A step forward has been taken in creating artificial embryos using mouse stem cells to manufacture structures capable of taking a critical step in development of life, as published in the journal Nature Cell Biology.

Scientists from Cambridge University have built embryo-like structures from scratch which has bypassed the act of fertilization by growing them in laboratory. Stem cell came from mice, but have opened up pandora’s box to major implications for embryo research and ethical discussion, which could enable scientists to unlock the mysteries of early human development.

Previously the team had used 2 types of stems cells and a jelly like scaffold to formulate a simpler structure. Now 3 types of stem cells were used allowing for reconstruction of gastrulation process essential to embryonic cells self organisation into correct structure for embryos to form. An embryo can only move on to develop into a viable fetus with all organs and tissues in correct locations after gastrulation. Proper gastrulation can only happen with all 3 type of stem cells, replacing the jelly from former studies with this third stem cell allowed generation of structures whose development was successful.

It was noted that problems in early stages of embryonic development resulted in unsuccessful pregnancies, but there was little understood of the underlying causes. Now that scientists have a way to simulate embryonic development via a culture dish it should be possible to gain understandings of what is going on during the beginning phase in an embryo’s life, why the process sometimes fails and goes wrong.