Scientists at Cornell University have successfully applied in-vitro fertilization (IVF) techniques to create the world’s first “test tube” puppies. This litter of seven puppies had three different sets of biological parents, but were all born to the same surrogate mother after their embryos were implanted in her uterus. It’s actually similar to techniques used in human fertility clinics.
(Picture Credit: Cornell University via BBC)Attempts at IVF in dogs have been made for about 40 years but failed. Cornell’s college of veterinary medicine succeeded in making breakthroughs in freezing embryos that made canine IVF possible. They say that this will allow them to assist in the conservation of endangered species like the African wild dog. It can also be used to study inherited diseases in dogs, and eventually it can be applied to human diseases, as humans and dogs share almost twice as many similar diseases as any other species.
The puppies were born this summer and kept a secret while research could be finalized. They are a mix of Beagles and Spaniels, and they’ve been named Ivy, Connor, Beaker, Buddy, Nelly, Red, and Green. All except one have gone to new, loving homes to live happily ever after. Thanks to science.
What do you think? Will this research help cure diseases in the future? Let us know in the comments below.
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