Scientists open animal sperm bank


Japanese scientists have launched a sperm bank for endangered animals that uses freeze-drying technology they hope could one day help humans re-create animal populations on other planets, the chief researcher said Wednesday.


They mixed the sperm with special preservation liquid and freeze-dried it in a way that allows them to store it at just 4 degrees, Kaneko said.



“In this way, scientists will be able to obtain genetic information more easily, which means we could help to preserve endangered animal species,” Kaneko said.


“This may sound like a dream, but we could in the future take genetic information into space,” he said, adding it may allow for the transfer of material to help establish animal populations on future colonies.
