Infertility is one of the greatest threats to humanity. Scientists have found a solution: Dolly the sheep

Scientists have recreated the natural process of gamete formation in the laboratory and have rekindled hope in fertility

Imagine a future where infertility caused by the lack of eggs or sperm is no longer an insurmountable obstacle. A future where two men can have a biological child together or where a woman who has lost the ability to produce eggs – due to age or cancer treatment – ​​can produce a descendant with her own genetic material.

This scenario, until recently limited to science fiction, is closer to reality thanks to a revolutionary preview published in the magazine Nature.

The biology behind the feat

The breakthrough, which seems straight out of a futuristic script, was achieved by a team from Oregon Health & Science University, led by Dr. Shoukhrat Mitalipov. Researchers have developed an experimental technique that can induce a skin (somatic) cell to reduce its number of chromosomes by half – a crucial and extremely complex step in the creation of gametes (eggs or sperm). The process was called mitomeiosis.

To understand the importance of this feat, it is necessary to remember that all cells in the human body have 46 chromosomes in the nucleus, with one exception: the gametes, which contain only 23. This reduction is essential so that, when the egg and sperm unite, the resulting embryo once again has 46 chromosomes.

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Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.