First mouse with two biological FATHERS reaches adulthood - in breakthrough that could pave the way for gay men to have children
Daily Mail7 days
The Facts
Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences have created the first mouse with two biological fathers, which survived to adulthood, by modifying 20 genes in mice's stem cells to overcome developmental challenges.
The scientists used a technique called "embryonic stem cell engineering," where they transformed male sex cells from one parent into female sex cells, then combined them with sperm from another male to create embryos that were implanted in surrogate mothers.
Only 11.8% of the viable embryos developed until birth, and those that reached adulthood exhibited altered growth patterns, shortened lifespans, and were sterile — indicating significant developmental challenges still exist.
The Spin
Narrative A
This is a significant step forward in reproductive science, potentially offering new paths for endangered species conservation and advancing regenerative medicine research. The successful modification of imprinting genes shows that genetic engineering can overcome barriers to same-sex reproduction.
Narrative B
The high failure rate, developmental abnormalities, and sterility in surviving mice raise serious concerns about the technique's viability. Resources would be better directed toward helping existing children in the healthcare system rather than pursuing controversial genetic engineering technologies.
