#artificial embryo

In a world-first experiment, scientists have managed to grow a functional, artificial embryo from scratch, using two types of stem cells to build life in a Petri dish.

The stem cells were grown outside the body in a blob of gel, and were able to transform into several early-stage internal organs - just like in a regular embryo. Researchers are now hoping the technique will solve some major mysteries about the beginnings of life.

"It has anatomically correct regions that develop in the right place and at the right time," lead researcher, Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz from the University of Cambridge in the UK told The Guardian.

"This was the most amazing thing for us."

Q&A video with Paul Episode 2: stem cell & CRISPR questions answered

This is the second in a series of videos I’m doing where I answer questions about the stem cell field. You can see the Episode 1 video here.

Today I tackle more questions on the stem cell field. If you have more stem cell questions, let me know and I’ll try to answer them next time.

One reader asked me about stem cells for stroke…

Artificial embryo tech reported in Science: how big is this?

Can you make an artificial embryo?

Developmental biologist Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz has long been on the trail of this seemingly almost uncatchable quarry.

With her team’s publication in Science today they took a big step forward on this path even if some major hurdles remain. You can see her discussion of the research in the…