Researchers have created the world’s first “synthetic embryos” in a groundbreaking feat that bypassed the need for fertilization, The Guardian reports. Scientists at the Weizmann Institute in Israel found that stem cells from mice could be made to self-assemble into early embryo-like structures with an intestinal tract, the beginnings of a brain, and a beating heart.
Known as synthetic embryos because they are created without fertiliZed eggs, the living structures are expected, in the near term, to drive deeper understanding of how organs and tissues form during the development of natural embryos. But researchers believe the work could also reduce animal experimentation and ultimately pave the way for new sources of cells and tissues for human transplantation. For example, skin cells from a leukemia patient could potentially be transformed into bone marrow stem cells to treat their condition.
“Remarkably, we show that embryonic stem cells generate whole synthetic embryos, meaning this includes the placenta and yolk sac surrounding the embryo,” said Prof Jacob Hanna, who led the effort. “We are truly excited about this work and its implications.” The work is published in Cell. Read more at The Guardian.
Did they create a neshama yet?
Are there any halachic issues with this development?
Isn’t this what IVF which has been around for decades is all about?
Layman: They were working with mice – there’s no Halachic issue there. Even if the were working with human cells, simply getting the cells to develop into anything doesn’t make it alive (Charles above put it nicely – they can’t manipulate a neshama). They’re also not looking to create a new living being, but to use stem cells to manufacture genetically compatible replacements (bone marrow being one of the hardest things to transplant).
Chaya: IVF stands for In Vitro Fertilization. That means producing an embryo in a lab using the same source materials as in the natural fertilization. Here they just took stem cells from a mouse (probably from the placenta or umbilical cord) and manipulated them into growing into an embryo.