Sarah Norcross, Director of PET, said:
The sophistication of the stem-cell-based embryo models (SCBEMs) that can now be created is testament to the ingenuity of the researchers.
For all this sophistication, however, we must remember that these models are not actual human embryos. They emulate certain aspects of embryos to a remarkable degree, making them potentially very useful in research, but there remain profound biological differences from human embryos proper.
Similarly, the image that will be conjured in most people's minds by the idea of a beating heart is very different to the primitive structures and processes that can be found in these tiny models.
The research community in general, and Cambridge researchers in particular, have recognised the need to conduct this sort of research responsibly. Earlier this year they launched the Governance of Stem Cell-Based Embryo Models (G-SCBEM) project, which is currently developing a UK governance framework for this entire area of research.