Scientists create first-ever kangaroo embryo through IVF

Scientists have successfully created the first-ever kangaroo embryo using IVF, marking a major breakthrough in reproductive science and wildlife conservation. This achievement could help preserve endangered marsupial species and expand assisted reproduction techniques for native wildlife. The milestone highlights the potential of IVF in species conservation and offers new hope for sustaining kangaroo populations in the future.

Australian researchers have successfully developed the first-ever kangaroo embryo through in vitro fertilization (IVF), a significant breakthrough that could aid in preventing species from extinction.

By utilizing samples from eastern grey kangaroos, scientists injected a single sperm cell into an egg. However, they emphasized that further research and technological advancements are necessary to achieve a live birth.

This achievement enhances understanding of marsupial reproduction and could contribute to increasing genetic diversity in endangered species such as koalas, Tasmanian devils, northern hairy-nosed wombats, and Leadbeater’s possums, according to lead researcher Andres Gambini. Australia is home to the most diverse range of marsupial mammals but also experiences the highest rate of mammal extinctions globally.

The University of Queensland study examined the development of kangaroo eggs and sperm in a controlled lab environment before successfully creating embryos through intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). This reproductive technique, commonly applied in humans and some domestic animals, was tested on deceased eastern grey kangaroos, chosen due to their stable population and non-endangered status.

Despite the ecological importance of marsupial species in Australia, research on their reproductive biology has been relatively limited, scientists note. Dr. Gambini stated that researchers are now improving methods for collecting, culturing, and preserving marsupial eggs and sperm, which will be essential in safeguarding the genetic resources of these unique species. Globally, IVF is increasingly being used as a conservation tool to protect endangered species.

In a groundbreaking achievement last year, scientists successfully facilitated the first-ever IVF rhino pregnancy, transferring a lab-created embryo into a surrogate mother in Kenya. Similarly, in 2018, IVF techniques enabled the cr ation of the first donkey embryo, demonstrating the expanding role of assisted reproduction in wildlife conservation.

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Source: bbc‍