University of Cambridge researchers have managed to grow synthetic embryo with not only a beating heart, but also a brain, using stem cells. The team was led by Professor Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz and their embryo model was created without eggs or sperm, and instead mimicked natural processes in the lab by guiding the three types of stem cells found in early mammalian development to the point where they began interacting.
They induced the expression of a particular set of genes and established a unique environment for their interactions, thus enabling the stem cells to ‘talk’ to each other. All of the stem cells then self-organized into structures that progressed through the successive developmental stages until they had beating hearts as well as the foundations of the brain. Unlike previous experiments, the Cambridge-developed models reached the point where the entire brain, including the anterior portion, started to develop. In related news, researchers have already used stem cells to create living robots.
- Powerful Productivity: 11th Generation Intel Core i3-1115G4 Dual Core processor delivers unmatched speed and intelligence, enabling impressive...
- Visibly Stunning: Experience sharp details and crisp colors on the 15.6" Full HD IPS display with 82.58% screen-to-body, 16:9 aspect ratio and narrow...
- Ergonomic Typing: Ergonomically-designed hinge lifts the keyboard for comfortable typing, improved cooling, and a better sound experience
Our mouse embryo model not only develops a brain, but also a beating heart, all the components that go on to make up the body. It’s just unbelievable that we’ve got this far. This has been the dream of our community for years, and a major focus of our work for a decade, and finally we’ve done it,” said Zernicka-Goetz, Professor in Mammalian Development and Stem Cell Biology in Cambridge’s Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience.
