These models have the components that you would see in a human embryo but could they have developed into for embryos? I think there is still a very big question about what the ultimate potential is for these structures. They had the beginning of a brain, eating hot, a gut-like structure but they did find they couldn't successfully implant these into mice and create a viable pregnancy.
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