Scientists just created female clones of male mice

August 12, 2026 - 22:01

A team of researchers has pulled off something that sounds like science fiction: they created healthy female clones using cells taken from male mice. The process, described as a sex reversal technique, involved rewriting the genetic blueprint so that the resulting offspring were born with two X chromosomes instead of the usual XY pairing found in males.

The scientists started with cells from a male mouse and essentially stripped away the Y chromosome. They then duplicated the remaining X chromosome and added it back, creating a cell with two X chromosomes. From there, they used standard cloning methods to turn those cells into embryos, which were implanted into surrogate mothers. The result was a litter of female pups that grew into adulthood and, notably, were able to reproduce normally themselves.

The implications go beyond just a lab trick. The researchers say this approach could be a practical tool for conservation efforts, especially for endangered species where only a single male remains. In such cases, it might be possible to generate new female offspring from that male's cells, boosting genetic diversity without needing a living female donor. The technique is still in its early stages and would need to be adapted for other mammals, but the team sees it as a promising step forward for preserving species on the brink of extinction. The study was published in a peer-reviewed journal, and the authors are careful to note that much more work is needed before this could be applied outside a lab setting.