Scientists use stem cells to create human/pig chimera embryos
Thursday, January 26, 2017 - 14:01
in Biology & Nature
Efforts by researchers to grow the first embryos containing cells from humans and pigs proved more challenging than anticipated, they report in a new study. Human/animal chimeras can offer insights into early human development and disease onset and provide a realistic drug-testing platform. They may also someday provide a means of growing human cells, tissues, and organs for regenerative medicine. For now, however, they are helping scientists understand how human stem cells grow and specialize.