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Mouse embryos have been successfully cultured on the International Space Station (ISS) for the first time, raising questions about the possibility of human reproduction in space. The study, led by Teruhiko Wakayama at the University of Yamanashi in Japan, aims to understand the effects of long-duration space travel on pregnancy and childbirth.

In the experiment, embryos at an early two-cell stage were extracted from pregnant mice in the laboratory on Earth and frozen. These frozen embryos were then sent to the ISS on a SpaceX rocket and stored in special devices. Astronauts on the station thawed and cultured the embryos for four days before chemically preserving them and sending them back to Earth.

The study revealed that the development of the embryos was not significantly affected by exposure to microgravity and higher radiation levels in space. The embryos displayed normal structural development and showed no signs of DNA damage. This finding dispels previous concerns that microgravity would hinder the separation of cells that form the fetus and placenta.

While it remains unclear whether later stages of embryo development would be negatively impacted by space conditions, previous studies on pregnant rats exposed to spaceflight have shown that they gave birth to healthy offspring. This suggests that mammalian space reproduction is indeed possible.

Next, the research team plans to further investigate the viability of embryos exposed to space radiation and microgravity. They will examine if embryos returned from the ISS can successfully implant in female mice and develop into healthy offspring. Additionally, the team intends to explore the potential of using mouse sperm and eggs sent to the ISS for in vitro fertilization in space.

The findings of this study bring us one step closer to understanding the challenges and possibilities of human reproduction in space, as future missions to Mars and beyond may involve longer travel durations. It is a crucial area of research in preparing for the future of space exploration and colonization.

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