Go Unlimited with Magzter GOLD
Get unlimited access to 10,000+ magazines, newspapers and Premium stories for just
Try GOLD - Free
Mouse Embryo Created From Stem Cells For The First Time
BBC Focus - Science & Technology
|April 2017
By using two different types of stem cell, researchers at the University of Cambridge have successfully built an artificial mouse embryo in the laboratory – a breakthrough that may help us understand why two out of three human pregnancies fail during the early stages.
-
Our knowledge of early embryo development is still quite hazy, partly because of the strict rules around research involving real-life human embryos. The technique pioneered in Cambridge involves bringing together two types of stem cell: the embryonic stem cells (ESCs) that will go on to form the mouse’s body, and the trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) that will go on to form the placenta.
This story is from the April 2017 edition of BBC Focus - Science & Technology.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM BBC Focus - Science & Technology
BBC Science Focus
DO I HAVE ALEXITHYMIA?
We can all struggle to find the words to explain ourselves, but if you regularly experience feelings that you can't identify, you might have alexithymia.
1 mins
October 2025
BBC Science Focus
SHOULD I KEEP MY CAR KEYS IN A FARADAY BOX?
Potentially, yes. The invention of keyless entry means we can unlock our cars upon approach, something particularly helpful when you want to open the boot, but have your hands full of shopping.
2 mins
October 2025
BBC Science Focus
SHOULD I START SNIFFING ROSEMARY?
Is there any truth to the Shakespearean phrase 'rosemary for remembrance'? Actually, yes.
1 min
October 2025
BBC Science Focus
Groundbreaking footage captures hidden moment of human fertility
Observing the crucial step in human development could help improve fertility and IVF
1 min
October 2025
BBC Science Focus
THE GIANT PHANTOM JELLYFISH
Conjure in your mind a giant, deep-sea predator, and I bet there's a colossal squid lurking in there, perhaps with an even bigger sperm whale chasing after it.
2 mins
October 2025
BBC Science Focus
EDITOR'S PICKS...
This month's smartest tech
4 mins
October 2025
BBC Science Focus
'Clearest sign' of alien life on Mars found by NASA
Strange 'leopard spot' markings on a Martian rock could finally be the sign we've been waiting for that alien microbes once lived on the Red Planet
4 mins
October 2025
BBC Science Focus
Human brains emit a bizarre glow
Subtle light shines through our skulls in patterns that depends on what we're doing
1 mins
October 2025
BBC Science Focus
"Far from being the bad guy, cortisol is a hormone that's vital for our bodies and brains"
To complicate matters further, cortisol is also released in bursts, about every hour or so.
2 mins
October 2025
BBC Science Focus
HOW MANY ORGANS COULD I SURVIVE WITHOUT?
The annals of medical history prove that the average human meat sack is surprisingly resilient.
1 mins
October 2025
Translate
Change font size