06.02.2025 18:04
Australian scientists have successfully produced the world's first kangaroo embryo using in vitro fertilization. In this method, sperm cells from kangaroos were injected into egg cells. Researchers state that this development has the potential to protect many endangered animal species.
Australian scientists have reported that they produced the world's first kangaroo embryo using the microinjection (ICSI) method.
THE WORLD'S FIRST KANGAROO EMBRYO HAS BEEN PRODUCED
According to a report on ABC News, scientists from the University of Queensland tested the ICSI method on a deceased eastern grey kangaroo, a technique previously applied to humans and some domestic animal species. The scientists successfully injected a single sperm cell from a kangaroo into a mature egg cell using the ICSI method, producing the world's first kangaroo embryo.
ANIMALS AT RISK OF EXTINCTION CAN BE PROTECTED
Emphasizing that achieving live birth will require further research and technical advancements, the scientists stated that this process could help protect many animals at risk of extinction and ensure the continuation of their species. Dr. Andres Gambini, who participated in the research, pointed out that there have been few studies conducted on marsupials.
Gambini highlighted that one of the most interesting reproductive features of kangaroos is their ability to keep embryos developing in the female's body for months without growth until environmental conditions become suitable, stating that they are beginning to understand this process better.
A RHINO BECAME PREGNANT THROUGH IVF IN KENYA
Despite Australia having one of the richest ecosystems for marsupial species, it has become one of the countries with the highest extinction rates for mammal species. In Kenya, scientists successfully achieved the world's first rhino pregnancy through the IVF method by placing a lab-created rhino embryo into a surrogate female in January 2024.