In 2022, scientists have succeeded in advancing a biological practice that has been extensively researched and experimented with: creating embryos that do not require fertilization. An idea that has long seemed impossible continues rooting itself in modern-day procedures and paving the way for future discoveries and teachings. This innovation is a revolutionary step forward in terms of studying complications during pregnancy, learning about the early stages of life, and just possibly developing synthetic embryos for humans.
In 2022, a research team led by professor Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz was able to develop synthetic embryos from combining together different types of mice stem cells. Through the use of different scientific instruments, the scientists developed embryos similar to biologically natural mice embryos. During experimentation, a specific dish was utilized to combine together three distinct cells - all of three of which needed to develop in the right environment in order to communicate with one another. After development, it was observed that the synthetic set consisted of functioning organs including hearts and brains: overall, the composition matched 95% to that of natural embryos (these numbers have been higher in this recent experiment than in any experiment done in the last ten years).
A yolk sac was observed as well, imitating areas where blood vessels form in natural eggs. Furthermore, germ cells and other cells, all essential to sustain life, were reported to have evolved within the synthetic embryos. All these aspects contributed to the idea that the embryos were adjusting to the artificial environment effectively, in turn encouraging the idea that life may be scientifically created. However, the synthetic collection was missing the placenta, which was the primary reason for why the synthetic set of embryos stopped developing after a few weeks; the placenta is crucial for them to develop past the 11-13 week stage, which is why scientists were not able to see further growth (when transplanted into the wombs of female mice, the embryos were not able to sustain well).
As of right now, the placenta has not been the main focus of the experiment. In the near future, however, these scientists are planning on figuring out a method to develop that as well; this may eventually lead to successful integration of the embryos within the womb. Still, even without the placenta, this discovery allows professionals to extend their research and create an impact within the medical community.
Evidently, the creation of these embryos is leading to several scientific breakthroughs. This new insight into the early stages of life allows scientists to observe complications during pregnancy; access to natural embryos is incredibly difficult, as few are donated to laboratories for examination. Determining the causes behind problems during pregnancy is an enduring process, and now, embryos may not need to be directly observed from within the womb. Scientists now have access to resources which allow them to extend their knowledge about the human species and how they procreate. With new information that details what is essential for eggs to develop entirely, scientists are now more capable of determining why embryos fail, and why mishaps occur in seemingly healthy pregnancies. Zernicka-Goetz described her team’s accomplishment as a method to “prevent that from happening.” It is astonishing to see the advancement in scientific knowledge and how such discoveries may be able to facilitate successful pregnancies for expecting mothers. Zernicka-Goetz certainly believes so, as she describes her discovery as something that has long “been the dream.”
Indeed, it is fascinating to imagine a future where humans are born without the initial concession process; although synthetic embryos are a step forward towards achieving this goal, it is highly unlikely that this will actually be achieved. In certain nations it is unlawful to implant artificial embryos in women, and there are several risk factors involved as well (for instance, when implanting real embryos in women, the chances of stillbirth increases, alongside the risk of ovarian swelling or deforming. Artificial embryos are likely to cause similar troubles). Moreover, as scientists are currently unable to reach full growth and development with their embryos, it is questionable whether or not society will advance enough to genetically engineer human fertilized eggs. Although the prospect of synthetic life for the human species is unrealistic for many individuals, such discoveries lead to innovations that have the potential of revolutionizing how society conducts scientific research.
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