07.12.06
Progress made in eliminating the need for men
Just kidding, guys, but I got your attention, didn’t I? What these scientists did was develop a procedure that turned mouse embryonic stem cells into viable mouse sperm cells. They then used these sperm cells to fertilize eggs, which resulted in seven baby mice being born, six of which reached adulthood, There were some developmental issues, but overall a nice first try.
Scientists are theorizing that this might become a useful procedure for producing sperm for a man who is himself incapable of sperm production, provided it also becomes possible to harvest and grow stem cells from his blood.
I think this would be a great basis for a work of fiction.
Victor said,
July 13, 2006 at 10:32 pm
It’s been done (the work of fiction, I mean). Episode 417 of “The Outer Limits”: Lithia.
http://www.scifi.com/outerlimits/episodes/season4/417lithia.html
angela said,
July 15, 2006 at 3:48 pm
I’m sure it’s been done more than once, considering how good ideas recycle themselves endlessly into books and stories, good and otherwise. Were I to write a story myself, undoubtedly I would put my own spin on it while incorporating this latest info.