Healthy mice born to same-sex parents

Chinese scientists have pushed the boundaries of reproductive science by breeding healthy mice using genetic materials from same-sex parents, without the need for males to fertilize eggs as required for mammal reproduction.

The research can shed light on why mammals can only reproduce sexually, as well as provide a better understanding of and possible cure for some forms of infertility and birth defects, scientists said. Such techniques might also be used to preserve critically endangered animals that cannot find a mate.

Some hope this new work could lead to the possibility that homosexual couples would be able to have their own biological children, but such an application faces monumental technical and ethical obstacles that would be extremely difficult to overcome, the scientists said.