British scientists at Newcastle University claim this week that they have created human sperm from embryonic stem cells. Stem cells can develop into any type of human cell, but this is the first time they have been coaxed into forming sperm. Critics say the “artificial” sperm do not have the same exact shape, movement and function of real sperm. Despite this, progress has certainly been made towards creating sperm in the laboratory. This research could eventually help infertile men father children with sperm created from their own stem cells. Read more and watch a video of the sperm making process as voiced by the lead researcher, Professor Karim Nayernia.
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Dr. Steven Chang, the author of DailyDose, is a staff physician with Kosmix RightHealth. Dr. Chang practices Family Medicine at the University of California Davis Medical Center, where his medical interests include both pediatric and geriatric care, public health, gay and lesbian health, and sleep medicine. Dr. Chang trained at the Stanford University affiliated O'Connor Hospital, and was a research fellow at the National Institute of Health. He holds an M.D. from McGill University and a BA in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University.