Here is a new development in fertility treatment: Scientists have successfully produced early-stage sperm cells from the skin cells of infertile men.

According to thestudy, Stanford University researchers took skin cells from infertile men, turned them into stem cells known as induced pluripotent stem cells, and then implanted those cells in the tubules of mice testes. (ViaFlickr / 7715592@N03,33852688@N08)

Before we move forward, you might be wondering how scientists turned skin cells back into stem cells. Stem Cell Networksummed up the process: "If some adult cell types are taken, grown in plastic dishes and given specific genetic instructions, over time a small number of these cells will reverse from their differentiated state and develop the ability to redifferentiate."(ViaVimeo /Stem Cell Network)

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Researchers discovered the stem cells developed into germ cells, the precursor to sperm cells. (ViaYouTube /CreekValleyCritters)

But while this new development seemingly bodes well for future fertility treatment, a writer forThe Guardianpoints out one major concern: "The cells that lodged in the (mice) tubules developed into early-stage sperm cells, but others turned into small tumors. The danger of causing cancer in the men is one of the major risks that scientists need to overcome."(ViaThe Guardian)

Despite concerns,Nature World Newssays this research has potential, because there are various uses for the treatment."There is also the possibility of using cells from endangered species to help boost their reproduction," the organization reported.

According to theAmerican Society for Reproductive Medicine, about 12 percentof adults suffer from infertility. The study has been published in the journal Cell Reports.

Read more:
Scientists use human skin to create sperm cells

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