Scientists have grown a human embryo model, sans sperm and egg.

No Sperm, No Egg, No Problem

The Story

Scientists have grown a human embryo model, sans sperm and egg.

How?

With stem cells. By restructuring human cells, Israeli researchers this year were able to produce a structure that looks like a real 14-day-old embryo. That age is key since it’s the legal threshold for typical embryo research in many countries. The embryo was even able to send off enough hormones to make a pregnancy test positive. Because so little is known about this timeframe, scientists believe this study can unlock some answers. 

What’s the endgame — making a full human?

No, that’s not allowed according to international law. Experts are hoping to use the study's findings to improve research about the early stages of pregnancy, in vitro fertilization (IVF), and miscarriage and infertility. So far, researchers have managed to create an embryo using this method in only 1% of cases. 

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The first six weeks of pregnancy mark the highest risk of miscarriage. Scientists are hopeful that using a model human embryo could lead to additional scientific breakthroughs. Critics say there are ethical concerns around studying embryos, model or not, just as some state laws say life begins at conception.

Which country isn’t following the US’s lead...

Mexico. Yesterday, the country’s Supreme Court decriminalized abortion nationwide. The decision builds on a 2021 ruling that decriminalized abortion in the northern part of the predominantly Catholic country. One caveat, though: Abortion is still illegal in 20 Mexican states — so those states will reportedly need to revise their criminal codes. In the meantime, women in Mexico can still seek abortions in federal hospitals and clinics. The news comes as the country’s governing party tapped a woman yesterday — former Mexico City mayor Claudia Sheinbaum — as its presidential candidate in next year’s election. With the opposition party also having chosen a woman, Mexico is almost guaranteed to elect its first ever female president.

Who’s coming forward…

Jenni Hermoso. Yesterday, prosecutors said the Spanish soccer player filed a complaint against Luis Rubiales for sexual assault. The complaint comes days after Spanish prosecutors opened an investigation into Rubiales for planting an unwanted kiss on Hermoso. And is part of a broader reckoning over sexual harassment in Spain’s women’s soccer league, including the firing this week of the team’s coach. The latest: The New York Times yesterday released a report highlighting dozens of alleged instances of verbal abuse and sexism on the team, including accounts that say women got bedtime checks and were constantly monitored when together. The players are demanding higher wages, maternity, leave, and other benefits as supporters cheer them on under the rallying cry, Se Acabó (It’s Over).

Who’s always in the hot seat...

Hunter Biden. Yesterday, the special counsel said he plans to indict the president’s son this month on a gun-related charge. He reportedly called it the “least of all the crimes” Hunter committed. Hunter’s attorney said they expect “a fair resolution” that is “based on the evidence and the law, not outside political pressure.”

Former President Trump. Yesterday, a federal judge said he’ll have to pay writer E. Jean Carroll damages over defamation claims after he denied her claims that he sexually assaulted her. A trial will determine exactly how much he owes.

…Oh and speaking of Trump, a Colorado lawsuit is seeking to keep him off the state’s ballots under the 14th Amendment, which says anyone who “engaged in insurrection or rebellion” after taking an oath to support the Constitution is barred from holding office.

Who really said ‘it’s the climb’...

The Pennsylvania fugitive who crab walked out.

While Kim Kardashian is launching her acting career...

Many are sending Kourtney their support after her update.

While the Rolling Stones is giving us new music...

Drake gave the people bras — and a release date.