Scientists Create Human Embryo Model Without Sperm or Eggs—What Is It Made of?

Scientists at the Weizmann Institute have achieved a scientific milestone by successfully creating a "complete" human embryo model entirely in the lab, without using sperm, eggs, or a womb, the BBC reports.

This breakthrough could advance research in fertility treatments, pharmaceutical testing, and potentially organ transplantation. But what exactly is this embryo model made of, and how does it work?

Cracking the Ethical Dilemma

Studying the earliest moments of human life has always been challenging due to ethical and technical roadblocks.

For instance, the Chinese scientist responsible for the world's first genetically edited babies was jailed and even threatened with the death penalty.

However, the Weizmann Institute team has now devised a unique solution.

Instead of relying on the conventional biological components of conception, they turned to stem cells as their starting material. These naive stem cells were reprogrammed to gain the potential to develop into any type of tissue within the human body.

Making the Human Embryo Model

The transformation from stem cells to an embryo-like structure involves a precise chemical choreography. Scientists used these stem cells to create essential cell types in early human embryos.

One hundred twenty of these cells were mixed in a precise ratio. Then, as if following a predetermined script, they began assembling themselves into a structure that closely resembles a human embryo.

Embryo Development

The resulting embryo models were allowed to grow and develop, mirroring the stages of an actual embryo up to 14 days after fertilization.

In many countries, this marks the legal cutoff for standard embryo research. The primary objective behind creating these embryo models is to unravel the mysteries of early human development.

Immediately following fertilization, this period is a critical phase that remains poorly understood and is associated with a high risk of miscarriage and birth defects.

Applications Beyond Imagination

The implications of this research are far-reaching. One potential application lies in fertility treatments, where these models could help improve in vitro fertilization (IVF) success rates. By understanding why some embryos fail, scientists may enhance the chances of successful pregnancies.

Moreover, these embryo models offer a unique opportunity to test the safety of medicines during pregnancy. The Guardian reported that clinical trials often exclude pregnant women, leaving doctors in the dark about potential side effects.

Take Note

As this research advances, it raises important ethical questions. The possibility of extending the development of these model embryos beyond the 14-day mark has been discussed. While this is not illegal, it does spark debates about the moral boundaries of such experimentation.

It is crucial to note that these model embryos cannot be used for pregnancy despite their astonishing resemblance to real embryos. They lack the biological capacity to implant into a womb, making them unsuitable for gestation.

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