The latest on growing human embryos through science

Recent scientific discoveries have been incredibly helpful in helping humans take better care of themselves and others by knowing more about the human body and its intricacies. In June 2020, scientists from the Netherlands-based Hubrecht Institute and the University of Cambridge generated a human embryo "blueprint" with the help of stem cells. Steven Rindner, a bio student from New York, shares about the discovery in this blog post.

The body plan, or the layout of humans, takes place through a process regarded as gastrulation. In this process, three perceptible layers of cells are developed in the embryo. Such layers are set to grow the body's three main systems: the nervous, digestive, and musculoskeletal systems. Gastrulation, known as the "black box" phase of human development, isn't permitted by legal restrictions, preventing scientists from growing embryos in the laboratory past 14 days.

According to the scientists behind the study, their model takes after an embryo that is 18 to 21 days old, similar to the duration in which gastrulation happens. During this period, numerous birth defects occur. A better understanding of this phase could improve the world's grasp of matters like genetic disorders, infertility, and miscarriages.

Although already a scientific breakthrough, the discovery only offers a glimpse of the blueprint of human life, shares bio student Steven Rindner. It is interesting, encouraging, and exciting, as this type of discovery used to be hidden from further study and outlook. The model was formed from tight masses of human cells, which were treated with chemicals acting as cues to trigger particular genes. The scientists behind the discovery emphasize that the gastruloids won't reach development as an embryo as these lack brain cells and necessary tissues for inculcation in the womb. Nonetheless, the teams from the University of Cambridge and Netherlands-based Hubrecht Institute were able to monitor and observe the model for about 72 hours, identifying definite signs of phases leading to the shaping of cartilage, bone, and muscles.