Scientists create test-tube sperm

[Holly_Hobby]

Scientists create test-tube sperm

Breakthrough offers hope of finding cure for male infertility

By Jeremy Laurance, Health Editor

Wednesday, 8 July 2009


Scientists have created human sperm in the laboratory for the first time. The extraordinary development, which until a few years ago belonged in the realms of science fiction, raises hopes that infertile men may one day be able to father their own biological children.

The sperm were created in a test tube, from stem cells derived from a five-day-old male embryo. The advance raises ethical questions over the safety of the procedure and the threat it poses to the future role of men. It was also challenged by experts who claimed the sperm-like cells produced in the experiment were not genuine sperm.

If the finding is confirmed, a single male embryo could, in theory, yield a stem-cell line which when stored could provide an unlimited supply of sperm. Once the stem-cell line was established, there would be no further reproductive need for men. In a briefing on the research, the scientists at Newcastle University and the NorthEast England Stem Cell Institute, led by Professor Karim Nayernia, raise the question of whether their discovery means "the end of men".

They point out that the stem cells from which the sperm were made could only be derived from a male embryo – one containing a Y (male) chromosome – so at least one male would be required.

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http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/scientists-create-testtube-sperm-1736207.html

Worth reading the entire article...the doctor says the intent is to cure male infertility, not dispose of men.

[drm604]

1. No further need for men?

Only if you don't care about genetic diversity. If you only have the one stem cell line then 50% of everybody's genes would come from the same individual. In fact, I think over time it would approach 100%. That doesn't sound very wise to me.

[ContinentalOp]

2. Especially if it's this guy

[optimal-tomato]

3. I'm only good for a couple of things.

Sperm is all of them...

[asteroid2003QQ47]

4. Free at last! eom

[grantcart]

5. This can't be good for guys like me.

[AdHocSolver]

6. This planet suffers from overpopulation and these guys are creating test tube sperm?

There have been articles written explaining how pollution is causing infertility and birth defects. Instead of reducing pollution to reduce that problem, research is devoted to producing artificial sperm.

There is a pattern at work here that explains a lot of why this planet is in trouble. The people who run things are certifiably insane.

[Maru Kitteh]

7. Journalist nitwits always go for the sensational - this sounds more practical

"In a parallel but incomplete experiment, the same group of researchers are creating stem cells out of skin cells from which they have produced sperm, with the same genetic make-up as the skin cells from which they are derived.This would allow infertile men to produce their own biological children, using only their skin cells. Professor Nayernia said the results of this research were "promising" and added: "We hope in a few months to publish that work as well."