it is not clear whether the fertilized mouse eggs would have developed into normal embryos.

Daley said the laboratory methods his team developed as part of the research will allow scientists to study closely the development of germ cells.

"Germ cells are in some sense the immortal cells of our species. They're really endowed and given the responsibility for perpetuating the species," Daley said.

[Jaded]

Well, this could open up yet another can of worms for special interest groups.

[Sockdologer]

Oh, Brave New World.

[sourcery]

[<1/1,000,000th%]

The next step in getting rid of the men?

[CovenBuster]

Looks like they've finally found a way to do without men altogether. It must be a happy day in Feminaziville.

[Jim Cane]

It seems awfully expensive. I can produce copious amounts sperm much more efficiently simply by eating shellfish and seafood.

[TruthShallSetYouFree]

I can produce copious amounts sperm much more efficiently simply by eating shellfish and seafood.

I have found that having sex is far more effective. However, different strokes for different folks. :)

[Wolfie]

Wow, if I could that, I'd never leave Red Lobster.

[RightWhale]

That's what the world needs. More sperm.

[Sockdologer]

Does this mean it won't rain men anymore? ;)

[Jim Cane]

I have found that having sex is far more effective.

No, that only squanders your precious bodily fluids.

[Bluntpoint]

Here is the scientific process used to create sperm:

You can now purchase it over the counter:

[CovenBuster]

This means there'll be more men for moi! :-)

[Bluntpoint]

[Thinkin' Gal]

Scientists say they have turned mouse embryonic stem cells into primitive sperm cells — and then used the sperm cells to fertilize eggs.

This is even worse than Gay Days. No wonder Roy Disney had a fit.

[Old Professer]

Finally, I can take that long-awaited vacation I keep promising myself.

[CobaltBlue]

There are positive aspects. Many men are sterile - mumps, hormones, trauma, vasectomy - and would like to reproduce, so maybe now they can.

[Prodigal Son]

Peter North is said to be saddened by this news...

(sorry, couldn't resist)

[ffusco]

General Jack D. Ripper: I don't avoid women Mandrake. I( just deny them my essense.

[<1/1,000,000th%]

Good point.

I keep thinking that the women have finally got their chance to get rid of us. Just think of it, the toilet paper will always come off the roll the right way and football will disappear from television.