A bird's eye view of sex: the chicken embryo as a model for gonadal development

胚胎发育为男性或女性（性别决定）是一个基本的生物学过程，吸引了科学界和非专业人士的兴趣。该项目将利用鸡胚作为一种独特的模式生物来研究基因如何控制性别决定。我们将为我们的研究领域带来一种新的方法；利用禽流感病毒将基因植入胚胎。这个项目将增进我们对基本生物过程的理解。在性别比例操纵方面，它将应用于家禽业。它还将有助于诊断先天性异常的人。该项目将巩固澳大利亚在生殖和发展领域的世界领导地位。

The development of an embryo as either male or female (sex determination) is a fundamental biological process that fascinates both scientific and lay communities alike. This project will use the chicken embryo as a unique model organism to study how genes control sex determination. We will bring a novel method to our field of study; the use of avian viruses to deliver genes into embryos. This project will enhance our understanding of a basic biological process. It will have application to the poultry industry, in terms of sex ratio manipulation. It will also aid in the diagnosis of humans born with sexual abnormalities. The project will consolidate Australia's standing as a world leader in the area of reproduction and development.