Japanese researcher Teruhiko Wakayama is set to conduct experiments aboard the International Space Station (ISS) to investigate the reproductive capabilities of freeze-dried mouse sperm in a space environment.
The study aims to determine if the sperm can successfully produce offspring upon returning to Earth. Wakayama, a professor at the Advanced Biotechnology Centre of Yamanashi University, emphasizes the importance of understanding whether human reproduction is feasible beyond Earth.
Wakayama states, "In science fiction films, humans live on other planets and babies are born, but we do not even know if that is possible." His research will focus on the effects of the space environment on sperm viability.
Additionally, Wakayama is developing a device that will enable astronauts to perform in vitro fertilization (IVF) on rodents aboard the ISS. This device will protect the stored sperm from radiation without requiring it to be frozen.
The outcomes of this research could provide insights into human reproduction in the harsh conditions of space. Wakayama notes, "If we can confirm that reproduction is possible, it will be reassuring. If not, we must understand how to tackle this challenge."