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What is an embryo? Scientists say definition needs to change

Lab-grown structures with the potential to develop into fetuses should be defined — and regulated — as embryos, some researchers say.
By
  1. Philip Ball

It is time for a redefinition of the human embryo, a team of researchers has proposed. Advances in recent years have shown that human stem cells can be used to make embryo-like structures, called embryo models, that can recreate some features of early embryo development. Such research raises ethical dilemmas because these entities don’t meet formal definitions of embryos, so are not covered by regulations governing embryo research.

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Nature 620, 928-929 (2023)

doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-023-02641-2

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