Synthetic Embryo’s have been created without Sperm, Eggs or even Fertilisation?

Ladies and Gentlemen the worlds first Synthetic Embryos are here. These embryo- like structures that had an intestinal tract, a brain like structure and a beating heart had stem cells from mice that the scientists used to create them.

The embryo’s are called synthetic because they are created without fertilised eggs. Scientists say it will lead them to better understand the process that help in the creation of organs and tissues during the development of natural embryo’s.

They also state that they hope that such synthetic embryo’s could reduce the burden on animal experimentation and in turn make room for new sources of cells and tissues for human transplantation.

At the Weizmann Institute in Israel The scientists state that they have effectively eliminated the need for sperm, eggs or fertilisation. What they found was that the stem cells from mice could self assemble into the early embryo like structures. Sounds a little crazy to you? You are not alone. Lol

This whole process still depends on a uterus to develop the fetus, but we are getting closer on that front too. They say that just a year ago they raised embryos in a petri dish for 13 days before they were ethically required to stop.

Last year, the same team of scientists created a mechanical womb that allowed natural mice embryo’s to grow outside of the uterus for several days. They used this same device in their new ” experiment “to grow mouse stem cells for over a week. ( About half the gestation period for a mouse. ) Prof Jacob Hanna, was quoted by The Guardian because he led the study. Their study was also published in Cell.

” Remarkably, we show that embryonic stem cells generate whole synthetic embryo’s, meaning this includes the placenta and the yolk sac surrounding the embryo’s… We are truly excited about this work and it’s implication’s. “

Professor Jacob Hanna

They are also stating that we are moving towards a future where we aren’t limited by having a man and a woman to conceive a child. They say that in humans, these cells behave unlike any other part of our reproductive system. They act more like normal cells we would find elsewhere in our bodies. One of the researchers even said to The Guardian that someday we could use skin cells to generate embryo’s.

There have been questions raised as to will the people they create without sperm, egg and fertilisation have souls? Some people embrace this new change and others are weary. I’m curious as to what you’r thoughts are on this topic.