Synthetic Sperm?
British scientists have created human sperm using stem cells in a medical first that could revolutionize fertility treatment.
Researchers at the pioneering Northeast England Stem Cell Institute say they have made the breakthrough using stem cells from an embryo.
They claim that with some minor changes the sperm could theoretically fertilize an egg to create a child.
First we were given fake stimuli for erectile dysfunction (ED) now we're getting fake baby makers? WOW!
Too bad our scientists aren't working on cures to fix the things that are wrong with our bodies like diseases instead of trying to improve man's capabilities to propagate and have fun.
I wonder if these scientists doing these inventions are men or women? Either they are worried about men losing their place in the world with women or women are trying to make sure man is obsolete....LOL
That's capitalism for ya! Do what is profitable not what profits human beings.
Jonathan Turley has a humorous post on this subject today:
http://jonathanturley.org/2009/07/08/are-men-obsolete/#more-12594
July 8, 2009 12:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
Never thought of it in that manner -- you may be right...LOL
July 8, 2009 1:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
Actually, the research is focused on finding ways to help infertile men, not men who cannot have an erection, or to help men who carry a lethal genetic trait that they don't want to pass on to a child. Do your homework before spouting off (pun intended).
July 8, 2009 3:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
You're making fun of this but I'm actually incredibly excited. I'm looking at this in an incredibly different light than you are:
If we can create sperm from a man's stem cells, then this means we can-- and will-- create sperm from a woman's stem cells. What this does is open the door for same-sex couples conceiving biological children.
Experiments around 2004 had mice being successfully bred using sperm and egg cells created from stem cells. I've been wondering since then when or if we'd see the same procedure with humans, I had no idea it would be this soon. As soon as people understand what this actually means the religious right is going to turn itself inside out...
July 8, 2009 4:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
I had not thought of what you said, but that makes perfect sense, and I think it's great application of the technology. Biological relationship is an important thing, and if this can be used to help same sex couples have a child that is biologically related to one or both of them, that's just fantastic.
July 8, 2009 8:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
Good points.
July 8, 2009 9:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hmmm, this might give a whole new meaning to "women faking it" ...
July 9, 2009 9:10 AM | Reply | Permalink