US scientists have, for the first time, made human embryos using DNA from skin cells and sperm. This new technique could help people with infertility and allow same-sex couples to have genetically related children. The method is still experimental and needs more research before clinics can use it, but it is an important step in reproductive science.


Scientists: Created early-stage Human embryos using skin cells

<p>Scientists at the Weizmann Institute have successfully created an "embryo model" that closely resembles a 14-day-old human embryo, all without the use of sperm, eggs, or a womb, media reports said citing the research.&nbsp;This research marks a significant milestone in the field of embryo modeling, offering a powerful tool to study the earliest stages of human development safely. This groundbreaking achievement used stem cells and then chemicals to coax these cells into forming four distinct types of cells typically found in early human embryos: epiblast cells (which develop into the embryo proper), trophoblast cells (which form the placenta), hypoblast cells (supportive yolk sac), and extraembryonic mesoderm cells, as per reports.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>A remarkable achievement&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>In order to achieve the astounding feat, a precise mixture of 120 of these cells was prepared, and intriguingly, approximately 1 percent&nbsp;of them self-assembled into a structure. But this does not resemble a human embryo.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-uses-car-tyres-to-cover-military-aircraft-to-deter-ukrainian-drone-attacks-report-632902">Russia uses car tyres to cover military aircraft to deter Ukrainian drone attacks: Report</a></p>

<p>This process was observed until the model reached a stage comparable to a 14-day-old embryo, a crucial point in early development. "It's a black box and that's not a cliche — our knowledge is very limited," Weizmann Institute of Science Prof Jacob Hanna reportedly told a UK media outlet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The resulting embryo models exhibited intricate details, including the trophoblast enveloping the embryo, cavities called lacuna that facilitate nutrient transfer from the mother's blood, a yolk sac with liver and kidney functions, and a bilaminar embryonic disc, a hallmark of this developmental stage, as per reports.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Unlocking the mysteries of early development</strong></h2>

<p>Researchers believe that these embryo models hold the potential to shed light on various aspects of early development, such as the emergence of different cell types, organ formation, and genetic diseases.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/why-wont-he-musk-questions-zuckerberg-regarding-cage-fight-632907">'Why won't he...': Musk questions Zuckerberg regarding cage fight</a></p>

<p>Additionally, there's hope that they could contribute to improving in vitro fertilization (IVF) success rates and testing the safety of medicines during pregnancy.</p>

<h2><strong>Challenges and ethical considerations</strong></h2>

<p>Despite the promising results, the current 99 percent failure rate in model development poses a challenge. Understanding the causes of miscarriages or infertility may be hindered if the model cannot reliably assemble itself.</p>

<p>The possibility of extending embryo development beyond the 14-day stage also raises ethical questions.<br />
In some countries, this would not be illegal, as these models are legally distinct from actual embryos. However, opinions on this matter are divided.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Kenya hosts maiden climate summit in Africa</strong></p>

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<p>Prof Alfonso Martinez Arias, from the department of experimental and health sciences at Pompeu Fabra University, reportedly said, "The work has, for the first time, achieved a faithful construction of the complete structure [of a human embryo] from stem cells" in the lab and opens "the door for studies of the events that lead to the formation of the human body plan".</p>

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Scientists at the Weizmann Institute have successfully created an "embryo model" that closely resembles a 14-day-old human embryo, all without the use of sperm, eggs, or a womb, media reports said citing the research.

Scientists at the Weizmann Institute have successfully created an "embryo model" that closely resembles a 14-day-old human embryo, all without the use of sperm, eggs, or a womb, media reports said citing the research. This research marks a significant milestone in the field of embryo modeling, offering a powerful tool to study the earliest stages of human development safely. This groundbreaking achievement used stem cells and then chemicals to coax these cells into forming four distinct types of cells typically found in early human embryos: epiblast cells (which develop into the embryo proper), trophoblast cells (which form the placenta), hypoblast cells (supportive yolk sac), and extraembryonic mesoderm cells, as per reports. A remarkable achievement In order to achieve the astounding feat, a precise mixture of 120 of these cells was prepared, and intriguingly, approximately 1 percent of them self-assembled into a structure. But this does not resemble a human embryo. Also Read | Russia uses car tyres to cover military aircraft to deter Ukrainian drone attacks: Report This process was observed until the model reached a stage comparable to a 14-day-old embryo, a crucial point in early development. "It's a black box and that's not a cliche — our knowledge is very limited," Weizmann Institute of Science Prof Jacob Hanna reportedly told a UK media outlet. The resulting embryo models exhibited intricate details, including the trophoblast enveloping the embryo, cavities called lacuna that facilitate nutrient transfer from the mother's blood, a yolk sac with liver and kidney functions, and a bilaminar embryonic disc, a hallmark of this developmental stage, as per reports. Unlocking the mysteries of early development Researchers believe that these embryo models hold the potential to shed light on various aspects of early development, such as the emergence of different cell types, organ formation, and genetic diseases. Also Read | 'Why won't he...': Musk questions Zuckerberg regarding cage fight Additionally, there's hope that they could contribute to improving in vitro fertilization (IVF) success rates and testing the safety of medicines during pregnancy. Challenges and ethical considerations Despite the promising results, the current 99 percent failure rate in model development poses a challenge. Understanding the causes of miscarriages or infertility may be hindered if the model cannot reliably assemble itself. The possibility of extending embryo development beyond the 14-day stage also raises ethical questions. In some countries, this would not be illegal, as these models are legally distinct from actual embryos. However, opinions on this matter are divided. Watch | Kenya hosts maiden climate summit in Africa × Prof Alfonso Martinez Arias, from the department of experimental and health sciences at Pompeu Fabra University, reportedly said, "The work has, for the first time, achieved a faithful construction of the complete structure [of a human embryo] from stem cells" in the lab and opens "the door for studies of the events that lead to the formation of the human body plan". WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Scientists grow human embryo model without sperm or egg, pave way to unravel mysteries of early development

<p>Scientists have used stem cells to create lab-grown structures resembling human embryos. While it marks a groundbreaking achievement in the field, this development has sparked discussions regarding the need for stricter regulations in this rapidly advancing area of research.</p>

<p>Here's all you need to know</p>

<h2><strong>Artificial human embryos</strong></h2>

<p>AFP reports that over the past week, multiple research laboratories worldwide have released pre-print studies outlining their research.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The laboratories used various methods to stimulate human embryonic stem cells — which possess the capability to 'self-assemble into any cell type — to spontaneously organise themselves into a structure resembling an embryo. Remarkably, this process occurred without the requirement of sperm, an egg, or even fertilisation.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/researchers-reconstruct-face-of-16-year-old-woman-who-died-1300-years-ago-606298">Researchers reconstruct face of 16-year-old woman who died 1,300 years ago</a></strong></p>

<p>However, experts have cautioned that these findings have not yet undergone peer review and should be approached with caution.</p>

<h2><strong>Why create artificial embryos?</strong></h2>

<p>The primary objective of this research is to provide scientists with a model that enables the study of human embryos in ways that were previously unattainable due to ethical concerns.&nbsp;</p>

<p>By doing so, scientists as per AFP, hope to gain new insights into the origins of birth defects, genetic disorders, infertility, and other pregnancy-related issues.</p>

<h2><strong>Who is behind this research?</strong></h2>

<p>As mentioned previously, multiple institutes using many techniques have come up with such groundbreaking research.</p>

<p>The initial announcement came from Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz, a researcher from Cambridge University and the California Institute of Technology, during the annual meeting of the International Society for Stem Cell Research in Boston, reports news agency AFP.</p>

<p>Shortly after, on Thursday, Jacob Hanna's team at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel published their own pre-print study detailing their work on stem cell-based human embryo models.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the French news agency, another team, Zernicka-Goetz, then released their own pre-print publication.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Following this, labs in China and the United States have also shared their pre-print studies later in the past seven days.</p>

<p>The influx of data has shed light on the highly competitive nature of research in this particular field.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In August 2022, both the Zernicka-Goetz and Hanna teams independently published papers detailing their creation of embryo-like structures using mouse stem cells. Talking to AFP, both teams confirmed that their new studies had been accepted by prestigious peer-reviewed journals and that they had presented their findings at conferences months prior to the recent media coverage.</p>

<h2><strong>Which research is more advanced?</strong></h2>

<p>Jacob Hanna dismissed the notion that either team was the "first," and said that they had achieved distinct accomplishments. However, talking to AFP, he highlighted that his models possessed features such as a "placenta, a yolk sac, amniotic cavity" which he claimed were absent in the structures developed by the Zernicka-Goetz team.</p>

<p>Other researchers concurred that Hanna's models were more advanced, praising his team for employing only chemical modifications rather than genetic modifications to induce the formation of embryo-like structures.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A researcher from Germany's Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics described the similarity between Hanna's model and a natural embryo as "remarkable, almost uncanny."</p>

<h2><strong>Inside the 'black box'</strong></h2>

<p>The labs of team Zernicka-Goetz and Hanna conducted their experiments for a maximum of 14 days, adhering to the legal limit for growing human embryos in laboratories in many countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This limit exists because, after 14 days, embryos initiate the cellular organisation required for organ development, including the brain. This stage, referred to as the "black box",&nbsp;remains largely unexplored in human embryos.</p>

<p>Regulations governing research in this area vary between countries, primarily applying to fertilised embryos. Thus, the new embryo-like models exploit a legal loophole as they are not derived from fertilisation.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Calls for regulations</strong></h2>

<p>Darius Widera, an expert in stem cell biology at the University of Reading, advises against premature comparisons between the studies. Despite that, he reportedly acknowledged "the impact of both studies is immense" and emphasises the necessity of developing new guidelines for this rapidly progressing technology.</p>

<p>"We should try to avoid unhealthy hype since this technology is at an early stage -- but already, new guidelines are going to be needed," said Widera.</p>

<p>On Friday, Cambridge University also announced that it has launched a project aimed at developing the first governance framework for stem cell-based human embryo models in the UK.</p>

<p>James Briscoe from Britain's Francis Crick Institute advises researchers to proceed with caution, transparency, and care. He warned that the "danger is that missteps or unjustified claims will have a chilling effect on the public and policymakers, this would be a major setback for the field."</p>

<h2><strong>Can these lab-made&nbsp;embryos be used to make babies?</strong></h2>

<p>Scientists involved in the research emphasise that they do not intend to implant embryo models into human wombs. Furthermore, they say that even if such implantation were to occur, it would not result in a viable pregnancy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Widera, previous research involving the implantation of an embryo model into a female macaque did exhibit some signs of pregnancy but did not survive.</p>

<h2><strong>Scientists on reservations about the research</strong></h2>

<p>Some researchers have expressed their reservations about media reports referring to these cell clusters as "synthetic embryos".</p>

<p>They argue that these embryos do not meet the criteria of being purely synthetic or actual embryos due to their origin from stem cells.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Scientists have used stem cells to create lab-grown structures resembling human embryos. While it marks a groundbreaking achievement in the field, this development has sparked discussions regarding the need for stricter regulations in this rapidly advancing area of research.

Scientists have used stem cells to create lab-grown structures resembling human embryos. While it marks a groundbreaking achievement in the field, this development has sparked discussions regarding the need for stricter regulations in this rapidly advancing area of research. Here's all you need to know Artificial human embryos AFP reports that over the past week, multiple research laboratories worldwide have released pre-print studies outlining their research. The laboratories used various methods to stimulate human embryonic stem cells — which possess the capability to 'self-assemble into any cell type — to spontaneously organise themselves into a structure resembling an embryo. Remarkably, this process occurred without the requirement of sperm, an egg, or even fertilisation. Also read | Researchers reconstruct face of 16-year-old woman who died 1,300 years ago However, experts have cautioned that these findings have not yet undergone peer review and should be approached with caution. Why create artificial embryos? The primary objective of this research is to provide scientists with a model that enables the study of human embryos in ways that were previously unattainable due to ethical concerns. By doing so, scientists as per AFP, hope to gain new insights into the origins of birth defects, genetic disorders, infertility, and other pregnancy-related issues. Who is behind this research? As mentioned previously, multiple institutes using many techniques have come up with such groundbreaking research. The initial announcement came from Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz, a researcher from Cambridge University and the California Institute of Technology, during the annual meeting of the International Society for Stem Cell Research in Boston, reports news agency AFP. Shortly after, on Thursday, Jacob Hanna's team at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel published their own pre-print study detailing their work on stem cell-based human embryo models. As per the French news agency, another team, Zernicka-Goetz, then released their own pre-print publication. Also read | Scientists find cause of 'morning sickness' in pregnant women Following this, labs in China and the United States have also shared their pre-print studies later in the past seven days. The influx of data has shed light on the highly competitive nature of research in this particular field. In August 2022, both the Zernicka-Goetz and Hanna teams independently published papers detailing their creation of embryo-like structures using mouse stem cells. Talking to AFP, both teams confirmed that their new studies had been accepted by prestigious peer-reviewed journals and that they had presented their findings at conferences months prior to the recent media coverage. Which research is more advanced? Jacob Hanna dismissed the notion that either team was the "first," and said that they had achieved distinct accomplishments. However, talking to AFP, he highlighted that his models possessed features such as a "placenta, a yolk sac, amniotic cavity" which he claimed were absent in the structures developed by the Zernicka-Goetz team. Other researchers concurred that Hanna's models were more advanced, praising his team for employing only chemical modifications rather than genetic modifications to induce the formation of embryo-like structures. A researcher from Germany's Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics described the similarity between Hanna's model and a natural embryo as "remarkable, almost uncanny." Inside the 'black box' The labs of team Zernicka-Goetz and Hanna conducted their experiments for a maximum of 14 days, adhering to the legal limit for growing human embryos in laboratories in many countries. This limit exists because, after 14 days, embryos initiate the cellular organisation required for organ development, including the brain. This stage, referred to as the "black box", remains largely unexplored in human embryos. Regulations governing research in this area vary between countries, primarily applying to fertilised embryos. Thus, the new embryo-like models exploit a legal loophole as they are not derived from fertilisation. Calls for regulations Darius Widera, an expert in stem cell biology at the University of Reading, advises against premature comparisons between the studies. Despite that, he reportedly acknowledged "the impact of both studies is immense" and emphasises the necessity of developing new guidelines for this rapidly progressing technology. "We should try to avoid unhealthy hype since this technology is at an early stage -- but already, new guidelines are going to be needed," said Widera. On Friday, Cambridge University also announced that it has launched a project aimed at developing the first governance framework for stem cell-based human embryo models in the UK. James Briscoe from Britain's Francis Crick Institute advises researchers to proceed with caution, transparency, and care. He warned that the "danger is that missteps or unjustified claims will have a chilling effect on the public and policymakers, this would be a major setback for the field." Can these lab-made embryos be used to make babies? Scientists involved in the research emphasise that they do not intend to implant embryo models into human wombs. Furthermore, they say that even if such implantation were to occur, it would not result in a viable pregnancy. According to Widera, previous research involving the implantation of an embryo model into a female macaque did exhibit some signs of pregnancy but did not survive. Scientists on reservations about the research Some researchers have expressed their reservations about media reports referring to these cell clusters as "synthetic embryos". They argue that these embryos do not meet the criteria of being purely synthetic or actual embryos due to their origin from stem cells. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained | Lab-grown human embryos: Ethical conundrums and emerging frontiers

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