Scientists have succeeded in separating the sperm X and Y chromosomes, which determine the sex of the fetus, in a study that may have "enormous" effects on the selection of the sex of animals and humans.
In her report in the Newsweek magazine, the author Kashmira Gander touched on the findings of the study and its implications, and stated that sperm carry chromosomes X or Y, which helps to determine the sex of the fetus in most mammals. Since these chromosomes share the same proteins that make the fetus grow normally, there are no clear indications that help distinguish them.
For years, scientists have tried to find a way to divide these genital cells into different types, because this would help to select the sex of embryos for animals and humans, but their attempts failed.
But the authors of a research paper published in the scientific journal "Biology Plus" reported that they found signs showing whether sperm carries the X or Y chromosome in mice.
Scientists found a protein in the X chromosome, used it to separate it from the genital cells that carry the Y chromosome, and then relied on a technique to create residues that exist in the same genus.
Professor Masayuki Shimada of the University of Hiroshima noted that their future research could be used in many areas, including dairy farms.
The experts who were involved in the research were enthusiastic about the findings, but stressed the need for further experiments on other species.
Peter Ellis, a lecturer in molecular genetics and reproduction at the University of Kent, told Newsweek magazine that "if this study can be simulated, especially for species other than mice, its implications for IVF and assisted vaccination for animals and humans will be enormous." Both".
Ellis added that it is possible to determine the sex of the fetus in the future, but stressed that "it is still a guess at the moment, and more tests should be conducted."
David Elliot, a professor of genetics at the University of Newcastle, who did not participate in the study, told the magazine that it would "give us a broader understanding of how sperm form."
If sperm carrying the X and Y chromosomes have the same differences, he said, "theoretically they can also be separated in a similar way. However, receptors in sperm often vary from one species to another. Which does not make sure that this experience will succeed in the future, let alone the existence of many ethical and safety issues that must be resolved before they are applied to humans. "