A team from Israel’s Weizmann Institute has created the world’s first ‘synthetic embryos’ without making much noise. That is, the first embryos that do not need eggs, sperm or fertilization. In fact, they didn’t even need a uterus because they didn’t need it, despite being pregnant for eight days. We are facing a revolutionary technical achievement that will allow us to delve deeper into the concept of life.

When stem cells…. In somewhat more technical terms, the researchers discovered that they were able to activate genetic programs in the stem cells of mice that initiated self-assembly processes and formed structures very similar to those of embryos in the early stages of development. They can also produce the placenta and egg yolk of these animals. So fully synthetic embryos were at their fingertips.

… meet artificial wombs. Interestingly, the same research group developed a mechanical uterus last year that can create an ideal growth environment for mouse embryos to survive for days. Combining the discovery with their technology, the team managed to get them pregnant for 8 days: half the normal gestation period for rodents.

0.5%. The study showed that it is possible, yes; but it has also proven to be a very difficult task. Most stem cells failed to form structures similar to those of an embryo. Only 0.5% of cells developed tissues and organs. Of course: the synthetic embryos were nearly identical (with rates above 95%) with the internal structure and genetic profiles of “natural embryos”. Also, the synthetic organs were fully functional.

world of possibilities. Beyond the biological responses that this approach may allow us to respond to, the reality is that the ability to generate tissue and cells that can be used at a medical level could be revolutionary. First of all, because these are techniques that are already legal in many parts of the world. However, it is still a revolution far away.

After all, we know much more about mouse embryos than we do about human embryos. This 0.5% success rate therefore suggests that it would be much more difficult to replicate the results in humans. Also, the ethical issues of approaching the creation of synthetic human embryos are unclear and will need further regulation. Regardless, it’s always good news to see a new medical revolution approaching.