Stem-cell-based embryo models (SCBEMs) have been sent into space aboard China's Tianzhou 10 cargo spacecraft, in what is described as the first in-situ experiment of its kind to study early human development under microgravity conditions.
The SCBEMs are stem cell-derived structures designed to mimic aspects of early human embryonic development. They will be used to investigate how space conditions such as microgravity and increased radiation exposure may affect early developmental processes. The models are not capable of developing into a human being.
According to the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the experiment includes SCBEMs representing early post-implantation and gastrulation-like stages, covering developmental windows of approximately day 14 to day 21 after fertilisation.
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