Scientists Advance Towards Making IVF Eggs From Skin Cells
The Facts
- Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University have documented the development of the ability to turn a skin cell into an egg capable of producing viable embryos.
- Scientists, led by Mitinori Saitou, combined eggs made from a male mouse's skin cells and mouse sperm to create embryos, which were later implanted in the wombs of female mice. Researchers are working on developing a way to use these technologies in humans.
- Dr. Shoukhrat Mitalipov, the senior author of the study — which was published in the journal Science Advances on Friday — said the ultimate goal of the research is to "produce eggs for patients who don’t have their own eggs."
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The Spin
Narrative A
This is a potential game changer in reproductive science. This still-developing technology likely has a long road before it's approved for usage in humans, but the science is promising and the impact on individuals facing infertility could be tremendous.
Narrative B
Infertility can be upsetting for many couples, who often turn to emerging reproductive technologies, but many of these processes have ethical implications. Most concerning is the fact that many human embryos will be created for the sole purpose of experimentation and then destroyed.
Metaculus Prediction
© 2026 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 7.18.2
© 2026 Improve the News Foundation.
All rights reserved.
Version 7.18.2