Artificial Embryo from Mouse Stem Cells Will Shed Light on Why Some Pregnancies Fail [Video]

Scientists from the University of Cambridge succeeded in creating artificial embryo of mouse from stem cells. They did this by using the master cells of the body. The cells were placed in a three-dimensional scaffold where they can grow.

Experiments done in the past on making artificial embryo were not fully successful because only one type of cell was used. In this experiment, scientists from the University of Cambridge made use of two types of cells. They believed that the cells talked with each other. They help each other organize themselves to form a structure that resulted to an artificial embryo. Adding a third type of stem cell would most likely lead to the development of a fetus, according to Science Daily.

However, while the artificial embryo looked like human embryo, it would never develop into a fetus. They needed to add a third type of cell but they were not sure yet about the result.

This breakthrough will shed light on several issues regarding miscarriage or having children with physical disabilities. By studying the artificial embryo in its earliest stage, scientists would learn how this thing could be prevented.

Knowledge of what happens to the embryo on its early stage of development will give scientists insights as to why some women had miscarriage. The first to fourteenth days of pregnancy are the most delicate part of a woman's pregnancy. They can use their findings in discovering new drugs that will help the embryo grow to full term. This knowledge will help prevent the use of human embryo for experimental purposes, according to Medical News Today .

The knowledge gained from observing embryos will be useful in preventing pregnancies to fail at its earliest stage. The study would also bring knowledge on the development of mammals from the onset of fertilization.

The researchers believed that the development of the artificial mouse embryo will be the same to that of humans. Further research on embryos could be conducted using the artificial embryo instead of human embryo.