Scientist praises assisted reproduction

BERLIN, June 27 (UPI) -- A U.S. scientist in Berlin said Sunday assisted reproduction technology has made a significant contribution to animal conservation, the BBC reported.

Dr. David Wildt said the techniques, such as IVF and artificial insemination, were used to support populations of orcas, pandas, cheetahs and even black-footed ferrets. Wildt, who works at the Smithsonian National Zoo, said key differences in the biology of animal reproduction are now understood.

Wildt will be a speaker during this week's Berlin meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology.