Researchers have followed a "14-day rule" for generating human embryos in the lab for many years. The International Society for Stem Cell Research suggested modifying the regulation in specific instances last year. Now, scientists have managed to create mouse embryos without sperm or eggs.
Without a mother's egg or womb or a father's sperm, scientists have developed "synthetic" mouse embryos from stem cells.
The lab-created embryos resemble a real mouse embryo up to 8 ½ weeks after fertilization, with the identical features, including one like a beating heart.
In the near future, scientists want to be able to investigate disease causes and early stages of development without using as many lab animals by using these so-called embryoids. The accomplishment could serve as a springboard for later attempts to produce artificial human embryos for research.
“We are undoubtedly facing a new technological revolution, still very inefficient … but with enormous potential,” said L...
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