A team of scientists has claimed that they have found that the ovaries of young women have rare stem cells that are capable of producing new eggs.

The new research challenges the decades long held view that new eggs cannot be produced and women are born with the eggs. The study provides a basis for developing treatment for women who are unable to give birth due to a disease or simply because of their age.

Jonathan Tilly of Harvard's Massachusetts General Hospital, who is the lead researcher said, "Our current views of ovarian aging are incomplete. There's much more to the story than simply the trickling away of a fixed pool of eggs."

Tilly has worked with cells in a series of studies that faced fierce skepticism. Other experts have said that caution must be exercised on the latest findings in the controversial field of study, which raises debate around the world over moral and ethical concerns.

It is to be seen if other researchers are able to arrive at similar results after carrying out such studies. However, critics accept that if the research if confirmed it would make clear the mystery of how human eggs are born and mature.