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New Research Shows You Can Grow Sperm In a Dish (sciencemag.org)

sciencehabit writes: How the male body produces sperm has long been hidden inside its genitalia. Trying to recreate the process in a lab for humans and other mammals has led to many failures - sperm development appeared to be dependent on unique conditions in the testes. But a new technique may finally be bringing that process into the open. A team of Chinese researchers reports turning a dish of a certain type of mouse stem cell into spermlike cells, which were then used to fertilize eggs and produce healthy mouse pups. The approach could help researchers study mammalian sperm development more directly, and it could spur efforts to develop treatments for male infertility in people.

13 of 158 comments (clear)

  1. Why? by Tablizer · · Score: 5, Funny

    I produce plenty, don't need a dish, only a web connection.

  2. Re:or... by HornWumpus · · Score: 2

    If he's making mouse sperm, it's a major discovery.

    --
    John McAfee 'It was like that time I hired that Bangkok prostitute; to do my taxes, while I fucked my accountant'
  3. Re:Why is this a good thing? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

    >> it could spur efforts to develop treatments for male infertility in people. ...because the one thing this planet needs is even more humans?

    A few years of unsuccessfully trying to have a baby would change your opinion and attitude on the subject.

  4. Re:Men No Longer Needed by Punko · · Score: 3, Funny

    The only reason females of our species haven't done away with us already, is that we were the only route for children. If we lose that, there is no way they'll put up with us any longer. We're doomed, I tell you, doomed !

    --
    If only we could fall into a woman's arms without falling into her hands
  5. Re:Well, so much for that business plan by Ann+O'Nymous-Coward · · Score: 2

    Oh, so you're where all those old mouse balls went...

  6. I can't wait by Krishnoid · · Score: 2

    I, for one, welcome the new tidal wave of science fiction, social justice flamewars, and legislation that follows this. This is so promising, I may buy popcorn futures.

    Mz. Sheldon, your future has arrived.

  7. Re:Why is this a good thing? by nospam007 · · Score: 4, Insightful

    "A few years of unsuccessfully trying to have a baby would change your opinion and attitude on the subject."

    It's just hormones pumped into your body by your genes who want to replicate. Since we know that, you can easily overcome the need, since it's not _you_ wanting this unpaid job for decades.

  8. Re:No more domestic violence by B33rNinj4 · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Oh? Does it solve violence against men from women? Go back to your anonymous hole.

  9. Re:Only good for opening jars by darthsilun · · Score: 2

    If my wife had to pay the mortgage – on her income alone––

    Yeah, I feel pretty secure.

  10. Re:Sex bots by gweihir · · Score: 3, Insightful

    The 3rd-wave feminists need men urgently as the suppressed class that works for them and fulfills all their needs. As none of them have any actual skills besides grandstanding and claiming to be victims and bossing others around, they would just die on their own, like any other parasitic life-form.

    Of course, they do not want to pay with sex for all that either, so I really do not see why they are opposed to sex-bots and porn in the first place. May just be a result of general stupidity and inability to connect causes and effects.

    --
    Most ACs are not even worth the keystrokes to insult them. Be generically insulted by this and ignored otherwise.
  11. Re:No more domestic violence by cayenne8 · · Score: 2
    Sure...but just TRY to get a petri dish to mow the fucking lawn.....

    :)

    --
    Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.........
  12. Re:Wonderful by techno-vampire · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Just wait until the women who've used this realize that there's nobody around for them to stick with child support.

    --
    Good, inexpensive web hosting
  13. Re:Why is this a good thing? by penguinoid · · Score: 3, Insightful

    >> it could spur efforts to develop treatments for male infertility in people. ...because the one thing this planet needs is even more humans?

    A few years of unsuccessfully trying to have a baby would change your opinion and attitude on the subject.

    A few successes might change yours.

    --
    Don't waste your vote! Vote for whoever you want, unless you live in a swing state it won't matter anyways