For the origin of life requires the fusion of male and female gametes. Right? Is it possible to get along without it? According to the publication The Daily Mail, researchers from Maastricht University (the Netherlands) created the embryo for stem cells. Without the use of eggs and sperm.
For their experiments, the scientists combined in vitro 2 sets of stem cells from different individuals. And, together, this cell grew and reached a stage of the embryo, not differing in structure from embryos formed the “traditional” way. Cells were grown to an early stage embryo before implantation in the uterus, becoming a blastocyst, that is, they have already begun the process of cell differentiation. Moreover, once the blastocyst is transplanted into the uterus, it caused changes, such as those that arise in the embryo stage in three and a half days.
Of course, the experiments were conducted not on humans, but on laboratory mice. But the researchers say that after testing the new technology will lead to the creation of living organisms without the participation of sperm or egg within the next three years. Creating, or even “production”, such embryos will open the door to an unlimited supply of absolutely identical individuals, which can be used for research. But some scientists fear such technology. Theoretically this technique can be repeated on humans, though will require much more time. According to experts, it will take 15 to 20 years, but the prospect of creating an army of clones looks a bit scary.
The embryo without the use of eggs and sperm – the basis for future human clones?
Vladimir Kuznetsov