In a groundbreaking breakthrough, scientists at Shanghai Jiao Tong University have successfully created mice born to two biological fathers who have grown up and produced offspring of their own. The researchers used a gene editing technique called androgenesis to reprogram the DNA of the sperm cells from each father, allowing an embryo to develop.
The experiment was successful twice, birthing two fertile male mice with genetic material from both fathers. This promising development could pave the way for gay men to have children of their own who can also go on to have families.
However, experts caution that there is still a long way to go before such procedures are attempted in humans, citing concerns over safety, ethics, and feasibility. The success rate of the experiments was low, with only two out of 259 mice embryos surviving to adulthood and fathering their own offspring.
Despite these challenges, the breakthrough has sparked hope for gay couples who have long dreamed of raising a child with genetic material from both fathers. While the technology is still in its infancy, it offers a promising avenue for addressing the complex issues surrounding same-sex parenting.
The experiment was made possible by understanding the biological mechanisms that govern reproductive processes in mammals. By targeting genes responsible for imprinting, which can lead to developmental defects, researchers were able to overcome a key barrier to uniparental reproduction.
While further research is needed to refine this technique and make it safe for human use, the progress made here demonstrates that it is theoretically possible to create offspring from same-sex parents.
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-14842121/First-mouse-two-biological-FATHERS-babies.html