Going by an October 28 study published in the online journal Nature, researchers at the Stanford University have hit upon a technique that may help infertile couples sometime in the future - they have successfully fabricated the 'germ cells' that produce sperm and eggs (gametes)!

Working on the key components of human reproduction, scientists managed to nudge embryonic stem cells towards transforming into human 'germ cells', which are the precursors to egg and sperm.

The research will be of immense help to childless couples as it brings forth a mechanism for laboratory-generated gametes that can be used for 'in vitro fertilization.'

The groundbreaking study underscores an experimental system for germ cell development, along with a technique for coaxing germ cell production from embryonic stem cells (ESCs). In addition, it also identifies three molecules - the RNA-binding proteins of the DAZ gene family - which play a significant role in the extremely complex process.

Commenting on the future benefits underlying the new study, lead researcher Renee Reijo Pera - Stanford University School of Medicine's Director of the Center for Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research and Education - said: "For the first time we have a human genome-based system for how to make a germ cell or not. I think it will play out to people's benefit because 10 to 15 percent of couples cannot have children."