Scientists from the Weizmann Institute, Israel have successfully grown a “human embryo” in the lab without using an egg or sperm.
Key points
- Scientists used a mix of stem cells that were able to spontaneously assemble into an embryo-like structure, mimicking molecular characteristics of an early embryo.
- The scientists have called it one of the most complete models of a 14-day-old human embryo.
- The researchers used a mix of stem cells and chemicals, a small portion of which was able to spontaneously assemble to form different types of cells that form the foetus.
- There is no way for scientists to ethically research the early stages of development of an embryo, as it is difficult to study it after it implants in the uterus.
- Scientists currently study these initial changes in various lab models or donated embryos.
- The initial days of embryo development is when the majority of miscarriages and birth defects occur. Studying the initial stages, scientists say, may help understand genetic and inherited diseases better.
- The understanding of why some embryos develop normally, retain the proper genetic code, and implant properly in the womb while others do not, may also help in improving success rates of in vitro fertilisation.
- Lab-grown embryo models are meant to just study the early stages of development of a foetus, and it can not be used to get pregnant.
- It is generally accepted — and legally supported in most countries — that these embryo models will be destroyed after studying the first 14 days.
- Attempts to implant are not allowed.
- Creating a lab-based model that mimics the properties of early embryos is still far from an actual embryo that can implant to the lining of the womb.
- The 14-days limit was first proposed by a committee in the UK in 1979 after the birth of the first test tube baby Louise Brown demonstrated that embryos could be kept alive in laboratories.
- The 14-day period is equivalent to when embryos naturally finish implantation. It is also when cells start becoming an “individual”, and breaking off into a twin is not possible.
(Source: Indian Express)
