GenQ - For the not so straight individual

Scientists have raised the possibility that fertilised human embryos might be created in a laboratory dish from artificial sperm and eggs before being implanted in the womb. The consequences of such work might even mean gay couples or single men could produce children while women's fertility would no longer be ended by the menopause.It sees primordial germ cells (PGC) developed from embryonic stem cells. PGCs later develop into either sperm or eggs and could be used in IVF treatment for potential parents either having trouble conceiving, or currently being unable to have children.Because the egg and sperm can be engineered, both gay parents could be genetically involved in the development.

Press reports suggest that the research, conducted by the Centre for Stem Cell Biology at the University of Sheffield, could eventually lead to an egg being produced from a man's original cells.Behrouz Aflatoonian told the conference yesterday that, while similar studies have seen success in mice, his latest research suggests stem cells could be developed "into PGC and early gametes".The University's Prof Harry Moore told reporters that assisted contraception for infertile couples could be possible because of the studies, although not in the near future.

"Ultimately it might be possible to produce sperm and eggs for use in assisted conception treatments," he said.

"This is a long way off and we would have to prove it was safe."

Anna Smajdor, a researcher in medical ethics at Imperial College, London, said that in the future, "this technology would offer an obvious solution to infertile couples".

"Gay couples could have children genetically related to both. Single men could even produce a child using their own sperm and an engineered egg, opening the way to a new form of cloning. Women's fertility would no longer need to be curtailed at the menopause.

"These possibilities raise new questions about how we define parenthood and about how we decide who has access to these new technologies."