145;Stem cells create fertile sperms146;

US scienetists have coaxed stem cells from mice to turn into immature sperm that can fertilise eggs, to develop into embryos, an achievement that may lead to new ways to treat male infertility.

Researchers said on Wednesday they plan to transfer the embryos into female mice to see if they develop normally. 8216;8216;What we want know is will these cells sustain development of an embryo,8217;8217; said Dr. George Daley, a stem cell biologist. 8216;8216;If true, then it opens up possibilities for novel forms of reproductive biology.8217;8217; Stem cells are master cells, capable of growing into all cells and tissues in the body. They hold the promise of treating conditions ranging from heart disease and infertility. Daley cultured mouse stem cells and isolated the germ cells. After the germ cells developed into sperm, they were injected into female mice to create embryos. Daley is now testing if the technique will work for humans. 8212; Reuters