One sentence summary – Scientists at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel have developed stem cell-based embryo-like structures (SEMs) that closely resemble real human embryos, offering new avenues for studying human development and potentially addressing significant medical challenges such as birth defects and miscarriages.
At a glance
- Scientists at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel have developed “complete” models of human embryos in the lab.
- These models, known as stem cell-based embryo-like structures (SEMs), were created without the use of sperm, eggs, or a womb.
- The researchers utilized naive stem cells, which have the potential to become any type of tissue in the body, to grow the SEMs.
- The SEMs closely resemble real human embryos, including their fine architecture, and are capable of progressing to the next developmental stage.
- This breakthrough could have implications in understanding early human development, identifying causes of birth defects and miscarriages, and advancing reproductive medicine and regenerative therapies.
The details
Scientists at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel have developed “complete” models of human embryos in the lab.
These models are known as stem cell-based embryo-like structures (SEMs).
SEMs were created without the use of sperm, eggs, or a womb.
The researchers achieved this by utilizing naive stem cells.
Naive stem cells have the potential to become any type of tissue in the body.
Using a combination of chemicals and hormones, the scientists coaxed the cells to grow.
The cells arranged themselves into structures that closely resemble real human embryos.
This includes the fine architecture of the embryos.
These embryo models are the most sophisticated ones created thus far.
They are capable of progressing to the next developmental stage.
One notable achievement of these models is their ability to mimic the development of a real human embryo.
A commercial pregnancy test turned positive when exposed to the models’ hormones.
This suggests that the models accurately replicate the hormonal changes that occur during early pregnancy.
The researchers hope that their work will shed light on the first weeks of human development.
They also hope to provide insights into the causes of birth defects and miscarriages.
By studying these models, scientists may be able to identify the factors contributing to these issues.
This could potentially lead to the development of preventive measures.
This breakthrough could have far-reaching implications in other areas as well.
For instance, it may lead to new methods for growing transplant organs.
This offers an alternative to experiments that currently require live embryos.
The models being distinct from real human embryos means they are not legally considered embryos.
Therefore, they are not subject to the same legislative restrictions.
This research raises ethical concerns.
However, it is widely recognized as an important step forward in scientific understanding.
The development of these models brings us closer to comprehending the intricacies of early human development.
It may pave the way for future advancements in reproductive medicine and regenerative therapies.
As this field progresses, it is crucial to establish a robust regulatory framework.
This is to ensure ethical considerations are appropriately addressed.
The creation of these embryo models represents a remarkable milestone in scientific research.
It offers new avenues for studying human development.
It could potentially address significant medical challenges.
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| newscientist.com |
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| – Scientists at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel have developed “complete” models of human embryos in the lab. – |
| The models, known as stem cell-based embryo-like structures (SEMs), were created without using sperm, eggs, or a womb. – |
| The models contain hormones that caused a commercial pregnancy test to turn positive. |
| – Unlike previous embryo models, these models have shown the ability to progress to the next developmental stage. |
| – |
| The researchers hope that their work could shed light on the first weeks of human development and help understand the causes of birth defects and miscarriages. – |
| The models closely mimic the development of a real human embryo, including its fine architecture. |
| – Naive stem cells were used to create the models, which have the potential to become any type of tissue in the body. |
| – Chemicals were used to coax the cells to grow and arrange themselves into structures resembling a real human embryo. – |
| The models were allowed to grow until they reached a stage equivalent to a two-week old embryo after fertilization. |
| – These “embryo models” are not legally considered embryos and are not governed by the same laws as embryos. |
| – |
| The researchers believe this approach could reveal the causes of birth defects and types of infertility. |
| – It could also lead to new methods of growing transplant organs and provide an alternative to experiments that cannot be performed on live embryos. – |
| The research has raised ethical issues but is considered an important piece of research. – |
| The models are not identical to real human embryos, but they are getting more sophisticated and closer to normal development. |
| – |
| A robust regulatory framework is needed for this type of research. |
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