The reporter learned from the Space Application Engineering and Technology Center of the Chinese Academy of Sciences on the 13th that the human "artificial embryo" experimental sample that went up to space with Tianzhou 10 has been installed in the experimental module of the Chinese Space Station, and the experiment is currently progressing smoothly.
This is the world’s first human “artificial embryo” experiment carried out in space.
On May 11, 41 space science experimental projects, including "artificial embryos", arrived at the space station with the Tianzhou-10 cargo spacecraft. At about 10 o'clock that night, the "artificial embryo" experimental sample was loaded into the space station experimental module by on-orbit astronauts.
"The current experiment is progressing very smoothly, and the preset automated system will replace them with fresh culture medium every day." Yu Leqian, the leader of the "artificial embryo" space science experiment project, said that they will use this experiment to conduct preliminary research on issues related to long-term residence, survival, and reproduction of humans in space in the future.
Artificial embryos are structures constructed from stem cells that are very similar to real embryos. "So, human "artificial embryos" are prepared using human stem cells as raw materials." Yu Leqian emphasized, "This is not a real human embryo and does not have the ability to develop into an individual, but it can be used as a model for early human development research." Exactly the same experimental samples were also carried out simultaneously in the ground laboratory.
According to the plan, after the human "artificial embryo" completes the 5-day experimental cycle in space, the experimental samples will be frozen in orbit and transported down at an appropriate time, and then returned to the ground laboratory for comparative analysis of heaven and earth.
“We look forward to exploring the factors that influence the space environment on the early development of human embryos through the comparison of the development of space and earth experimental samples, and solving the risks and challenges faced by humans for their long-term survival in space.” Yu Leqian said.
