Colorado State University says it can reliably sort sperm with X chromosomes
from those with Y chromosomes, allowing the sex of mammalian offspring born by
artificial insemination to be chosen. The key to the process is a dye that
stains sperm cells slightly different colours depending on which sex chromosome
they have. The dyed sperm are given a small charge and then blown past a laser
that detects the colour changes. An electrostatic plate deflects X-bearing sperm
into one container and Y-bearing sperm into another (WO 99/33956). The
university says it can sort bovine sperm at the rate of at least a thousand a
second. The technique can be applied to human sperm.
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Technology
Test moderators use AI-generated writing to judge literacy standards
News
Technology
We should decide how AI shapes the future, not tech firms
Comment
Technology
Quantum voting could make elections more secure
News
Technology
DeepMind AI gives an extra day of warning ahead of deadly cyclones
News
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles