April 24, 2024

Trounson wants to create artificial eggs and sperm

Prof Alan Trounson (The Lancet)

Controversial human embryonic stem cell expert Alan Trounson, of Monash University in Melbourne, is looking at the possibility of ending infertility by creating eggs and sperm from stem cells. In a profile in The Lancet, he says, “They could be used to repopulate exhausted supplies of gametes. We are also studying the genes responsible for recruiting eggs from the primary germ-cell population. We may be able to extend the reproductive life of women by manipulating these genes or their products. And we could potentially make new sperm for anyone who needs them.”