What are the "Turing tests" proposed by researchers to evaluate embryo models?

The proposed "Turing tests" would measure whether the embryo models can be consistently produced and faithfully develop over time, as well as assess when animal stem cell embryo models show the potential to form living and fertile animals when transferred into surrogate animal wombs, suggesting the same could be possible for human embryo models.

How are different countries regulating research on embryo models?

Australia has taken the strictest approach, including embryo models within the regulatory framework that governs the use of human embryos. The Netherlands has proposed treating "non-conventional embryos" the same as human embryos, while the UK has released a voluntary code of conduct, and Japan has issued new guidelines governing research in the field.

How could Magdalena Zernicka-Geotz's breakthrough in growing embryo-like models to a stage resembling 14-day-old embryos help address the problem of pregnancy loss?

The ability to grow an embryo model outside of a womb at this developmental stage paves the way for studies that are not possible in living human embryos, potentially unlocking insights into the critical and fragile stage of implantation, where many pregnancies fail.

Home / Science / Stem Cells Reshape the Origins of Life: Scientists Grow Embryo-Like Structures in the Lab

Stem Cells Reshape the Origins of Life: Scientists Grow Embryo-Like Structures in the Lab

30 Jul

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Summary

Researchers coaxing stem cells to form lab-grown structures resembling human embryos
Rapid progress in the field posing ethical, legal, and regulatory challenges
Embryo models could further the study of human development and infertility

Stem Cells Reshape the Origins of Life: Scientists Grow Embryo-Like Structures in the Lab

Over the past decade, scientists have made remarkable strides in developing stem cell-based embryo models that resemble the early stages of human development. By coaxing clusters of stem cells to self-organize, researchers have created laboratory-grown structures that exhibit some of the key features and cell types found in human embryos.

While these models are far from perfect replicas, they are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with the potential to further the study of human development and the causes of infertility. However, the dizzying pace of progress in this field has also posed significant ethical, legal, and regulatory challenges.

Amander Clark, a leading researcher in the field, notes that the rapid advancements have been "transformative" but also emphasizes the crucial need to balance scientific progress with careful consideration of the ethical implications. To address these concerns, the International Society of Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) has convened a working group to update its guidelines on embryo models, aiming to ensure that research in this area is conducted within a robust ethical framework.

One of the key issues is determining the point at which these lab-grown structures become functionally equivalent to human embryos, potentially warranting similar legal and ethical protections. Researchers have proposed "Turing tests" to help establish benchmarks for when an embryo model might be considered too close to the real thing, triggering the need for stricter oversight.

Despite these challenges, proponents of the technology argue that embryo models offer a valuable and potentially more ethical alternative to research on scarce and precious human embryos. The models could be used to screen drugs for embryo toxicology, a crucial application given the historical exclusion of pregnant women from clinical trials.

As the field continues to evolve, policymakers and researchers will need to navigate a delicate balance, ensuring that the potential benefits of this research are realized while upholding the highest ethical standards and safeguarding the integrity of human life.

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