I don't like to do a hit and run link diary, but I thought this worth a mention. Apparently, British scientists have shown that stem cells extracted from human embryos can develop in the laboratory into the early forms of cells that become eggs or sperm.
The BBC is reporting that scientists have made great strides toward producing sperm and eggs from embryonic stem cells.
A little more after the fold
The BBC reports
British scientists say they have taken a step towards showing human eggs and sperm can be created from stem cells.
The finding may help IVF treatment, hit by a shortage of egg and sperm donors.
Previous research had found mice stem cells were capable of developing into sperms and eggs so the researchers checked if this was true in humans.
The Sheffield University team found some stem cells developed the genetic signature of primordial germ cells, the ancestors of eggs and sperm.
The work may make up for a shortage of egg and sperm donors for IVF treatment.
So this is an interesting development as infertility hits a wide swatch of human beings regardless of their political persuasion and the number of couples experiencing infertility is on the rise.
Democrats have been making the argument for stem cell research for several years, yet have been stonewalled by the Republican party.
If this research proves fruitful, republicans could face a divisive fight within their own party.
If this is a repeat, let me know and I'll delete. I didn't find anything posted on the topic.