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Science & Technology

Scientists create artificial mouse embryos

By T.K. Randall
March 3, 2017 · Comment icon 11 comments

The research could one day lead to the creation of artificial human embryos. Image Credit: sxc.hu
In a world first, researchers have managed to create artificial embryos using the stem cells of mice.
The breakthrough, which was achieved by a team at the University of Cambridge, used two different types of stem cells to produce an artificial embryo very much like those produced naturally by mice.

The scientists hope that their success will help to improve fertility treatments as well as provide a better understanding of how early embryos develop.

"We knew that interactions between the different types of stem cell are important for development, but the striking thing that our new work illustrates is that this is a real partnership - these cells truly guide each other," said Prof Magdalena Zenricka Goetz.
The research could also lead to further experimentation on human embryos - something that is currently heavily regulated and can only be carried out for a period of 14 days.

It may even be possible to one day create artificial human embryos as well.

"It wouldn't, obviously, be within the current regulatory framework, although we would need to think carefully about how we should oversee it," said Professor Jonathan Montgomery.

"It is early days, but if they do manage to not only create the partnership that's needed to get started but also the nutrition that's needed to sustain it, you could see that we are contemplating the opportunity of developing human embryos for quite a substantial period in vivo."

Source: BBC News | Comments (11)




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Recent comments on this story
Comment icon #2 Posted by seeder 7 years ago
Just what the world needs....more bloody mice!        Perhaps next they can create more flies to annoy us in summertime! Joking aside.... its a great achievement  
Comment icon #3 Posted by docyabut2 7 years ago
 
Comment icon #4 Posted by Parsec 7 years ago
So, after managing to mix skin cells and egg cells in order to create an embryo, now another team managed to get rid even of the egg cell?    We are indeed progressing and pushing forward!  I only wonder if it's in the right direction. 
Comment icon #5 Posted by Frank Merton 7 years ago
Why?  I don't see where this sort of thing is really any different from building better cars.  There seems to be a superstition among a lot of people about "tampering" with life.  It has religious overtones, silly ones.
Comment icon #6 Posted by Parsec 7 years ago
First, it's not necessarily a religious overtone (at least in my case it has nothing to do with it). Second, even if it was, don't patronise people only because they don't share your world view, it's quite arrogant. If you can't see any issue, it doesn't mean that if sombody sees them, they have to be silly.
Comment icon #7 Posted by Frank Merton 7 years ago
Don't patronize people, you say, while you patronize away.  Sheesh!
Comment icon #8 Posted by Frank Merton 7 years ago
There really is no issue here except one of superstition.  All change, including scientific progress, can have negative effects.  It is not limited to progress involving living things.  I am kinda reminded of Trump -- "such and such" is so, because I say it is, and others don't have any right to question me, and if they do they are patronizing.
Comment icon #9 Posted by LV-426 7 years ago
There's a little more to it than religious overtones. While there are potentially huge benefits with regards to genetic diseases, etc., there are also some pertinent questions regarding eugenics and surrounding issues. We're a bit more important than cars.
Comment icon #10 Posted by Parsec 7 years ago
  If you see no difference between people and cars it's fine with me, your point of view.  But when you then add a generalistic, dismissive (and wrong, if applied to me) comment, that's not fine anymore.    You are the one showing to have the Truth in his pocket and deriding other points of view, without even caring to check actually why they differ. You have your preconstructed idea in your mind, and that's enough.    So, sorry to bring it to you, but the only Trump in this thread is you so far. 
Comment icon #11 Posted by Frank Merton 7 years ago
I'm told to not respond to those who make personal insults, so, no comment.


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