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---
title: Scientists Use Skin Cells to Create Artificial Sperm and Eggs
description: Scientists have succeeded in using skin cells to create primitive forms of artificial sperm and eggs.
canonical: https://time.com/3647037/u-k-scientists-artificial-sperm-eggs/
author: Helen Regan
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article:published_time: 2014-12-25T04:19:42.000Z
article:modified_time: 2026-02-22T03:07:44.420Z
article:section: Science
og:title: Scientists Create Artificial Sperm and Eggs
og:description: The medical feat could transform fertility treatment.
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twitter:title: Scientists Create Artificial Sperm and Eggs
twitter:description: The medical feat could transform fertility treatment.
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![](https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt1c179ec0c5a4961c/6987773f524fc03e3bdeba0e/460716011.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9)


# Scientists Use Skin Cells to Create Artificial Sperm and Eggs

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by 

[Helen Regan](https://time.com/author/helen-regan/)


## Helen Regan


Dec 25, 2014 4:19 AM UTC

![460716011](https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt1c179ec0c5a4961c/6987773f524fc03e3bdeba0e/460716011.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=3:2)

Egg and sperm, artwork

Egg and sperm, artwork Getty Images

by 

[Helen Regan](https://time.com/author/helen-regan/)


## Helen Regan


Dec 25, 2014 4:19 AM UTC

British scientists from Cambridge have succeeded in using skin cells to create [primitive](http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/dec/24/science-skin-cells-create-artificial-sperm-eggs) forms of artificial sperm and eggs.

The feat could transform fertility treatment and our understanding of age-related diseases, the _Guardian_ reports.

Scientists created the early sex cells by culturing human embryonic stem cells for five days in controlled conditions.

They then showed that by following the same procedure they could convert adult skin tissue into early-stage sperm and eggs, raising the likelihood of using sex cells that genetically match a patient undergoing IVF treatment.

The scientists believe these cells have the potential could grow into mature sperm and eggs, something that has never been done in a lab before.

\[[_The Guardian_\]](http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/dec/24/science-skin-cells-create-artificial-sperm-eggs)

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