Researchers have made significant progress in developing synthetic embryos for studying the early stages of human development and investigating pregnancy loss. These synthetic embryos, which are only a few days or weeks old, could provide valuable insights into human embryonic development. It’s important to note that there are no current plans or suggestions to grow these embryos into fully developed babies.
While the scientific advancements are exciting, ethical and legal considerations regarding synthetic embryos have not kept pace with the progress. Experts emphasize the need for cautious, careful, and transparent discussions to address the ethical implications and potential regulatory frameworks. They aim to avoid causing any “chilling effect” on public perception and engagement with the field.
The development of synthetic embryos, also known as “embryo models,” was announced at the International Society for Stem Cell Research’s annual meeting. The research is led by Prof Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz from the University of Cambridge and the California Institute of Technology. Although detailed information on the research is not yet widely available, researchers are eager to examine and scrutinize the findings to better understand their significance.
Unlike natural embryos formed from the fusion of egg and sperm, synthetic embryos are created using stem cells. This distinction allows scientists to investigate early human development and gain insights that could potentially impact our understanding of fertility, pregnancy, and embryonic development.