Stem cell research has improved tenfold over the yeas. Embryologists over at the University of Cambridge in the UK have developed a new way to make embryos without needing egg or sperm cells. It’s actually quite fascinating how they do it. The scientist combined embryonic stem cells and trophoblast stem cells (placenta stem cells) and what happened what incredible. The cells started to rearrange and make an early embryo. This embryo then could be planted in the uterus. This has been tested on mice and has been successful.
This type of breakthrough can change the world. We now have a way to save animals on the endangered species list that we otherwise couldn’t. Although experiments on stem cells is very beneficial and may solve many of our problems, it is still a very controversial topic. Zernicka-Goetz, lead scientist, says that she will stick to mouse embryos and won’t create a human embryo as there is too much backlash too it. This science-technology breakthrough, if able to be replicated in other mammals, could be the one thing needed to help endangered species. For now this kind of technology is still way to controversial to have any real significant change at the moment but in the near future we may start seeing animals who were once endangered thrive and survive because of these stem cells. These embryos once created will have to be placed inside of the uterus of the female species in order for the embryo to fully grow. It’s not 100% successful but with the right kind of technology and plenty of time it think that we can get there.
if you want to read more on this amazing technological breakthrough click here.
Here is a picture of the stem cells undergoing mitosis, breaking apart and replicating itself, in order to create an embryo.
Nick's Tech Talk 