BREAKTHROUGH

World’s First IVF Puppies Are Born

Seven beagle and cross-bred beagle-cocker spaniels.

After decades of attempts, puppies were born to a surrogate mother through in-vitro fertilization for the first time, according to research published Wednesday in the journal PLoS One. Cornell University researchers used techniques similar to those used in human fertility clinics in the birth of seven beagle and cross-bred beagle-cocker spaniel puppies born in June. The puppies were all from the same litter, but have three sets of parents. Heralded as a “major step forward” in veterinary science, the IVF research could help in conserving endangered breeds and in the fight against human and animal diseases, said lead researcher Alex Travis.