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Why researchers should use human embryo models with caution

Scientists should carefully consider whether embryo models based on human stem cells are essential to their work because of the associated practical and ethical challenges.
  1. Janet Rossant

    1. Janet Rossant is president of the Gairdner Foundation, and senior scientist emeritus at The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.

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  2. Jianping Fu

    1. Jianping Fu is a professor in the department of mechanical engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.

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Close-up of a blue-gloved hand lifting the lid off a multi-well plate

In the past few months, researchers have made rapid advances in using stem cells to build human embryo models. Credit: Tek Image/Science Photo Library

The first few weeks of a human embryo’s development are shrouded in mystery. Researchers cannot observe embryos that are nestled away in their mother’s womb until they are large enough to be detected by ultrasound, about three weeks after conception. Few human embryos are donated to research, and regulations in many countries prevent those few from being studied beyond a stage equivalent to 14 days of natural development.

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Nature 622, 454-456 (2023)

doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-023-03062-x

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Competing Interests

The authors declare no competing interests.

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