Scientists create synthetic human embryos, bypassing UK ethics laws.

Scientists Create First Synthetic Human Embryos in Near Sidestep of UK Ethics Legislation

In a groundbreaking and alarming breakthrough, scientists have successfully created synthetic human embryos without the use of traditional sperm and egg. This incredible achievement has sparked both excitement and concern among experts.

While the development of human embryos has long been considered a scientific milestone, some argue that these so-called “synthetic” embryos are not truly synthetic. According to Dr. Ildem Akerman, an associate professor in functional genomics at the University of Birmingham, the embryos are actually derived from living stem cells that originate from a natural embryo.

Scientists are currently limited to stopping human embryo growth at 14 days — but now, the International Society for Stem Cell Research wants to rethink that limit. pic.twitter.com/UvUffbw0Bf

— Seeker by The Verge (@Seeker) July 18, 2022

Despite this achievement, it is important to note that the embryos were only cultivated for 14 days, and it remains uncertain whether they could develop into full-term embryos. Furthermore, it is currently illegal to implant these synthetic embryos into a patient’s womb.

The creation of these synthetic embryos was a collaborative effort between scientists at Cambridge University and the California Institute of Technology. The announcement of this breakthrough was made at the annual meeting of the International Society for Stem Cell Research.

The ultimate goal of this project is to gain a deeper understanding of early human development and potentially contribute to the prevention of miscarriages. However, experts like Dr. Akerman have emphasized the need for ethical frameworks to guide this research and ensure it aligns with public opinion.

This development in synthetic embryo creation follows similar research conducted with animals. Scientists have previously created synthetic mouse embryos that showed signs of organ development but failed to grow into live animals when implanted into female mice. Similar attempts with synthetic monkey embryos have also been unsuccessful.

While the implications of this research are significant, it is crucial to approach it with caution and consider the ethical implications. As the field of synthetic embryo creation continues to advance, it is essential to establish and maintain ethical standards that reflect the values and concerns of society.

Source: The Western Journal

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