Researchers in the US and UK say they've made a leap forward. They've created synthetic human embryo-like structures from stem cells. But as science races ahead, it leaves in its wake fundamental legal and ethical implications. So today we're asking how could synthetic human embryos transform medical research? And can the law keep up?
Scientists have created synthetic human embryos using stem cells in a groundbreaking advance that sidesteps the need for eggs or sperm. Madeleine Finlay speaks to science correspondent Hannah Devlin about her world exclusive story on this development, what it could mean for medical research, and whether the ethical and regulatory classifications of these embryos are keeping pace with the science. Help support our independent journalism at
theguardian.com/sciencepod