In a novel marriage of conservation and modern biology, scientists have created stem cells from two endangered species, which could help ensure their survival.
The northern white rhino is one of the most endangered animals on Earth, while the drill - a west African monkey - is threatened by habitat loss and hunting.
Scientists report that their stem cells could be made to turn into different types of body cell.
If they could turn into eggs and sperm, test-tube babies could be created. Such applications are a long way off, but research team chief Jeanne Loring said she had been encouraged by the results on the rhino cells, which they had not really expected to be successful.
Full Story
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-14765186
The northern white rhino is one of the most endangered animals on Earth, while the drill - a west African monkey - is threatened by habitat loss and hunting.
Scientists report that their stem cells could be made to turn into different types of body cell.
If they could turn into eggs and sperm, test-tube babies could be created. Such applications are a long way off, but research team chief Jeanne Loring said she had been encouraged by the results on the rhino cells, which they had not really expected to be successful.
Full Story
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-14765186
