«In addition to advancing our understanding
of human embryonic development, the findings suggest we may be able to use metabolites, relatively simple compounds, to alter cell fate in the treatment of common disorders.»
Dr Ludovic Vallier, co-author on the study from the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute and the Wellcome - MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, said: «This study represents an important step in
understanding human embryonic development.
It'll be tough for us not to continue down this road, in spite of some serious ethical questions, when most of what we know
about human embryonic development comes from studying frogs, fish, chickens and mice.
In contrast to many other animals,
human embryonic development is a mysterious process, particularly in the first weeks after conception.
Human embryologists» best - kept secret could arguably be the Carnegie Stages of
Human Embryonic Development.