‘Virgin birth’: Scientists engineer fruit flies to reproduce without males
Scientists have achieved a groundbreaking feat by genetically engineering female fruit flies to undergo ‘virgin birth’ known as parthenogenesis, where offspring are produced without mating. The study demonstrated that the genetically modified flies reproduced asexually, and their offspring also inherited the trait across generations. The research provides a significant first in the animal kingdom and showcases the potential of inducing parthenogenesis in sexually reproducing species.