Scientists Make Breakthrough in Creating Human Embryo Models
One of the largest puzzles in Science: How is the human cell invisible to the naked eye, is separated and reproduced, forming a body of more than 30 trillion cells? Most of the knowledge of the development of the embryo is based on animal research, such as mice and chickens. However, human embryonic development, especially in the first month, remains poorly studied. (source)
“The first month is a real mystery,” says Yakov Hannah, professor of biology of stem cells at the Veitzmann Institute of Science in Israel.
Using progress in the field of stem cells, scientists create structures similar to embryos. These structures are cell clusters that cannot develop into the fetus. Recent discoveries in this area caused both hopes and fears, especially in ethics.
The most advanced models created by the Israeli team in which Hannah worked showed all the types of cells necessary for the development of the embryo. These structures developed within eight days, reaching a stage of development equivalent to 14 days of the human embryo in the womb.
However, there are restrictions. None of the embryo models have been grown for more than 14 days due to the difficulties of cultivation. This 14-day limit is set by many countries as an ethical limit for research.
Many scientists believe that models of human embryos can offer an ethical alternative to research by rare and valuable human embryos. One of the possible applications is the screening of drugs and research.
The scientific community calls for the better regulation of this new field, determining what is acceptable and what is not. “The law is clearly behind science and technology,” says Naomi Maurice from the London Institute of Francis Scream.
In the UK, a project to manage embryos models based on stem cells prepares guidelines for working with this technology. The group plans to publish a project of frame management next year.
Bobby Farsides, a professor of clinical and biomedical ethics, notes that scientists are deeply engaged in these ethical issues, trying to convince the public the safety of their research.