Without Sperm or Egg, How Scientists Grew Whole Model of Human Embryo

September 8, 2023

GS Paper III Science and Technology

Context:

Scientists have successfully grown a “human embryo” in the lab without using an egg or sperm.

More about News:

Scientists have achieved a breakthrough in creating lab-grown “human embryo” models using stem cells and chemicals.
These models closely mimic early embryo development, offering valuable insights into genetic defects, birth defects, and miscarriages.

Stem Cells:

Stem cells as the “master cells” in your body. They are special because they can turn into different types of cells that make up your body, like skin cells, muscle cells, or blood cells. Stem cells have two important abilities:
Self-renewal: Stem cells can make more copies of themselves. It’s like having a machine that can make more machines just like itself.
Differentiation: Stem cells can change into other specific types of cells. Imagine if you had a Lego block that could transform into different shapes – that’s a bit like what stem cells do.

Examples of Stem Cells:

Embryonic Stem Cells: These are found in embryos, which are tiny baby beginnings. Embryonic stem cells can grow into any type of cell in the body.
Adult Stem Cells: These are in our bodies even after we grow up. They help repair and replace damaged cells. For example, in your bone marrow, there are adult stem cells that can turn into blood cells to keep you healthy.
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs): Scientists can also make stem cells from regular cells, like skin cells. They do this by changing the cells’ instructions, so they become like embryonic stem cells. It’s like turning a car into a spaceship by altering its design.
Cord Blood Stem Cells: When a baby is born, the blood left in the umbilical cord is rich in stem cells. This blood can be saved and used later if the child or someone else in the family needs new blood cells.

Importance of Embryo Models and Research:

Studying the initial stages is crucial because the majority of miscarriages and birth defects occur during this period.
Understanding why some embryos develop normally and others do not can enhance IVF success rates and shed light on genetic and inherited diseases.
Embryo-like models allow scientists to explore genetic, epigenetic, and environmental influences on development.

Limitations of Lab-Grown Embryos:

Lab-grown embryo models cannot be used for pregnancy.

Applications of lab-grown embryo models:

Advancing Reproductive Medicine: Enhancing IVF Success Rates and Embryo Development Insights.
Investigating Genetic Diseases: Shedding Light on Inherited Disorders for Potential Therapies.
Gene Manipulation for Developmental Research: Utilizing Controlled Lab Settings.

In most countries, these models are legally required to be destroyed after 14 days.
Creating a lab-based model that can implant in the womb remains a distant goal.
Ethical constraints prevent direct research on early embryo development after implantation in the uterus.

14-Day Limit on Embryo Research

The 14-day limit on embryo research was proposed in the UK in 1979, following the birth of the first test tube baby.
This period corresponds to the natural completion of embryo implantation and the emergence of individual identity.

Conclusion:

Lab-grown human embryo models represent a significant advancement in our ability to study early stages of development and gain insights into genetic defects and birth abnormalities. However, they cannot be used for pregnancy and are subject to a 14-day limit due to ethical considerations.

News Source: The Indian Express