In a groundbreaking achievement in the field of stem cell science, a "chimera" monkey was born in China following a successful injection procedure, shedding light on how these cells function during the early stages of embryonic development. In an incredible sight, images of the animal displayed glowing eyes and yellow and green fingertips, as these fluorescent stem cell parts were implanted, according to a report published by the British "Telegraph."
This breakthrough, conducted by Chinese scientists, could lead to the creation of animals with specific human-like traits, allowing for better testing of drugs and medications. The experiments began when scientists from the "Chinese Academy of Sciences" took stem cells from a one-week-old "macaque" embryo and enhanced them in the lab to ensure their ability to transform into any cell in the body. These cells, known as pluripotent embryonic stem cells, are essential in nature as they serve as a blank canvas capable of becoming anything the body requires.
A glowing green marker was then attached to these cells before they were injected into a five-day-old embryo of another monkey from the same species. Out of a total of 12 pregnancies, there were six live births. Additionally, one of the male monkeys born during the cell merging experiment was identified as a true "chimera" organism. The monkey was alive and approximately two-thirds of its body was made up of the donated light green stem cells.
Study author Chen Liu stated that what has occurred is a "long-awaited goal in this field," noting that "this research has practical implications related to genetic engineering and species conservation." He added that "this work can help us create more accurate monkey models for studying neurological diseases as well as for biomedical studies."
