Artificial mouse embryos created

Conclusion This early-stage research offers a good insight into the development of mouse embryos and the sequence of biological steps that take place up to the point of implantation in the womb and immediately afterwards. They could provide an insight into the early stages of human life. However, this does not mean that the creation of artificial human life is now possible: The study was carried out on mice stem cells, which have a very different biological make-up to humans so the processes may not be identical with human cells. While the artificial mouse embryo seemed to behave like a natural one, it is unlikely it could develop to a healthy foetus, as other components – such as the yolk sac that provides nutrition – were missing. Not all embryonic and trophoblast structures developed and the biological reason for this is not known. Most importantly, experiments involving human embryos or embryonic tissues are strictly regulated in the UK. Current legislation prohibits the development of embryos beyond a limit of 14 days. As Professor James Adjaye, Chair of Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine at Heinrich Heine University says: "As always, these types of experiments using human stem cells are regulated but there is no 'universal regulatory body'. Each country has its own regulatory body, which will ultimately decide on whether human [embryonic and trophoblast stem cell] embryos can be generated and for how long they can be left in the petri dish ...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Genetics/stem cells Source Type: news