Sydney: Australian scientists have successfully produced the first kangaroo embryos through in vitro fertilization (IVF) in a major breakthrough for conservation efforts.
In a study published on Thursday, the team led by researchers from the University of Queensland (UQ) detailed how they produced the eastern gray kangaroo embryos by injecting sperm into a mature egg, a process commonly used in human IVF called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
Lead researcher Andres Gambini said that the groundbreaking achievement could support the conservation of Australia’s endangered iconic marsupials, including koalas, wombats, possums and Tasmanian devils.
“We aim to safeguard the genetic material of these unique and precious animals for future use to ensure their conservation,” he said in a media release.
“While it’s difficult to provide an exact timeline, with sustained collaboration, funding and continued technical advancements, we are hopeful the birth of a marsupial through IVF could become a reality within a decade.”
Eastern gray kangaroos were chosen as the subject of the research because of their overabundance.
Unlike artificial insemination, ICSI does not require abundant live sperm cells, with only one being injected directly into the egg.
Gambini said that the team is now refining techniques to collect, culture and preserve marsupial eggs and sperm.
