7 Mice Pups with 2 Male Parents Born in Laboratory — Japan

Seven mice pups were born from two male parents in a Japanese laboratory.

This means that the ability for two men to conceive naturally without the aid of a surrogate has advanced one step thanks to science.

Japanese scientists developed seven mice with two biologically male parents by fertilizing a viable egg with skin cells from a male mouse.

They anticipate that this research will advance infertility therapies. However, it also makes it possible for men in same-sex relationships to become parents without the use of a surrogate, something that has been happening more frequently lately.

According to Kyushu University professor Katsuhiko Hayashi, this is the first instance of producing healthy mammal oocytes taken from male cells. The study's principal investigator, Hayashi, went on to say that it might be usable by people within the next ten years.

2 Male Parents

Turner's syndrome treatment was one of the goals of the research, which was presented at the Third International Summit on Human Genome Editing in London.

Only women are affected by the condition because it only manifests in those who have an incomplete or missing X chromosome. Men have one X and one Y chromosome, while women typically have two X chromosomes.

The development of these chromosomes, which determine whether a fetus will develop into a male or female, begins in the womb.

Women born with only one copy of the X chromosome are frequently infertile, experience delayed puberty, are smaller, and are more likely to develop heart or learning problems.

Japanese scientists are working on a stem cell therapy to treat the conditions associated with infertility. Using mice that were eight weeks old and had, for some reason, lost a Y chromosome, they created stem cells.

The remaining X chromosome was then copied using cell manipulation techniques to produce a cell with two X genes, which is typically regarded as a female cell. According to Hayashi, the X chromosome duplication is this situation's biggest trick.

In the lab, they transformed those cells into eggs and fertilized them with mouse sperm.

7 Mice Pups

Seven healthy mouse pups were born as a result of the process.

According to the New Scientist, Hayashi thinks it's now possible to have children with two fathers.

The Guardian reports that even in ten years, Hayashi claims it will be technologically feasible for humans.

The lead author, however, stated that he is unsure as to whether they will be made available for reproduction. He made the point that it is not just a matter of science, it also impacts society.

Also Read: Team from China Uses Highly Controversial Animal Cloning Technique on Arctic Wolf

Turner's Syndrome

Although the research has been hailed by other experts as groundbreaking, they note that much work remains before two human males can conceive a child without the aid of a female.

One in every 2,000 American women, or more than 70,000, have Turner's syndrome.

Due in part to the surge in same-sex couples seeking children, the demand for surrogates in America has increased significantly in recent years, Daily Mail Online reports.