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Making Babies In Space May Not Be Easy

Posted by ScuttleMonkey on from the just-try-harder dept.

Hugh Pickens writes "Studies of reproduction in space have previously been carried out with sea urchins, fish, amphibians and birds, but Brandon Keim writes in Wired that Japanese biologists have discovered that although mammalian fertilization may take place normally in space, as mouse embryos develop in microgravity their cells have trouble dividing and maturing. The researchers artificially fertilized mouse eggs with sperm that had been stored inside a three-dimensional clinostat, a machine that mimics weightlessness by rotating objects in such a way that the effects of gravity are spread in every direction. Some embryos were ultimately implanted in female mice and survived to a healthy birth, but at lower numbers than a regular-gravity control group. Part of the difference could be the result of performing tricky procedures on sensitive cells, but the researchers suspect they also reflect the effect of a low-gravity environment on cellular processes that evolved for Earth-specific physics. '"These results suggest for the first time that fertilization can occur normally under G environment in a mammal, but normal preimplantation embryo development might require 1G," concludes the report. "Sustaining life beyond Earth either on space stations or on other planets will require a clear understanding of how the space environment affects key phases of mammalian reproduction."'"

32 of 262 comments (clear)

  1. The beginning bit is probably tricky too by Goldberg's+Pants · · Score: 4, Funny

    Zero gravity probably makes the actual copulation bit kinda tricky too.

    1. Re:The beginning bit is probably tricky too by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

      cleaning up afterward might also be a bitch

    2. Re:The beginning bit is probably tricky too by Brian+Gordon · · Score: 4, Funny

      They should contact the Mile High Club to send over some representatives

    3. Re:The beginning bit is probably tricky too by RuBLed · · Score: 4, Funny

      at least no one will hear them scream...

    4. Re:The beginning bit is probably tricky too by Sumbius · · Score: 5, Funny

      Space Corp directive 34124. 'No officer with false teeth should attempt oral sex in zero gravity.'

    5. Re:The beginning bit is probably tricky too by zonker · · Score: 1, Funny

      Making space babies may not be easy but it will at least be fun. ;P

      --

      Large print giveth, and the small print taketh away

    6. Re:The beginning bit is probably tricky too by houstonbofh · · Score: 4, Funny

      cleaning up afterward might also be a bitch

      But no worries about who sleeps in the wet spot...

    7. Re:The beginning bit is probably tricky too by dov_0 · · Score: 2, Funny

      Zero gravity probably makes the actual copulation bit kinda tricky too.

      I would love to see the NASA training budget for this one!

      They could probably double their budget easily if they involved selected senators in the "training sessions"...

      --
      sudo mount --milk --sugar /cup/tea /mouth /etc/init.d/relax start
    8. Re:The beginning bit is probably tricky too by Darinbob · · Score: 5, Funny

      That's what the handcuffs are for.

    9. Re:The beginning bit is probably tricky too by CarpetShark · · Score: 4, Funny

      But no worries about who sleeps in the wet spot...

      Indeed. In space, everyone sleeps in the rain.

    10. Re:The beginning bit is probably tricky too by mcgrew · · Score: 2, Funny

      Or who's on top.

      --
      Free Martian Whores!
    11. Re:The beginning bit is probably tricky too by navyjeff · · Score: 2, Funny

      I imagine it would look a lot like the slow-mo sequences in Behind The Green Door.

  2. May not be easy... by Chris+Burke · · Score: 3, Funny

    ... but I'm willing to try!

    --

    The enemies of Democracy are
    1. Re:May not be easy... by Tablizer · · Score: 5, Funny

      Indeed. "According to NASA research, Tasha, we have to do this 8,000 more times before it succeeds....Honest; here's NASA's paper on it..."
         

      --
      Table-ized A.I.
    2. Re:May not be easy... by Big+Nothing · · Score: 3, Funny

      All you have to do is find the G-spot, and it'll all be ok.

      --
      SIG: TAKE OFF EVERY 'CAPTAIN'!!
    3. Re:May not be easy... by CarpetShark · · Score: 2, Funny

      All you have to do is find the G-spot, and it'll all be ok.

      A geek needs to find the g-spot for us to be OK? ZOMG, we're doomed!

    4. Re:May not be easy... by MyLongNickName · · Score: 4, Funny

      Tasha: "But at the rate you do it, that could take HOURS".

      --
      See my journal for slashdot ID's by year. Mine created in 2005. http://slashdot.org/journal/289875/slashdot-ids-by-year
  3. So, what I read is.. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    a) sex in space: easy
    b) consequences of sex in space: non-existant

    I am pleased.

    1. Re:So, what I read is.. by MarkRose · · Score: 2, Funny

      Until you get space AIDS -- Andromeda immunodeficiency strain. Did you never read classic Crichton?

      --
      Be relentless!
    2. Re:So, what I read is.. by Jah-Wren+Ryel · · Score: 2, Funny

      a) sex in space: easy
      b) consequences of sex in space: non-existant

      I am pleased.

      The pope won't be.
      Look for Casti Conubbi II - no sex in space on pain of excommunication.

      --
      When information is power, privacy is freedom.
    3. Re:So, what I read is.. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

      Sounds like I'll be taking my next date to space. Awww... who am I kidding, I'm posting on /.

    4. Re:So, what I read is.. by feepness · · Score: 4, Funny

      The pope won't be.

      Hey, they said "don't spill it on the ground". There's nothing about spilling it into little floating pearls.

  4. childish question by RuBLed · · Score: 4, Funny

    If I put an egg into a blender, I'm pretty sure it'd have a hard time forming a chicken too.

    Why?

    1. Re:childish question by ZackSchil · · Score: 5, Funny

      Because blenders are very poor at maintaining a temperature of 102 degrees Fahrenheit and very good at turning everything inside of them into a smooth paste.

  5. Re:Where can I find results of all those experimen by kestasjk · · Score: 5, Funny

    Hush, we're trying to be bitter about NASA here if you don't mind..

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    // MD_Update(&m,buf,j);
  6. NASA should experiment with some... by DogDude · · Score: 3, Funny

    Astro-Glide!

    --
    I don't respond to AC's.
  7. Adopt by lul_wat · · Score: 1, Funny

    It's okay, I'll just adopt a baby in space instead. Space is so over populated I don't feel like I should be contributing to it.

    --
    Divide a cake by zero. Is it still a cake?
    1. Re:Adopt by snspdaarf · · Score: 2, Funny

      Madona? Is that you?

      --
      Why, without your clothes, you're naked, Miss Dudley!
  8. Re:Reproduction in space by fractoid · · Score: 5, Funny

    Humans cannot withstand long term micro-gravity. Period.

    There's your problem. You're not pregnant until you STOP having periods.

    --
    Rampant carbon sequestration destroyed the Dinosaurs' tropical paradise. I'm here to help repair the damage.
  9. Volunteers needed? by Gandalf_Greyhame · · Score: 3, Funny

    Dear NASA

    I for one wish to volunteer for this dangerous experiment to determine whether copulation is possible in a zero-g environment and whether a viable embryo can be formed.

    Qualifications:
    I have extensive experience with the ZERO sex protocol, so therefore am a perfect candidate for the upgraded ZERO-G sexual encounter.

    Thank you for your time

    P.S. Please send the mother of the first person to post a smart-arsed reply as one of the female candidates on the mission.

    --
    I am not stubborn. I am right!
    1. Re:Volunteers needed? by cashman73 · · Score: 2, Funny
      Dear Gandalf Greyhame,

      Thank you for your interest in our Copulation in Space Program! After reviewing your qualifications, we have determined that you unfortunately do not qualify. At this time, we are only seeking experienced candidates for the mission, and seeing as how you have ZERO experience with sexual reproduction, we are unable to process your application. We will keep your application on file and, should an appropriate opportunity arise, we'll contact you in your mother's basement at that time.

      Once again, thank you for your interest in NASA's Copulation in Space Program!

      Sincerely,
      NASA

  10. Re:"Zero Gravity" by 32771 · · Score: 2, Funny

    According to the comments so far, people see no gravity in the situation.

    --
    Je me souviens.