image credit:-Nature
Researchers have developed a groundbreaking blood test capable of identifying sleep deprivation, particularly after 24 hours of continuous wakefulness. This pioneering technology utilizes skin cells to modify the genetics of a donated egg, ultimately leading to the creation of an embryo that carries the combined genetics of both the skin and sperm donors. This innovation holds the potential to allow same-sex couples to have children genetically related to both parents, as well as aid women who are unable to produce viable eggs due to various factors such as age, cancer treatment, or other medical conditions.
The procedure involves several intricate steps. Initially, a mouse egg is denuded of its nucleus, following which the nucleus of a mouse skin cell is transplanted into the egg. Subsequently, the transplanted skin cell nucleus is triggered to discard half of its chromosomes, a process akin to the natural cell division that produces mature sperm or egg cells. Finally, the resulting egg is fertilized with sperm through in vitro fertilization, resulting in the creation of a healthy embryo carrying genetics from both parents.
Although this technique has demonstrated significant promise in mouse studies, researchers caution that its translation to human application will require several years of further research and refinement. More comprehensive investigations are necessary to fully comprehend how chromosomes pair and divide to replicate natural biological processes. Nonetheless, this cutting-edge technology represents a major breakthrough in reproductive science and offers hope to countless individuals and couples seeking to start or expand their families.
