April 20, 2025

IN BRIEF: creating sperm; Vatican comment

Artificial sperm: Researchers in the UK have produced functional sperm from mouse embryonic stem cells. Seven mice were born as a result, of which six survived to adulthood. Three had serious abnormalities. The lead researcher, Professor Karim Nayernia, says that the development will help scientists to understand how sperm develop and to explore what causes male infertility. Theoretically the procedure could be used to create a baby without a male.