Artificial 'womb' unlocks secrets of early embryo development

Pioneering work has helped reveal for the first time a vital process in the development of the early mammalian embryo. A team has created a new device in the form of a soft polymer bowl which mimics the uterine tissue in which embryos implant. This new laboratory culture method has allowed scientists to see critical aspects of embryonic development. For the first time, it has been possible to grow mice embryos outside the body of the mother, for just long enough to observe in real time growth between the fourth and eighth days of development. Kevin Shakesheff, the leader of the research team said, "Using our unique materials and techniques we have been able to give our research colleagues a previously unseen view of the incredible behavior of cells at this vital stage of an embryo's development. We hope this work will unlock further secrets which could improve medical treatments that require tissues to regenerate and also open up more opportunities to improve IVF.”