A new research collaboration between UK and German scientists

The project, published in science journal Nature, found the cells could be used alternatives to those which are controversially harvested from embryos

Carried out by researchers from Universities of Tubingen and Cologne in Germany, and King's College, London, the study was able to obtain stable stem cells from spermatogonial, or sperm-producing, cells, according to Medical News Today.

[the development] provide simple and non-controversial access to individual cell-based therapy without the ethical and immunological problems associated with human embryonic stem cells

The study’s authors

By using a procedure which makes embryonic stem cells differentiate, the scientists showed cells from testicles could be persuaded to regress to those found in the early stages of development.

The study's authors wrote that the development could "provide simple and non-controversial access to individual cell-based therapy without the ethical and immunological problems associated with human embryonic stem cells", the source reveals.

In addition, Professor Chris Mason, from University College London, told the BBC the full impact of the study may not be immediately apparent, but claimed the "first-class research" is among a number of projects could result in benefits for the NHS and the UK economy.