Israeli researchers turn 250-cell embryo into mouse foetus

Researchers in Israel have turned a 250-cell embryo into a mouse foetus, in a landmark achievement which could allow for creating humans outside of a womb.

Scientists at the Weizmann Institute of Science announced their discovery this week, with Times of Israel reporting that the research may help to advance understanding on organ formation in other mammals.

Stem cell biologist professor Jacob Hanna told TOI: “We have grown hundreds of mice in this way, in a method that has taken seven years to develop, and I’m still captivated every time I see it.”

The cell biologist said: “This could be relevant to other mammals including humans, though we acknowledge that there are ethical issues related to growing humans outside the body,” he said.

Revealed in the journal ‘Nature’, it comes amid decades of attempts to grow mammals outside the body.