Australian scientists have created the world's first kangaroo embryo using in vitro fertilisation (IVF), a breakthrough they believe could help protect other species from extinction.

Using samples from eastern grey kangaroos, researchers successfully injected a single sperm cell into an egg. However, they noted that achieving a live birth would require further research and "technical advancements."

Lead researcher Andres Gambini said the achievement offers valuable insights into marsupial reproduction and could support efforts to enhance the genetic diversity of endangered species, including the koala, Tasmanian devil, northern hairy-nosed wombat, and Leadbeater's possum.

Australia is home to the greatest diversity of marsupial mammals but also has the world's highest rate of mammal extinctions.

The University of Queensland experiment looked at the growth of kangaroo eggs and sperm in a laboratory setting before creating embryos using a method known as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

The technique, which is already used on humans and some domestic animals, was tried on eastern grey kangaroos that had died. The species was selected because it is not endangered and has existing high populations.

Despite how iconic marsupial species are in Australia and the crucial role they play in its biodiversity, studies into their tissues have been limited, scientists say.

"We are now refining techniques to collect, culture and preserve marsupial eggs and sperm," said Dr Gambini, adding that such methods would play a crucial role in safeguarding "the genetic material of these unique and precious animals".

IVF is being used as a tool to try and preserve endangered species the world over.

Last year, scientists achieved the world's first IVF rhino pregnancy, successfully transferring a lab-created rhino embryo into a surrogate mother in Kenya.

In 2018, IVF was also used to create the world's first donkey embryo.

Source: BBC

BDST: 1311 HRS, FEB 06, 2025
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