Chinese scientists have used embryonic stem cell engineering to create the first mice with two fathers to reach adulthood, which has also revealed a possible way to enhance the developmental potential of embryos.

While scientists successfully created mice with two female parents over two decades ago, achieving the same feat with two male parents has proven a challenge.

The latest development was made possible through the targeted genetic engineering of imprinted genes. Those genes are typically expressed from only one copy from either the mother or father while the other copy is silenced.

“We show that correcting 20 imprinted loci enables the development of viable bi-paternal mice,” the team led by scientists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences wrote in a paper published in the peer-reviewed journal Cell Stem Cell on Tuesday.

“These findings provide strong evidence that imprinting abnormalities are the main barrier to mammalian unisexual reproduction,” Luo Guanzheng, co-corresponding author and a professor at Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou, said in a journal press release.

“This approach can significantly improve the developmental outcomes of embryonic stem cells and cloned animals, paving a promising path for the advancement of regenerative medicine,” Luo said.

Archive link

The driver behind a deadly car attack in China’s southern city of Zhuhai in November was executed on Monday, state news agency Xinhua reported.

Fan Weiqiu, 62, was convicted of deliberately driving his SUV into a group of people exercising outside a sports centre in Zhuhai on November 11.

The attack killed 35 people and injured 43 others – an act of public violence that shook the nation, a local court ruled late last month.

The court found that Fan’s actions were driven by a broken marriage and dissatisfaction with his life, particularly regarding the division of property after his divorce. Fan was found guilty of “endangering public safety by dangerous means”.

The court sentenced Fan to death and deprived him of his political rights for life, citing his “despicable” motives, the “heinous” nature of the crime, brutal methods, and the severe consequences and significant social harm caused by his actions.

Fan’s behaviour warranted the most severe punishment under the law, the court emphasised.

After the initial sentencing, Fan did not appeal.

Archive link

https://archive.ph/tbJEr

https://archive.ph/sG8JM

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ca/post/36408345

"The DoJ further said 'no one disputes' China’s goal of undermining US interests by collecting sensitive data about Americans through 'ostensibly private companies subject to its control' and by positioning assets stateside to be used at strategically advantageous moments."

Categorically untrue. Many people doubt this.

Thanks @[email protected] for the link

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ml/post/24112301