Researchers Create First Bi-Paternal Mice to Reach Adulthood

Scientists in China used advanced genetic editing to overcome imprinting barriers, achieving a breakthrough in mammalian same-sex reproduction.

For the first time, researchers engineered mice with two male biological parents that survived to adulthood using embryonic stem cell techniques.
The study targeted 20 key imprinting genes to address developmental barriers that previously made same-sex reproduction in mammals nonviable.
Only 11.8% of embryos developed to term, with surviving mice exhibiting faster growth, reduced anxiety-like behaviors, and shorter lifespans.
The findings offer insights into imprinting-related diseases and potential advancements in regenerative medicine, though ethical and technical challenges remain.
The research team plans to refine this technique and extend it to larger animals, but human applications are restricted by current ethical guidelines.