Researchers from the U.S. and the U.K. have created synthetic human “embryo models,” using embryonic stem cells instead of sperm or eggs. 

The Details: Dr. Magdalena Żernicka-Goetz announced the breakthrough on Wednesday at a conference in Boston. “I just wish to stress that they are not human embryos,” Żernicka-Goetz told CNN (Lean Left bias), instead calling them “embryo models.” Her team and a rival Israeli team previously worked to develop synthetic mouse “embryoids.” The researchers hope their work will provide insight into the earliest stages of human development, including the origins of genetic disorders and miscarriages. Meanwhile, an Israeli scientist told The Times of Israel (Not Rated) his team had created a more advanced model human embryo months ago. 

For Context: Several media voices highlighted potential ethical issues with creating anything similar to synthetic human embryos. Some noted the lack of a legal framework for synthetic human life and called for “clear boundaries” as science advanced. Others speculated that the model embryos could “revamp” our understanding of in vitro fertilization (IVF).

How the Media Covered It: Coverage was often sensationalized, with several headlines referring to the “embryo models” as embryos despite researchers’ insistence otherwise. Coverage from the right tended to be more critical; the New York Post (Lean Right bias) said the story was “sure to ignite furious ethical, legal and scientific debate,” and The Telegraph (Lean Right bias) highlighted a quote calling Żernicka-Goetz “irresponsible.” Coverage from some left-rated outlets instead focused on potential scientific discoveries from the embryo models.