Canberra- Australian scientists have developed the first kangaroo embryos using in vitro fertilization, or IVF, technology. This has raised hopes of helping to save endangered species.
The researchers put the sperm of the eastern brown kangaroo into single sperm cells and fertilized them. But scientists have said that more work needs to be done to give birth to kangaroo babies using this method and for this, it is necessary to make the technology more refined.
Andres Gambini, the principal researcher of this study, said that this method can help in improving the genetic diversity of endangered rare species such as the koala and the Tasmanian devil. In the study, the University of Queensland looked at the development of kangaroo eggs and sperm in the lab.
Earlier in 2018, donkey embryos were developed for the first time in the world by using IVF method. Last year, scientists impregnated a rhinoceros using IVF. In recent times, IVF has been used as a means of saving human species around the world.