Embryos from Skin Cells: Science and the Future with Dr. Paula Amato
What if your skin cells could help you have a baby? Could the future of fertility mean having genetically related children even if a woman is in menopause or lost fertility due to cancer treatments?
In this fascinating episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine sits down with Dr. Paula Amato, reproductive endocrinologist and researcher at Oregon Health & Science University, to unpack the groundbreaking study that made headlines around the world — creating human embryos from skin cells.
Dr. Amato explains the science behind this breakthrough, known as in vitro gametogenesis (IVG), and how her team combined genetic material from skin cells and eggs to explore what could one day help people with infertility. She describes the painstaking process of somatic cell nuclear transfer, the ethical oversight behind this research, and the incredible collaboration that led to this first step forward.
Together, Dr. Shahine and Dr. Amato break down complex genetics, discuss the difference between this and “three-parent IVF,” and reflect on what it all means for the future of reproductive medicine.
In this episode you’ll hear:
[2:06] Ripped from the headlines: Human Embryos Made From Skin Cells
[4:15] A refresher on chromosomes
[7:55] Step-by-step explanation of the science
[11:27] Introducing IVG (in vitro gametogenesis )
[15:24] IVG vs IVF
[19:38] Who does this benefit?
[22:20] How might it change the future?
[25:37] Ethical and societal questions
[28:03] Balancing progress with responsibility
[33:45] What is next in fertility science?
Resources mentioned:
Research Study in Nature Communications
OHSU Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy
Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations
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