Tiny human brains have been grown in a dish, an accomplishment which could lead to breakthrough treatments for conditions like Alzheimer’s and schizophrenia.

The brain cells have formed similar circuits to those of a 2-month-old fetus and give scientists an opportunity to examine how the brain and any diseases develop.

Researchers at Stanford University first grew two forebrain circuits, before going on to the next step of growing a mini-organ over nine months.

Scientists will now be able to watch how the brain develops, with the hope that the “entire movie” of a brain’s growth can be monitored in the lab, rather than just snapshots.

The process could be the first step toward being able to grow an entire human body in the lab, with researchers hoping that the “thrilling science” will be able to provide insights into brain conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and schizophrenia.

As part of the experiment, scientists have already been able to generate abnormal circuits typical of Timothy syndrome, which is linked to autism, before correcting it with drugs.

The research, reported in the journal Nature, also stated that by watching the brains develop in real time, the triggers for epilepsy can be pinpointed.

Lead scientist Dr. Sergiu Pasca, from Stanford University, said, “We’ve never been able to recapitulate these human brain developmental events in a dish before.”

“The process happens in the second half of pregnancy, so viewing it live is challenging.”