What Human Embryo Model Could Bring To The Table
The transformation of a fertilized human egg to a fully developed body is only partly understood
by scientists. Biologists are trying to better understand the process by creating models of human
embryos.
To create such models, stem cells are organized into clumps that resemble real embryos. This
research has attracted the interest of numerous scientists with the shared hope of better
understanding early human development.
Scientists hope that these new studies will lead to the development of treatments for infertility
and cancer.
In the past, the only human embryos that could be studied were specimens collected from
miscarriages or abortions. Additionally, research on embryos had to be completed within a 14day limit.
The creation of realistic embryos may help researchers understand the causes of pregnancy
failures, certain viral infections, and genetic mutations. Some expressed concern that the creation
of these models could complicate existing research. But scientists who are part of the research
explain that these embryos could never develop into a human being.
“Our aims are never for the purpose of human reproduction,” said Tianqing Li.
The work is still in its early stages and often fails. Despite this, researchers are hopeful for what
this could bring to the medical field in the future.