These two puppies, Red and Green, are practically identical beagles, but that's not why they're extraordinary. They're a part of a spectacular litter. Just five months ago, a female dog had 19 embryos implanted into her womb. For the first time in history, doctors and scientists at Cornell University have figured out how to use in vitro fertilization for dogs. Seven puppies were born, happy and healthy, each named after a color.
Now, I know what you're thinking: "Why would dogs need IVF in the first place?" We're used to seeing IVF reserved for human mothers having difficulty conceiving. But it's not as though dogs can let us know they want to get pregnant, right? The idea is that with IVF, doctors can finally eliminate the health issues that are specific to certain breeds or to preserve certain sub-species, like wolves and foxes, that are at risk of going extinct. Ultimately, this kind of IVF can ensure that the bond between humans and dogs can continue for centuries to come.
"If some virus comes along that has mutated, it can essentially wipe out the population. This gives the ability to freeze embryos and perform IVF later to revive a species that may have been brought to extinction," Dr. Margaret Casal told CBS News.
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H/T: CBS
