Scientists built a ‘synthetic’ embryo with a brain that did not rely on egg or sperm cells.
The University of Cambridge's genetic engineering scientists created a "synthetic" mouse embryo without the need for egg or sperm cells.
According to a news release issued by the university on Thursday, the embryos created utilizing stem cells were able to begin forming a heart, brain, and other organs for up to a week.
At a news conference presenting the findings, Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz, a Cambridge professor of mammalian development and stem cell biology, said, "It's a marvelously intricate period of development, and it has tremendously meaningful relevance for the rest of our life."
"Our mouse embryo model not only grows a brain, but also a beating heart, and all the components that go on to build up the body," said Zernike, who is also the study's primary author.
The resear...