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ethics

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A chemically stained mouse embryo and mouse embryo model against a black background.
developmental biology

‘Embryo Models’ Challenge Legal, Ethical and Biological Concepts

By Philip Ball
June 13, 2023
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With embryolike constructs built entirely from stem cells, researchers can revolutionize our understanding of development. But how close to an embryo is too close?

Sergiu Paşca in his lab at Stanford University, in front of a rack of equipment.
Q&A

Human Brains Are Hard to Study. He Grows Useful Substitutes.

By Claudia Dreifus
October 12, 2022
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With stem cell technology and lab-grown brain organoids, Sergiu Paşca seeks the causes of autism and other neuropsychiatric conditions.

Green cross section of a brain with a large bright area in its left hemisphere.
neuroscience

Lab-Grown Human Cells Form Working Circuits in Rat Brains

By Allison Whitten
October 12, 2022
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Letting human brain organoids grow in animal brains could be an ethical new option for experimental studies of neurological disorders.

Micrograph of a section of brain organoid tissue.
neuroscience

An Ethical Future for Brain Organoids Takes Shape

By Jordana Cepelewicz
January 23, 2020
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Collaborations in progress between ethicists and biologists seek to head off challenges raised by lab-grown “organoids” as they become increasingly similar to human brain tissue.

An illustration of a machine with two mechanical arms sorts cells by size into processing lines marked “Asymmetric Division” and “Symmetric Division.”
developmental biology

For Embryo’s Cells, Size Can Determine Fate

By Jordana Cepelewicz
August 12, 2019
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Modeling suggests that many embryonic cells commit to a developmental fate when they become too small to divide unevenly anymore.

Q&A

Doudna’s Confidence in CRISPR’s Research Potential Burns Bright

By Vanessa Schipani
February 27, 2019
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Jennifer Doudna, one of CRISPR’s primary innovators, stays optimistic about how the gene-editing tool will continue to empower basic biological understanding.

520px 3D illustration of tissue curling
Abstractions blog

Tissue Engineers Hack Life’s Code for 3-D Folded Shapes

By Jordana Cepelewicz
January 25, 2018
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Mechanical tension between tethered cells cues developing tissues to fold. Researchers can now program synthetic tissue to make coils, cubes and rippling plates.

Neurons and astrocytes
Abstractions blog

The Oldest Mini-Brains Have Lifelike Young Cells

By Jordana Cepelewicz
August 29, 2017
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“Organoid” brain tissue models grown in a lab for two years can help scientists study a critical period of development just before and after birth.

cerebral organoid, or mini-brain
Abstractions blog

Mini-Brains Go Modular

By John Rennie
August 9, 2017
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To create a good living replica of the human brain, your best hope may be to let “organoid” components assemble it for you.

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