There is intense competition between the different labs involved in this work. Scientists are responsible and cautious about the ethics around this, says Zernikogerz. But there's a spectrum of opinion out there on the best way to regulate this area. And it's a kind of life question really," she adds.
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