Human artificial embryos were launched to China’s Tiangong space station aboard the Tianzhou-10 resupply mission and allowed to develop for five days about 280 miles above Earth. The embryos were then frozen for later study. After return to Earth, researchers will compare development in orbit with development on the ground to assess whether space conditions create risks for human reproduction. The work supports China’s goal of establishing a permanent human presence beyond Earth. The embryos are stem-cell collections that resemble real embryos in key aspects but cannot develop into a functioning fetus, reducing ethical concerns. Two types were sent to represent critical stages, including a peri-implantation model mimicking embryo attachment to the uterus.
"The embryos arrived at China's Tiangong space station in the early hours of May 11, travelling with the Tianzhou10 resupply mission. They were allowed to develop for five days, 280 miles (450 km) above the Earth, before being frozen for later study. Once the embryos are back on Earth, scientists will compare their development to those grown on the ground, to see if the harsh environment of space causes problems for human reproduction."
"Artificial embryos are collections of stem cells that resemble real human embryos in key aspects, but can't develop in the same way. Importantly, the stem cells can never grow to become a functioning foetus, which allows researchers to investigate human development with fewer ethical concerns. Dr Yu says: 'The human artificial embryo is made of human stem cells as raw materials. 'This is not a real human embryo and does not have the ability to develop into an individual.'"
"The researchers sent two different types of artificial embryos to the space station, each representing a critical stage in human development. The first is a 'periimplantation model', designed to mimic the key moment when an embryo attaches to the uterine"
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