Key human embryo stage mimicked in the lab – Science Magazine

Researchers have for the first time created human cell clusters that closely resemble the blastocyst, an early embryonic stage. The blastocyst is the first stage in which cells begin to differentiate, and it also attaches to the placental wall and begins implantation. Two groups that reported their findings in Nature used embryonic stem cells or reprogrammed skin cells to produce the blastocystlike structures. Two other groups reported in preprints that they had performed a similar feat. The blastocystlike clusters will enable researchers to study the blastocyst in greater depth than was possible before. They may be able to screen chemicals that could harm development and potentially improve in vitro fertilization procedures.

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Key human embryo stage mimicked in the lab - Science Magazine