Scientists said Tuesday they have turned human skin cells into eggs and fertilised them with sperm in the lab for the first time — a breakthrough that is hoped to one day let infertile people have children.

The technology is still years away from potentially becoming available to aspiring parents, the US-led team of scientists warned.

But outside experts said the proof-of-concept research could eventually change the meaning of infertility, which affects one in six people worldwide.

If successful, the technology called in-vitro gametogenesis (IVG) would allow older women or women who lack eggs for other reasons to genetically reproduce, Paula Amato, the co-author of a new study announcing the achievement, told AFP.

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“It also would allow same-sex couples to have a child genetically related to both partners,” said Amato, a researcher at the Oregon Health & Science University in the United States.

Scientists have been making significant advances in this field in recent years, with Japanese researchers announcing in July they had created mice with two biological fathers.

But the new study, published in the journal Nature Communications, marks a major advance by using DNA from humans, rather than mice.

The scientists first removed the nucleus from normal skin cells and transferred them into a donor egg which had its nucleus removed. This technique, called somatic cell nuclear transfer, was used to clone Dolly the sheep in 1996.

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However a problem still had to be overcome: skin cells have 46 chromosomes, but eggs have 23.

The scientists managed to remove these extra chromosomes using a process they are calling “mitomeiosis”, which mimics how cells normally divide.

They created 82 developing eggs called oocytes, which were then fertilised by sperm via in vitro fertilisation (IVF).

After six days, less than nine percent of the embryos developed to the point that they could hypothetically be transferred to the uterus for a standard IVF process.

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However the embryos displayed a range of abnormalities, and the experiment was ended.

While the nine-percent rate was low, the researchers noted that during natural reproduction only around a third of embryos make it to the IVF-ready “blastocyst” stage.

Amato estimated the technology was at least a decade away from becoming widely available.

“The biggest hurdle is trying to achieve genetically normal eggs with the correct number and complement of chromosomes,” she said.

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Breakthrough

Ying Cheong, a reproductive medicine researcher at the UK’s University of Southampton, hailed the “exciting” breakthrough.

“For the first time, scientists have shown that DNA from ordinary body cells can be placed into an egg, activated, and made to halve its chromosomes, mimicking the special steps that normally create eggs and sperm,” she said.

“While this is still very early laboratory work, in the future it could transform how we understand infertility and miscarriage, and perhaps one day open the door to creating egg- or sperm-like cells for those who have no other options.”

Other researchers trying to create eggs in the lab are using a different technique. It involves reprogramming skin cells into what are called induced pluripotent stem cells — which have the potential to develop into any cell in the body — then turning those into eggs.

“It’s too early to tell which method will be more successful,” Amato said. “Either way, we are still many years away.”
The researchers followed existing US ethical guidelines regulating the use of embryos, the study said.
(GUARDIAN)

Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, has explained the rationale behind the appointment of popular content creator, Ayomiposi Oluwadahunsi, known as Mandy Kiss, as an ambassador for the Lagos State Kicks Against Drug Abuse initiative.

Ogunlende, in a viral video on Tuesday, conferred the ambassadorship on Mandy Kiss.

He said, “We’re here with Mandy Kiss, and you know, she’s actually agreed to become one of our LASKADA brand ambassadors, Lagos State Kicks Against Drug Abuse.”

Describing drug abuse as a pandemic, the Commissioner said, “We must work in collaboration with those that can reach as many people as possible, and we know Mandy Kiss has a large followership, 402,000. We’ve had conversations, and we’re trying to do things differently.

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“With the powers conferred on me, I make her one of our brand ambassadors. So, say no to drugs. Say what? Say no to drugs.”

The decision comes after a 25-year-old influencer publicly announced plans to pursue a controversial Guinness World Record attempt to sleep with 100 men, which had raised concerns over its alignment with societal values.

Taking to his social media accounts on Tuesday, Ogunlende shared pictures of Mandy Kiss’s unveiling in a post titled “A society thrives when it listens, engages, and redirects its future with compassion and purpose.”

He justified the appointment, stating that the content creator wields significant influence among our youth, our future leaders, and it’s vital that she be guided rather than dismissed.

Ogunlende’s post read, “With the Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led administration being responsive and responsible, earlier today, I had the privilege of meeting with Ayomiposi Oluwadahunsi, popularly known as Mandykiss, a prominent content creator, following her public announcement of plans to pursue a Guinness World Record in a pursuit that didn’t align with our societal values or reflect the standards we uphold as a people and State.

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“Mandykiss had initially declared her intent to attempt this record, but as a government that listens, we heard her subsequent expressions and responded swiftly with empathy.

“In an atmosphere of understanding and responsibility, we engaged in candid discussions, critically assessed the situation, and explored healthier, more constructive paths forward.

“We recognise the importance of mental health and emotional wellness, and we’re steadfast in our commitment to promoting these and crafting inclusive interventions that uplift and safeguard our citizens.”

The Lagos Commissioner added, “Mandykiss wields significant influence among young people, our future leaders, and it’s vital that she be guided rather than dismissed. What was slated to be the start of her controversial record attempt has instead become a pivotal moment of redirection.

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“She has now embraced a purpose-driven cause, standing for something greater than herself. Mandykiss has been appointed an Ambassador of LASKADA (Lagos State Kicks Against Drug Abuse), partnering with us in combating drug abuse and substance misuse among youths in Lagos.”

He said the influencer’s “journey reflects transformation rather than cancellation, a powerful illustration of what is achievable when young individuals are met with love, guidance, and opportunities for positive growth.

“Mandykiss’s story underscores the impact of compassion and purposeful engagement. It is a testament to redirecting potential towards meaningful impact.”

Recall that this appointment comes after Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo, in August, announced plans to engage Fuji star, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol, after controversy over his alleged misconduct at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

Social media personality Ayomiposi Oluwadahunsi, known online as “Mandy Kiss,” has been unveiled as a brand ambassador for Lagos State Kick Against Drug and Substance Abuse.

In a viral video posted by a X user, #dammiedammie35, on Tuesday, Lagos Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende, conferred the ambassadorship on Mandy Kiss, at an event organised by LASKADA.

He urged citizens to join the fight against substance misuse.

He said, “We’re here with Mandy Kiss, and you know, she’s actually agreed to become one of our LASKADA brand ambassadors, Lagos State Kicks Against Drug Abuse.

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“Drugs are a pandemic that is hitting our streets, it is a pandemic that is hitting our society, it is a pandemic that is hitting our community.

“The government cannot fight it alone. We must work in collaboration with those that can reach as many people as possible, and we know Mandy Kiss has a large followership, 402,000. We’ve had conversations and we’re trying to do things differently.”

He said, “With the powers conferred on me, I make her one of our brand ambassadors. So, say no to drugs. Say what? Say no to drugs.”

The development comes after the social media influencer fixed September 30 to stage a marathon sex act with 100 men in a single day.

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She said the event, aimed at registering her name in the Guinness World Records, will take place in Ikorodu, Lagos.

The GWR, however, has issued a statement clarifying that it does not monitor or endorse sexual activity as a record category and has therefore distanced itself from the proposed event.

While she later said the declaration was a joke, it caused public outrage, with some quarters urging Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to punish her.

Speaking at Mandy Kiss’ conferment, the Commissioner hope the influencer can help take the anti-drug message into Lagos communities.

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“Everybody has a past, nobody’s perfect, but again, as a brand ambassador to Legal State Kicks Against Drug Abuse, we hope Mandy Kiss will be able to reach the nooks and crannies, you know, of Lagos to assist us in fighting this pandemic.”

He did not give details on the scope of Mandy Kiss’s duties or any planned campaigns.

LASKADA is saddled with the responsibility of coordinating a multi-sectoral, evidence-based response to the growing menace of drug and substance abuse in Lagos State by leading sustained advocacy, public education, community engagement, policy influence, and research.