Australian scientists create first kangaroo embryo through IVF breakthrough

Australian scientists have achieved a major milestone as they have produced world’s first kangaroo embryo, through in vitro fertilization (IVF).

As per the reports, the experts successfully injected a single sperm cell into an egg. However, they asserted more technical advancement will be needed to achieve a live birth.

The lead researcher Andres Gambini suggested: “the feat provides important insights into marsupial breeding and could aid efforts to improve the genetic diversity of endangered species such as the koala, Tasmanian devil, northern hairy-nosed wombat and Leadbeater's possum.”

Moreover, the University of Queensland research has dived into the growth of kangaroo eggs and sperm, in a laboratory setting  before creating embryos  with a  method  called   intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

"We are now refining techniques to collect, culture and preserve marsupial eggs and sperm," said Dr Gambini.

He further shared that these methods play key 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.

For the unknown,   Australia  is recognised as one of the country having variety of marsupial mammals, but also has  highest rate of mammal extinctions