Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh in the United States have developed a new embryonic model derived from adult cells, which replicates key features of early human development, including the generation of blood cells. The article published in the journal Nature on the 13th described a model called heX embryo, which provides a unique window for understanding early human development, helping scientists study genetic diseases and infertility, and can also be used for regenerative medicine applications. Like embryos, heX embryos have embryonic tissue and yolk sac structure. During the growth process, the organization remains fixed on a laboratory culture dish, forming a large yolk sac with dozens of embryoids arranged side by side. The heX embryo does not contain the trophoblast that forms the placenta, and the yolk sac is open rather than a closed cavity. This can prevent the embryonic body from developing into a true embryo, or be used for embryo implantation to achieve complete development. Due to the fact that heX embryos are derived from reprogrammed adult skin cells, theoretically they can be made from any individual cell, allowing researchers to study different genetic backgrounds. Compared with other similar embryo models, an important advantage of the heX embryo model is that it self-organizes when grown in laboratory culture dishes, using standard growth media and initiated by a single chemical substance. This unique method means that heX embryos can be efficiently stored, transported, and grown in different laboratories easily. In addition, the structure formed by the heX embryo model is similar to the first site that produces blood cells. Researchers suggest that this model can be used to better understand how blood is formed and develop better methods for cultivating cells for use in blood transfusions, new cell therapies, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. (Reporter Zhang Jiaxin) (Liaoxin News Agency)