Scientists Deliver Mice Offspring From Two Dads

Scientists have produced offspring that carries the genes of two male mice parents. A groundbreaking win for genetic engineering.

By Joshua Rapp Learn
May 8, 2023 1:00 PM
Two mice
(Credit: IrinaK/Shutterstock)

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

A new breakthrough in egg cell creation has enabled a female mouse to give birth to babies carrying only the genes of two fathers.

Scientists genetically engineered this by turning male XY chromosomes into female XX chromosomes and creating eggs from strictly male skin cells.

“The mice look fine — they grew up to be adults, and the adult mice are also fertile,” says Katsuhiko Hayashi, a genome biologist at Osaka University in Japan.

The achievement has huge implications for same-sex parenting, and for treating or preventing sexual chromosome disorders such as infertility and Down syndrome.

“It was surprising — I’m happy to get these results,” Hayashi says.

0 free articles left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

0 free articlesSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

Stay Curious

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and unlock one more article for free.

 

View our Privacy Policy


Want more?
Keep reading for as low as $1.99!


Log In or Register

Already a subscriber?
Find my Subscription

More From Discover
Recommendations From Our Store
Shop Now
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2024 Kalmbach Media Co.