The BBC carried news yesterday of how scientists in Newcastle claim to have created human sperm in the laboratory in what they say is a world first.
The new technique aims to grow sperm from embryonic stem cells and has been developed by Newcastle University and the NorthEast England Stem Cell Institute (NESCI). But it is at least five years from being perfected, and other experts are not sure that viable sperm has in fact been made.
Current UK law prohibits the use of such sperm for fertility treatment. The scientists in Newcastle say it could help infertile men.
What do you think?
- Should embryonic cells be used for this research, or only stems cells sourced in less controversial ways?
- Should the law be changed and the knowledge gained be used to help directly with fertility treatment, or only help by informing our understanding?
- Is this a ‘thin end of the wedge’? Where should boundaries be drawn, if any?
These are important questions, and genetic research is only going to raise more of them. They are also not easy questions to answer. Do add your comments.
Filed under: Current affairs, science , Stem cells
